Dell PowerConnect 5424 User Manual page 242

MAC Based Authentication
MAC based authentication is an alternative to 802.1x that allows allows network access to devices (such
as printers and IP phones) that do not have the 802.1X supplicant capability. MAC authentication uses
the MAC address of the connecting device to grant or deny network access.
Advanced Port Based Authentication
Advanced Port Based Authentication enables multiple hosts to be attached to a single port. Advanced
Port Based Authentication requires only one host to be authorized for all hosts to have system access.
If the port is unauthorized all attached hosts are denied access to the network.
Advanced Port Based Authentication also enables user based authentication. Specific VLANs in the
device are always available, even if specific ports attached to the VLAN are unauthorized. For example,
Voice over IP does not require authentication, while data traffic requires authentication. VLANs for
which authorization is not required can be defined. Unauthenticated VLANs are available to users,
even if the ports attached to the VLAN are defined as authorized.
Advanced Port Based Authentication is implemented in the following modes:
• Single Host Mode — Enables only the authorized host for single-session access to the port.
• Multiple Host Mode — Enables multiple hosts to be attached to a single port, for single-session
access. Only one host must be authorized for all hosts to access the network. If the host authentication
fails or an EAPOL-logoff message is received, all attached clients are denied network access.
• Multiple Session Mode — Enables only the authorized host for multiple-session access to the port.
• Guest VLANs — Provides limited network access to unauthorized ports. If a port is denied network
access via port-based authorization, but the Guest VLAN is enabled, the port receives limited network
access. For example, a network administrator can use Guest VLANs to deny network access via
port-based authentication, but grant Internet access to unauthorized users.
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Configuring Device Information