Configuring Port Security; Overview; Port Security Features; Port Security Modes - HP 5920 Series Configuration Manual

Configuring port security

Overview

Port security combines and extends 802.1X and MAC authentication to provide MAC-based network
access control. It applies to networks, such as a WLAN, that require different authentication methods for
different users on a port.
Port security prevents unauthorized access to a network by checking the source MAC address of inbound
traffic, and it prevents access to unauthorized devices or hosts by checking the destination MAC address
of outbound traffic.
Port security can control MAC address learning and authentication on a port to make sure the port learns
only source trusted MAC addresses.
A frame is illegal if its source MAC address cannot be learned in a port security mode or it is from a client
that has failed 802.1X or MAC authentication. The port security feature automatically takes a predefined
action on illegal frames. This automatic mechanism enhances network security, and reduces human
intervention.
NOTE:
For scenarios that require only 802.1X authentication or MAC authentication, HP recommends you use
the 802.1X authentication or MAC authentication feature rather than port security. For more information
about 802.1X and MAC authentication, see
authentication

Port security features

NTK
The need to know (NTK) feature prevents traffic interception by checking the destination MAC address in
the outbound frames. The feature ensures that frames are sent only to hosts that have passed
authentication or whose MAC addresses have been learned or configured on the access device.
Intrusion protection
The intrusion protection feature checks the source MAC address in inbound frames for illegal frames, and
takes a predefined action on each detected illegal frame. The action can be disabling the port
temporarily, disabling the port permanently, or blocking frames from the illegal MAC address for three
minutes (not user configurable).

Port security modes

Port security supports the following categories of security modes:
MAC learning control—Includes two modes: autoLearn and secure. MAC address learning is
•
permitted on a port in autoLearn mode and disabled in secure mode.
Authentication—Security modes in this category implement MAC authentication, 802.1X
•
authentication, or a combination of these two authentication methods.
.
"
"Configuring 802.1X" and
82
"Configuring MAC