D-Link DGS-3000 Series Reference Manual page 216

1. The 802.1X State must be Enabled. (Security / 802.1X /802.1X Global Settings)
2. The 802.1X settings must be implemented by port (Security / 802.1X / 802.1X Port Settings)
A RADIUS server must be configured on the Switch. (Security / RADIUS / Authentication RADIUS Server Settings)
Client
The Client is simply the end station that wishes to gain access to the LAN or switch services. All end stations must be
running software that is compliant with the 802.1X protocol. For users running Windows XP and Windows Vista, that
software is included within the operating system. All other users are required to attain 802.1X client software from an
outside source. The Client will request access to the LAN and or Switch through EAPOL packets and, in turn will
respond to requests from the Switch.
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 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.
DGS-3000 Series Gigabit Ethernet Switch Web UI Reference Guide
Figure 8-5 The Client
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