User`s guide

Overview of Security Methods
Accessing Local Management 3-19
3.6.2 802.1X Port Based Network Access Control
This section provides
• a brief description of 802.1X Port Based Network Access Control
,
• definitions of common terms and abbreviations, and
• an overview of the tasks that may be accomplished using the 802.1X (EAP security and
authentication features.
When using the physical access characteristics of IEEE 802 LAN infrastructures, the 802.1X
standard provides a mechanism for administrators to securely authenticate and grant appropriate
access to end user devices directly attached to switch module ports. When configured in
conjunction with NetSight Policy Manager and Radius server(s), Enterasys Networks’ switch
modules can dynamically administer user based policy that is specifically tailored to the end user’s
needs.
3.6.2.1 Definitions of Terms and Abbreviations
Table 3-4 provides an explanation of authentication terms and abbreviations used when describing
the 802.1X and EAP security and authentication features.
Table 3-4 Authentication Terms and Abbreviations
Term Definition
EAP Extensible Authentication Protocol (e.g., Microsoft IAS
Server and Funk Steel Belted Radius).
PAE Port Access Entity, device firmware that implements or
participates in the protocol.
PWA Port Web Authentication, an enterprise specific
authentication process using a web browser user-login
process to gain access to ports.
RADIUS Remote Authentication Dial In User Service.
Authenticator The entity that sits between a supplicant and the
authentication server. The authenticator’s job is to pass
authenticating information between the supplicant and
authentication server until an authentication decision is
made.