Out-of-Band NAC Design Procedures

primary NAC Gateway, the transition to the secondary NAC Gateway will not exceed maximum capacity.

To support redundancy within a Security Domain for either approach, one additional NAC Gateway (of the same model or with increased capacity) must be deployed per Security Domain in addition to the NAC Gateways deployed to handle the maximum number of concurrent end‐ systems connecting to the network.

It is important to note that each NAC Gateway can be configured to proxy RADIUS authentication requests to a particular RADIUS server. Therefore, if two switches in the network provide access to 802.1X or web‐based authenticating users, and the credentials for the users connected to each switch are located on different RADIUS servers deployed on the network, then each switch must be configured to use its own NAC Gateway. Each NAC Gateway is then configured to use its respective RADIUS server. For example, an enterprise network that utilizes a particular RADIUS server for the 802.1X authentication of wireless users, would use a different RADIUS server for authenticating wired users. In this case, the same NAC Gateway could not be used for the switch providing wireless access and the switch providing wired access.

3. Determine NAC Gateway Location

After determining the number of NAC Gateways required for the NAC deployment, the next step is to determine NAC Gateway location on the network. This is dependent on the NAC deployment model that is implemented on the network.

If the NAC deployment does not implement remediation of quarantined end‐systems or MAC (network) registration of new devices on the network, then the NAC Gateways are located in the authentication path of connecting end‐systems as a proxy RADIUS server. This means that the RADIUS client on the access layer switches communicates directly to the NAC Gateway over UDP/IP, and the NAC Gateway in turn communicates to a backend RADIUS server. Therefore, the only requirement for NAC Gateway placement is that a routable IP forwarding path exists between each NAC Gateway and its associated access layer switches.

One option is to place all NAC Gateways in the data center, possibly adjacent to the RADIUS servers deployed on the network. Because the end‐system assessment is not directly executed from the NAC Gateways, the choice of the location for the NAC Gateway does not impact the NAC operation, assuming IP connectivity between the access layer switches and the NAC Gateways is maintained.

For a branch office deployment of NAC, a NAC Gateway may be installed at the branch office or at the main site. The advantage of the NAC Gateway being installed at the branch office is that authentication traffic generated from end‐systems at the branch office will not utilize the bandwidth of the WAN connection, unless authentication requests are proxied to a RADIUS server deployed at the main site. If the NAC Gateway is installed at the branch office location, NAC Manager requires communication to the NAC Gateway only during configuration, minimizing the bandwidth consumption over the WAN link. The NAC Gateway need not communicate with NAC Manager for the authentication, assessment, and authorization of connecting end‐systems.

If either remediation or MAC registration is implemented, the NAC Gateways that are performing remediation and registration server functionality via web‐redirection, must be strategically positioned on the network for end user notification. The NAC Gateway must be installed on a network segment directly connected to the router or routers that exist in the forwarding path for HTTP traffic from end‐systems that may be quarantined or unregistered. This is because policy‐ based routing will be configured on the router or routers to redirect the web traffic sourced from quarantined and unregistered end‐systems to the NAC Gateway to serve the remediation and registration web page.

5-22 Design Procedures

Page 85 Page 87
Page 86
Image 86
Enterasys Networks 9034385 manual Determine NAC Gateway Location
Page 85 Page 87

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.
Top Page Image Contents