Radius Operation - Cisco Catalyst 2960 Software Configuration Manual

Chapter 9 Configuring Switch-Based Authentication
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RADIUS is not suitable in these network security situations:
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Figure 9-2
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.
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Networks that require resource accounting. You can use RADIUS accounting independently of
RADIUS authentication or authorization. The RADIUS accounting functions allow data to be sent
at the start and end of services, showing the amount of resources (such as time, packets, bytes, and
so forth) used during the session. An Internet service provider might use a freeware-based version
of RADIUS access control and accounting software to meet special security and billing needs.
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.
Catalyst 2960 and 2960-S Switches Software Configuration Guide, Release 15.0(1)SE
Controlling Switch Access with RADIUS
R1 RADIUS
server
R2 RADIUS
server
T1 TACACS+
server
T2 TACACS+
server
Workstation
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