Radius Operation - Cisco Catalyst 4500 series Administration Manual

Controlling Switch Access with RADIUS
RADIUS is not suitable in these network security situations:
•
•
•
Figure 46-18
Remote
PC

RADIUS Operation

When a user attempts to log in and authenticate to a switch that is access controlled by a RADIUS server,
these events occur:
1.
2.
3.
The ACCEPT or REJECT response is bundled with additional data that is used for privileged EXEC or
network authorization. Users must first successfully complete RADIUS authentication before
proceeding to RADIUS authorization, if it is enabled. The additional data included with the ACCEPT or
REJECT packets includes these items:
•
•
Software Configuration Guide—Release IOS XE 3.6.0E and IOS 15.2(2)E
46-98
Multiprotocol access environments. RADIUS does not support AppleTalk Remote Access (ARA),
NetBIOS Frame Control Protocol (NBFCP), NetWare Asynchronous Services Interface (NASI), or
X.25 PAD connections.
Switch-to-switch or router-to-router situations. RADIUS does not provide two-way authentication.
RADIUS can be used to authenticate from one device to a non-Cisco device if the non-Cisco device
requires authentication.
Networks using a variety of services. RADIUS generally binds a user to one service model.
Transitioning from RADIUS to TACACS+ Services
The user is prompted to enter a username and password.
The username and encrypted password are sent over the network to the RADIUS server.
The user receives one of these responses from the RADIUS server:
ACCEPT—The user is authenticated.
a.
REJECT—The user is either not authenticated and is prompted to re-enter the username and
b.
password, or access is denied.
CHALLENGE—A challenge requires additional data from the user.
c.
CHALLENGE PASSWORD—A response requests the user to select a new password.
d.
Telnet, SSH, rlogin, or privileged EXEC services
Connection parameters, including the host or client IP address, access list, and user timeouts
Chapter 46 Configuring 802.1X Port-Based Authentication
R1 RADIUS
server
R2 RADIUS
server
T1 TACACS+
server
T2 TACACS+
server
Workstation
OL_28731-01