Port Authentication; Network Access Server Configuration - Planet Networking & Communication IGS-10020HPT User Manual

4.5.3 Port Authentication

4.5.3.1 Network Access Server Configuration

This page allows you to configure the IEEE 802.1X and MAC-based authentication system and port settings.
The IEEE 802.1X standard defines a port-based access control procedure that prevents unauthorized access
to a network by requiring users to first submit credentials for authentication. One or more central servers, the
backend servers, determine whether the user is allowed access to the network. These backend (RADIUS)
servers are configured on the "Configuration→Security→AAA" Page. The IEEE802.1X standard defines
port-based operation, but non-standard variants overcome security limitations as shall be explored below.
MAC-based authentication allows for authentication of more than one user on the same port, and doesn't
require the user to have special 802.1X supplicant software installed on his system. The switch uses the
user's MAC address to authenticate against the backend server. Intruders can create counterfeit MAC
addresses, which makes MAC-based authentication less secure than 802.1X authentication. The NAS
configuration consists of two sections, a system- and a port-wide. The Network Access Server Configuration
screen in Figure 4-5-3-1 appears.
Figure 4-5-3-1: Network Access Server Configuration Page Screenshot
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