Supermicro SSE-G2252 User Manual page 351

This switch uses the Extensible Authentication Protocol over LANs (EAPOL) to
exchange authentication protocol messages with the client, and a remote RADIUS
authentication server to verify user identity and access rights. When a client (i.e.,
Supplicant) connects to a switch port, the switch (i.e., Authenticator) responds with an
EAPOL identity request. The client provides its identity (such as a user name) in an
EAPOL response to the switch, which it forwards to the RADIUS server. The RADIUS
server verifies the client identity and sends an access challenge back to the client. The
EAP packet from the RADIUS server contains not only the challenge, but the
authentication method to be used. The client can reject the authentication method and
request another, depending on the configuration of the client software and the RADIUS
server. The encryption method used to pass authentication messages can be MD5
(Message-Digest 5), TLS (Transport Layer Security), PEAP (Protected Extensible
Authentication Protocol), or TTLS (Tunneled Transport Layer Security). The client
responds to the appropriate method with its credentials, such as a password or
certificate. The RADIUS server verifies the client credentials and responds with an
accept or reject packet. If authentication is successful, the switch allows the client to
access the network. Otherwise, non-EAP traffic on the port is blocked or assigned to a
guest VLAN based on the "intrusion-action" setting. In "multi-host" mode, only one host
connected to a port needs to pass authentication for all other hosts to be granted
network access. Similarly, a port can become unauthorized for all hosts if one attached
host fails re-authentication or sends an EAPOL logoff message.
Figure 14-54. Configuring Port Security
802.1x
client
RADIUS
server
The operation of 802.1X on the switch requires the following:
• The switch must have an IP address assigned.
• RADIUS authentication must be enabled on the switch and the IP address of the
RADIUS server specified.
• 802.1X must be enabled globally for the switch.
• Each switch port that will be used must be set to dot1X "A
• Each client that needs to be authenticated must have dot1X client software installed
and properly configured.
Chapter 14: Security Measures
1. Client attempts to access a switch port.
2. Switch sends client an identity request.
3. Client sends back identity information.
4. Switch forwards this to authentication server.
5. Authentication server challenges client.
6. Client responds with proper credentials.
7. Authentication server approves access.
8. Switch grants client access to this port.
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