D-Link DXS-3400 SERIES Web Ui Reference Manual page 309

DXS-3400 Series Lite Layer 3 Stackable 10GbE Managed Switch Web UI Reference Guide
Authentication Process
Utilizing the three roles stated above, the 802.1X protocol provides a stable and secure way of authorizing and
authenticating users attempting to access the network. Only EAPOL traffic is allowed to pass through the specified
port before a successful authentication is made. This port is "locked" until the point when a Client with the correct
username and password (and MAC address if 802.1X is enabled by MAC address) is granted access and therefore
successfully "unlocks" the port. Once the port is unlocked, normal traffic is allowed to pass through the port. The
following figure displays a more detailed explanation of how the authentication process is completed between the
three roles stated above.
The D-Link implementation of 802.1X allows network administrators to choose between two types of Access Control
used on the Switch, which are:
• Port-based Access Control - This method requires only one user to be authenticated per port by a remote
RADIUS server to allow the remaining users on the same port access to the network.
• Host-based Access Control - Using this method, the Switch will automatically learn up to a maximum of 4096
MAC addresses by port and set them in a list. Each MAC address must be authenticated by the Switch using a
remote RADIUS server before being allowed access to the Network.
Understanding 802.1X Port-based and Host-based Network Access Control
Figure 9-8 The Client
Figure 9-9 The 802.1X Authentication Process
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