Chapter 16 Configuring Security for the ML-Series Card

RADIUS on the ML-Series Card

For more information about these commands, see the “Secure Shell Commands” section in the “Other Security Features” chapter of the Cisco IOS Security Command Reference, Cisco IOS Release 12.2, at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/software/ios122/122cgcr/fsecur_r/fothercr.htm.

RADIUS on the ML-Series Card

RADIUS is a distributed client/server system that secures networks against unauthorized access. Clients send authentication requests to a central RADIUS server, which contains all user authentication and network service access information. The RADIUS host is normally a multiuser system running RADIUS server software from Cisco or another software provider.

Many Cisco products offer RADIUS support, including the ONS 15454, ONS 15454 SDH, ONS 15310-CL, ONS 15310-MA, and ONS 15600. The ML-Series card also supports RADIUS.

The ML-Series card can operate either in RADIUS relay mode or in RADIUS stand alone mode (default). In either mode, the RADIUS messages from the ML-Series card are passed to a RADIUS server that is on the data communications network (DCN) used to manage the ONS node.

RADIUS Relay Mode

In RADIUS relay mode, RADIUS on the ML-Series card is configured by CTC or TL1 and uses the AAA/RADIUS features of the ONS node, which contains the ML-Series card. There is no interaction between RADIUS relay mode and RADIUS standalone mode. For information on ONS node security, refer to the “Security” chapter of the ONS node’s reference manual.

An ML-Series card operating in RADIUS relay mode does need to be specified as a client in the RADIUS server entries. The RADIUS server uses the client entry for the ONS node as a proxy for the ML-Series card.

Enabling relay mode disables the Cisco IOS CLI commands used to configure AAA/RADIUS. The user can still use the Cisco IOS CLI commands not related to AAA/RADIUS.

In relay mode, the ML-Series card shows a RADIUS server host with an IP address that is really the internal IP address of the active timing, communications, and control card (XTC). When the ML-Series card actually sends RADIUS packets to this internal address, the XTC converts the RADIUS packet destination into the real IP address of the RADIUS server. In stand alone mode, the ML-Series card shows the true IP addresses of the RADIUS servers.

When in relay mode with multiple RADIUS server hosts, the ML-Series card IOS CLI show run output also shows the internal IP address of the active XTC card. But since the single IP address now represents multiple hosts, different port numbers are paired with the IP address to distinguish the individual hosts. These ports are from 1860 to 1869, one for each authentication server host configured, and from 1870 to 1879, one for each accounting server host configured.

The single IP address will not match the host IP addresses shown in CTC, which uses the true addresses of the RADIUS server hosts. These same true IP addresses appear in the ML-Series card IOS CLI show run output, when the ML-Series card is in stand alone mode.

Note A user can configure up to 10 servers for either authentication or accounting application, and one server host can perform both authentication and accounting applications.

Cisco ONS 15310-CL, ONS 15310-MA, and ONS 15310-MA SDH Ethernet Card Software Feature and Configuration Guide, R9.1 and R9.2

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ONS 15310-CL, ONS 15310-MA, Cisco ONS 15310-MA specifications

Cisco Systems has long been a leader in networking and telecommunications technology, and among its impressive lineup of products, the Cisco ONS 15310 series stands out as an essential solution for optical networking. This series includes models such as the ONS 15310-MA, ONS 15310-CL, and ONS 15310-CA, each designed to meet the diverse needs of service providers and enterprises seeking to enhance their optical transport networks.

The Cisco ONS 15310-MA is an advanced multi-service platform designed for metropolitan area networks. It facilitates the seamless transport of data, voice, and video over optical networks. One of its main features is its ability to support a variety of interfaces, including Ethernet, SONET/SDH, and Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM), allowing users to integrate multiple services into a single platform. Additionally, the ONS 15310-MA supports advanced traffic management and Quality of Service (QoS) features to prioritize critical applications and ensure consistent performance.

The ONS 15310-CL variant is tailored for more specific applications, providing enhanced capabilities aimed at delivering carrier-grade services. It features a robust architecture that accommodates high-capacity traffic without compromising reliability. This model emphasizes low power consumption and a compact design, making it suitable for deployment in space-constrained environments. The ONS 15310-CL also supports a wide range of optical interfaces, making it highly flexible for various network configurations.

In terms of technologies, the Cisco ONS 15310 series leverages Optical Transport Network (OTN) capabilities, providing high efficiency and greater bandwidth utilization. OTN technology enables efficient error correction and adds resilience to the network through its built-in protection mechanisms. Furthermore, the series supports seamless integration with existing IP/MPLS networks, creating a cohesive infrastructure as organizations evolve their networking requirements.

One of the defining characteristics of the ONS 15310 series is its focus on scalability. Network operators can start with a modest deployment and gradually expand capacity as demand grows. This adaptability is complemented by Cisco's comprehensive management and monitoring tools, providing operators with real-time insights into network performance and facilitating proactive management.

In conclusion, the Cisco ONS 15310-MA and ONS 15310-CL models represent sophisticated solutions for modern optical networks. With their versatile features, advanced technologies, and robust design, they empower service providers and enterprises to build resilient, high-capacity networks that meet the demands of today’s data-driven world.
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