Authentication Server; Authenticator; Client - D-Link DES-6500 - Switch User Manual

Authentication Server

The Authentication Server is a remote device that is connected to the same network as the Client and Authenticator, must be
running a RADIUS Server program and must be configured properly on the Authenticator (Switch). Clients connected to a port on
the Switch must be authenticated by the Authentication Server (RADIUS) before attaining any services offered by the Switch on
the LAN. The role of the Authentication Server is to certify the identity of the Client attempting to access the network by
exchanging secure information between the RADIUS server and the Client through EAPOL packets and, in turn, informs the
Switch whether or not the Client is granted access to the LAN and/or switches services.

Authenticator

The Authenticator (the Switch) is an intermediary between the Authentication Server and the Client. The Authenticator servers
two purposes when utilizing 802.1x. The first purpose is to request certification information from the Client through EAPOL
packets, which is the only information allowed to pass through the Authenticator before access is granted to the Client. The
second purpose of the Authenticator is to verify the information gathered from the Client with the Authentication Server, and to
then relay that information back to the Client.
Three steps must be implemented on the Switch to properly configure the Authenticator.
1. The 802.1x State must be Enabled. (Configuration / Port Access Entity / 802.1X Auth Mode Settings)
2. The 802.1x settings must be implemented by port (Configuration / Port Access Entity / 802.1X Authenticator
Settings)
3. A RADIUS server must be configured on the Switch. (Configuration / Port Access Entity / RADIUS Server)

Client

The Client is simply the endstation that wishes to gain access to the LAN or switch services. All endstations must be running
software that is compliant with the 802.1x protocol. For users running Windows XP, 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.
xStack DES-6500 Modular Layer 3 Chassis Ethernet Switch User Manual
Figure 6- 89. The Authentication Server
Figure 6- 90. The Authenticator
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