Out-of-Band NAC Design Procedures

Figure 5-5 NAC Gateway Redundancy

It is important that the secondary NAC Gateway does not exceed maximum capacity if the primary NAC Gateway fails on the network. For example, let’s say that two NAC Gateways, both running at maximum load on the network, are being used by six switches. NAC Gateway #1 is the primary gateway for switch A, switch B, and switch C, and NAC Gateway #2 is the primary gateway for switch D, switch E, and switch F. In this scenario, NAC Gateway #1 should not be configured to serve as secondary for NAC Gateway #2 and vice versa. This is because if NAC Gateway #1 fails, NAC Gateway #2, which is already running at maximum capacity before NAC Gateway #1ʹs failure, will not be able to handle the end‐systems failing over from NAC Gateway #1. To avoid exceeding these limits, extra NAC Gateway appliances must be deployed on the network to serve as secondary NAC Gateways for these six switches.

To summarize, NAC Gateway redundancy may be accomplished using two different approaches:

•Active‐standby redundancy

In this redundancy approach, a set of switches are configured to use the same primary NAC Gateway (assuming these switches observe the NAC Gatewayʹs capacity limitations previously described) and use the same secondary NAC Gateway as a backup (assuming the secondary NAC Gateway is the same model as the primary). The secondary NAC Gateway is not configured as a primary NAC Gateway for any switch on the network and therefore is inactive until a primary NAC Gateway fails. For example, if switch A, switch B, and switch C use NAC Gateway #1 as a primary gateway, then all three switches can be configured to use NAC Gateway #2 on the network as the backup. In this configuration, if switch A, switch B, or switch C loses connectivity to NAC Gateway #1, the switch would seamlessly transition to using NAC Gateway #2. In the worst‐case scenario where all three switches lose connectivity to NAC Gateway #1, NAC Gateway #2 would be able to handle all authentication requests from these three switches. In this redundancy configuration, NAC Gateway #2 is completely idle on the network and only utilized if one of the switches cannot communicate to NAC Gateway #1.

•Active‐active redundancy

In this redundancy approach, the primary NAC Gateway for one switch is a secondary NAC Gateway for another switch. For this configuration, the same primary NAC Gateway is utilized for a group of switches, with this NAC Gateway running at only half the maximum load. Another group of switches utilizes a different primary NAC Gateway (assuming it is the same model) also running half the maximum load. Then, each group of switches can use the other NAC Gateway as the secondary gateway. This redundancy configuration guarantees that in the worst‐case scenario, when all switches in one group lose communication to their

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Enterasys Networks 9034385 manual NAC Gateway Redundancy
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9034385 specifications

Enterasys Networks 9034385 is a powerful networking component designed to enhance enterprise-level connectivity and ensure robust network management capabilities. This device offers a wide range of features that cater to the demanding requirements of modern businesses, focusing on performance, reliability, and security.

One of the main features of the Enterasys Networks 9034385 is its advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching capabilities, which enable efficient data processing and robust network performance. With support for various VLAN configurations, the device allows organizations to segment their networks effectively, leading to improved security and better traffic management.

Another critical aspect of the 9034385 is its support for high-speed connectivity. The device features multiple gigabit Ethernet ports, providing sufficient bandwidth for data-intensive applications commonly used in enterprise environments. The high-speed connections ensure that users can access applications and data quickly and reliably, minimizing latency issues that can affect productivity.

In terms of management, Enterasys Networks has equipped the 9034385 with advanced monitoring and diagnostic tools. These capabilities allow network administrators to track performance metrics, identify potential issues proactively, and make informed decisions about network resource allocation. The inclusion of SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) facilitates seamless integration with network management systems, providing comprehensive oversight of network health and performance.

Security is a paramount consideration for the 9034385, which incorporates advanced security protocols to protect sensitive data. Features such as port security, DHCP snooping, and dynamic ARP inspection help safeguard the network against unauthorized access and cyber threats. Furthermore, the device supports authentication mechanisms like 802.1X, ensuring that only authorized users and devices can connect to the network.

The Enterasys Networks 9034385 also stands out due to its seamless integration with cloud-based services and support for virtualization technologies. This compatibility enables organizations to adopt flexible architectures and manage their resources more efficiently. Additionally, the device is designed with scalability in mind, allowing businesses to expand their networks without significant hardware changes or disruptions.

Overall, the Enterasys Networks 9034385 is a versatile and powerful networking solution ideal for enterprises looking to enhance their network infrastructure while ensuring performance, security, and ease of management. The combination of advanced features and technologies makes it a valuable asset for businesses of all sizes striving for efficient and reliable connectivity.
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