Application Guide

[63]
Software User's
Manual
–
Version 3.0
Configuration > Security > Network > NAS
Network Access Server Configuration
This page allows you to configure the IEEE 802.1X and MAC-based authentication system and port
settings.
The IEEE 802.1X standard defines a port-based access control procedure that prevents unauthorized
access to a network by requiring users to first submit credentials for authentication. One or more
central servers, the backend servers, determine whether the user is allowed access to the network.
These backend (RADIUS) servers are configured on the Configuration > Security > AAA page. The
IEEE802.1X standard defines port-based operation, but non-standard variants overcome security
limitations as shall be explored below.
MAC-based authentication allows for authentication of more than one user on the same port and
doesn’t require the user to have special 802.1X supplicant software installed on his system. The
switch uses the user’s MAC address to authenticate against the backend server. Intruders can create
counterfeit MAC addresses, which makes MAC-based authentication less secure than 802.1X
authentication.
The NAS configuration consists of two sections: a system- and a port-wide.
System Configuration
Setting Description
Mode
Indicates if NAS is globally enabled or disabled on the switch. If globally
disabled, all ports are allowed forwarding of frames.