Dell Networking 7048 Release Note page 14

 Strong Passwords
The strong passwords feature allows administrators to specify that local switch passwords meet certain characteristics
considered to enhance network security.
Administrators are advised that the minimum character classes configuration must be enabled (value equal to 1 or
greater) along with enabling the strong password feature before the other minimum character class configurations are
enforced. These character class configurations are:
•
Minimum number of uppercase letters.
•
Minimum number of lowercase letters.
•
Minimum number of numeric characters.
•
Minimum number of special characters
The password strength restrictions do not apply to users configured for the internal authentication server.
 Switch Auditing
Switch auditing enhances network security by logging sensitive administrative actions. Switch auditing logs the
following actions:
•
Successful login
•
Unsuccessful attempt to login
•
Logout out from the switch
•
Timed out logout from the switch
•
Download file to the switch
•
Upload file from the switch
•
Remove file from the flash
•
File changes on the flash
•
Clear configuration
•
Add or remove user
•
Change user access level
Use of a SYSLOG server for monitoring network events is highly recommended.
 Authentication
The PowerConnect switches support authentication via a number of methods. The methods are specified in named
lists. Lists may be assigned to the enable and login access methods. The supported authentication methods are:
•
Enable
•
Line
•
RADIUS
•
TACACS
•
IAS
•
Local
•
None
Methods are attempted in the order specified in the authentication list. If the authentication method rejects
authentication, the user login is rejected. If an authentication method fails, e.g. unable to contact the authentication
server, the next method in the list is attempted. The IAS, local and none methods can never fail so, if specified, must
be last in the list.
The 802.1X authentication list cannot be named and only supports the RADIUS, IAS, or none authentication methods.
The 802.1X authentication can only have a single method.
 Internal Authentication Server
The PowerConnect Series switches support 802.1X authentication of network users from an internal authentication
database. IAS users are given access to network resources. IAS is not a valid method for login or enable
authentication.
12 System Firmware Version 5.1.0.1