Message Exchange During Authentication - Dell PowerConnect B-FCXs Configuration Manual

Powerconnect b-series fcx

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Table of Contents

How 802.1X port security works

(Authenticator)

Before a Client is authenticated, only the uncontrolled port on the Authenticator is open. The

uncontrolled port allows only EAPOL frames to be exchanged between the Client and the

Authentication Server. The controlled port is in the unauthorized state and allows no traffic to pass

During authentication, EAPOL messages are exchanged between the Supplicant PAE and the

Authenticator PAE, and RADIUS messages are exchanged between the Authenticator PAE and the

Authentication Server.Refer to

example of this process. If the Client is successfully authenticated, the controlled port becomes

authorized, and traffic from the Client can flow through the port normally.

By default, all controlled ports on the PowerConnect device are placed in the authorized state,

allowing all traffic. When authentication is activated on an 802.1X-enabled interface, the interface

controlled port is placed initially in the unauthorized state. When a Client connected to the port is

successfully authenticated, the controlled port is then placed in the authorized state until the

Client logs off.Refer to