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Standalone or Rack Mountable Chassis
The Enterasys NAC Controller can be installed as a freestanding unit on a shelf or table. It can also
be mounted into a standard 48.26‐centimeter (19‐inch) equipment rack. Refer to "Site Guidelines"
on page 2‐1 for requirements on ventilation and cooling.
Secure Networks Policy Support
A fundamental concept that is key to the implementation of the Enterasys Secure Networks
methodology is policy‐enabled networking. This approach provides users of the network with the
resources they need ‐ in a secure fashion – while at the same time denying access to applications or
protocols that are deemed inappropriate based on the user's function within the organization. By
adopting such a "user‐personalized" model, it is possible for business policies to be the guidelines
in establishing the technology architecture of the enterprise. Two major objectives are achieved in
this way: IT services are matched appropriately with individual users; and the network itself
becomes an active participant in the organization's security strategy. The Secure Networks
architecture consists of three tiers:
•
Classification rules make up the first or bottom tier. The rules apply to devices in the Secure
Networks environment, such as switches and routers. The rules are designed to be
implemented at or near the user's point of entry to the network. Rules may be written based
on criteria defined in the Layer 2, Layer 3 or Layer 4 information of the data frame.
•
The middle tier is Services, which are collections of individual classification rules, grouped
logically to either permit or deny access to protocols or applications based on the user's role
within the organization. Priority and bandwidth rate limiting may also be defined in services.
•
Roles, or behavioral profiles, make up the top tier. The roles assign services to various
business functions or departments, such as executive, sales, and engineering.
To enhance security and deliver a true policy‐based infrastructure, the Enterasys Secure Networks
methodology can take advantage of authentication methods, such as 802.1X, using EAP‐TLS,
EAP‐TTLS, or PEAP, as well as other types of authentication. Authorization information, attached
to the authentication response, determines the application of policy. Authorization information is
communicated via the policy name in a RADIUS Filter‐ID attribute. An administrator can also
define a role to be implemented in the absence of an authentication framework. Refer to the
release notes shipped with the module for details.
Standards Compatibility
The NAC Controller PEPs are fully compliant with the IEEE 802.3‐2002, 802.3ae‐2002,
802.1D‐1998, and 802.1Q‐1998 standards. The NAC Controller PEP provides IEEE 802.1D‐1998
Spanning Tree Algorithm (STA) support to enhance the overall reliability of the network and
protect against "loop" conditions.
LANVIEW Diagnostic LEDs
The NAC Controller PEP uses a built‐in visual diagnostic and status monitoring system called
LANVIEW. The LANVIEW LEDs allow quick observation of the network status to aid in
diagnosing network problems. "LANVIEW LEDs" on page 2‐2 for information about using the
LEDs for troubleshooting.
Secure Networks Policy Support
Enterasys NAC Controller Hardware Installation Guide 1-7
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Troubleshooting
