Geographically Dispersed Wired LAN

Chapter 2 Deploy the Access Control Servers

Determining the Deployment Architecture

Figure 2-2 ACS in a Campus LAN

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Figure 2-2shows a possible distribution of ACS in a wired campus LAN. In this campus LAN, buildings are grouped into three segments. Each segment consists of 1 to 3 buildings and all the buildings in the segment are on a common LAN. All interbuilding and intersegment network connections use one-gigabyte fiber-optic technology. Primary network access is through switch ports over wired Ethernet.

You use ACS to provide RADIUS authentication for the network access servers, and you configure it to use an external database. One ACS is deployed for each segment of 5 to 10 buildings. A Cisco LocalDirector content switch is placed before each ACS for load balancing and failover.

In a larger network that is geographically dispersed, speed, redundancy, and reliability are important in determining whether to use a centralized ACS service or a number of geographically dispersed ACS units. As with many applications, AAA clients rely on timely and accurate responses to their queries. Network speed is an important factor in deciding how to deploy ACS; because delays in authentication that the network causes can result in timeouts at the client side or the switch.

A useful approach in large extended networks, such as for a globally dispersed corporation, is to have at least one ACS deployed in each major geographical region. Depending on the quality of the WAN links, these servers may act as backup partners to servers in other regions to protect against failure of the ACS in any particular region.

Figure 2-3shows ACS deployed in a geographically dispersed wired LAN. In the illustration, Switch 1 is configured with ACS 1 as its primary AAA server but with ACS 2 of Region 2 as its secondary. Switch 2 is configured with ACS 2 as its primary but with ACS 3 as its secondary. Likewise, Switch 3 uses ACS 3 as its primary but ACS 1 as its secondary. Using a local ACS as the primary AAA server minimizes

AAAWAN traffic. When necessary, using the primary ACS from another region as the secondary further minimizes the number of ACS units.

Configuration Guide for Cisco Secure ACS 4.2

2-4	OL-14390-02

4.2 specifications

Cisco Systems, a global leader in IT and networking solutions, has consistently evolved to meet the demands of modern enterprises. One of its noteworthy offerings is Cisco Systems 4.2, a version that embodies a significant leap in networking technology and capability. With its rich set of features, Cisco Systems 4.2 caters to a wide range of industries, facilitating enhanced performance and security.

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Cisco Systems 4.2 manual Geographically Dispersed Wired LAN, ACS in a Campus LAN

Models: 4.2

Figure 2-2 ACS in a Campus LAN

You use ACS to provide RADIUS authentication for the network access servers, and you configure it to use an external database. One ACS is deployed for each segment of 5 to 10 buildings. A Cisco LocalDirector content switch is placed before each ACS for load balancing and failover.