D-Link DES-3552 [110/260] Pae access entity 802 x

DES-3550 Fast Ethernet Layer 2 Switch

PAE Access Entity (802.1X)

802.1x Port-Based and MAC-Based Access Control

The IEEE 802.1x standard is a security measure for authorizing and authenticating users to gain access to various wired or

wireless devices on a specified Local Area Network by using a Client and Server based access control model. This is

accomplished by using a RADIUS server to authenticate users trying to access a network by relaying Extensible

Authentication Protocol over LAN (EAPOL) packets between the Client and the Server. The following figure represents a

basic EAPOL packet:

Figure 6- 66. EAPOL Packet

Utilizing this method, unauthorized devices are restricted from connecting to a LAN through a port to which the user is

connected. EAPOL packets are the only traffic that can be transmitted through the specific port until authorization is granted.

The 802.1x Access Control protocol consists of three components, each of which is vital to creating and maintaining a stable

and working Access Control security method.

Figure 6- 67. Three Functions of 802.1x

The following section will explain Client, Authenticator, and Authentication Server in greater detail.

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.