User's Manual

Table Of Contents
Users Manual of GS-6322 Managed Switch Series
303
4.5.3 Port Authentication
4.5.3.1 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. The Network Access Server Configuration screen in Figure 4-5-3-1 appears.
Figure 4-5-3-1: Network Access Server Configuration Page Screenshot