Authentication Server; Authenticator - D-Link DGS-3024 - Switch 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 Switch services.

Authenticator

The Authenticator (the Switch) is an intermediary between the Authentication Server and the Client. The Authenticator serves
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 to Port Base on the Switch Information (Advanced Settings) window under Switch
802.1x (Configuration > Advanced Settings).
2. The 802.1x settings must be implemented by port. (Configuration > Port Access Entity > 802.1x Capability Settings).
3. A RADIUS server must be configured on the Switch on the Authentic RADIUS Server Setting window (Configuration
> Port Access Entity > RADIUS Server).
DGS-3024 Gigabit Ethernet Switch Manual
Figure 7- 54. Authentication Server
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