Dell PowerConnect B-RX Configuration Manual page 1027

EAPOL messages are passed between the Port Access Entity (PAE) on the Supplicant and the
Authenticator.
Supplicant PAE.
FIGURE 121
Authenticator PAE – The Authenticator PAE communicates with the Supplicant PAE, receiving
identifying information from the Supplicant. Acting as a RADIUS client, the Authenticator PAE
passes the Supplicant's information to the Authentication Server, which decides whether the
Supplicant can gain access to the port. If the Supplicant passes authentication, the Authenticator
PAE grants it access to the port.
Supplicant PAE – The Supplicant PAE supplies information about the Client to the Authenticator
PAE and responds to requests from the Authenticator PAE. The Supplicant PAE can also initiate the
authentication procedure with the Authenticator PAE, as well as send logoff messages.
BigIron RX Series Configuration Guide
53-1001810-01
Figure 121 shows the relationship between the Authenticator PAE and the
Authenticator PAE and supplicant PAE
Authentication
Server
Authenticator
Supplicant
802.1X-Enabled
Supplicant
How 802.1x port security works
RADIUS
Messages
BigIron Device
(Authenticator)
PAE
EAPOL
Messages
PAE
33
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