Cisco Catalyst 3750 Software Configuration Manual page 161

Metro switch

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Configuring 802.1x Port-Based Authentication

This chapter describes how to configure IEEE 802.1x port-based authentication on the

Catalyst 3750 Metro switch. As LANs extend to hotels, airports, and corporate lobbies, creating insecure

environments, 802.1x prevents unauthorized devices (clients) from gaining access to the network.

For complete syntax and usage information for the commands used in this chapter, refer to the command

reference for this release.

This chapter consists of these sections:

Understanding 802.1x Port-Based Authentication

The IEEE 802.1x standard defines a client-server-based access control and authentication protocol that

restricts unauthorized clients from connecting to a LAN through publicly accessible ports. The

authentication server authenticates each client connected to a switch port before making available any

services offered by the switch or the LAN.

Until the client is authenticated, 802.1x access control allows only Extensible Authentication Protocol

over LAN (EAPOL), Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP), and Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) traffic through

the port to which the client is connected. After authentication is successful, normal traffic can pass

through the port.

These sections describe 802.1x port-based authentication:

Understanding 802.1x Port-Based Authentication, page 8-1

Configuring 802.1x Authentication, page 8-9

Displaying 802.1x Statistics and Status, page 8-19

Device Roles, page 8-2

Authentication Initiation and Message Exchange, page 8-3

Ports in Authorized and Unauthorized States, page 8-4

Supported Topologies, page 8-5

Using 802.1x with Port Security, page 8-6

Using 802.1x with Voice VLAN Ports, page 8-6

C H A P T E R

Catalyst 3750 Metro Switch Software Configuration Guide

Troubleshooting