Radius Operation - Cisco Catalyst 2960 Software Configuration Manual

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Configuring Switch-Based Authentication

RADIUS is not suitable in these network security situations:

RADIUS Operation

When a user attempts to log in and authenticate to a switch that is access controlled by a RADIUS server,

these events occur:

Networks that require resource accounting. You can use RADIUS accounting independently of

RADIUS authentication or authorization. The RADIUS accounting functions allow data to be sent

at the start and end of services, showing the amount of resources (such as time, packets, bytes, and

so forth) used during the session. An Internet service provider might use a freeware-based version

of RADIUS access control and accounting software to meet special security and billing needs.

Multiprotocol access environments. RADIUS does not support AppleTalk Remote Access (ARA),

NetBIOS Frame Control Protocol (NBFCP), NetWare Asynchronous Services Interface (NASI), or

X.25 PAD connections.

Switch-to-switch or router-to-router situations. RADIUS does not provide two-way authentication.

RADIUS can be used to authenticate from one device to a non-Cisco device if the non-Cisco device

requires authentication.

Networks using a variety of services. RADIUS generally binds a user to one service model.

Transitioning from RADIUS to TACACS+ Services

The user is prompted to enter a username and password.

The username and encrypted password are sent over the network to the RADIUS server.

The user receives one of these responses from the RADIUS server:

ACCEPT—The user is authenticated.

REJECT—The user is either not authenticated and is prompted to re-enter the username and

password, or access is denied.

CHALLENGE—A challenge requires additional data from the user.

CHALLENGE PASSWORD—A response requests the user to select a new password.

Catalyst 2960 and 2960-S Switches Software Configuration Guide, Release 15.0(1)SE

Controlling Switch Access with RADIUS

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Catalyst 2960-s