Enterasys Networks CSX6000, CSX5500, CSX7000 Radius Authentication Server Configuration Elements

CONFIGURING OFF-NODE SERVER INFORMATION

RADIUS Server

USING MANAGE MODE COMMANDS

radius

Displays the current RADIUS server configuration data.

radius change

Allows you to change the current RADIUS server configuration data. After entering the radius change command, you will be prompted for the configuration elements you want to change.

RADIUS AUTHENTICATION SERVER CONFIGURATION ELEMENTS

IP ADDRESS

The IP address in dotted decimal notation for the RADIUS Server. This information is required for the Primary RADIUS Server, and also required if a Secondary RADIUS Server is configured. If a Secondary RADIUS Server is configured, it must have a different IP address than the Primary RADIUS Server.

SHARED SECRET

The shared secret can be 1 to 16 characters in length. Any ASCII character may be used. The same shared secret is configured on the CyberSWITCH and the RADIUS Server. It is used for security purposes. As opposed to a password, a shared secret is not sent across lines, and therefore is not susceptible to interception. Instead, a calculation is done on the packets transmitted between the two devices, and the results are compared to the shared secret for validation. The shared secret between the CyberSWITCH and the selected server secures the access to both devices. Both devices must know the shared secret before any exchange of information can take place. If the calculation’s results do not match the shared secret, the connection is terminated.

The RADIUS server maintains a list of all the system’s services, which includes an entry for each System’s IP address and associated shared secret.

UDP PORT NUMBER

The UDP port number used by the RADIUS Server. This information is required for the Primary RADIUS Server, and also required if a Secondary RADIUS Server is configured. The default value of 1645 is almost always used.

NUMBER OF ACCESS REQUEST RETRIES

The number of Access Request Retries that the system will send to the RADIUS Server. The initial default value is 3. The acceptable range is from 0 to 32,767.

TIME BETWEEN ACCESS REQUEST RETRIES

The time between Access Request Retries sent from the system. The initial default value is 1. The acceptable range is from 1 to 10,000.

RADIUS AUTHENTICATION SERVER BACKGROUND INFORMATION

If you require a central database for device authentication (capable of servicing several CyberSWITCHes), you can use an industry standard authentication server. The Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) serves this purpose for both device level and user level security on the CyberSWITCH. The RADIUS Server can also be used to authenticate an administrative session.

Central Site Remote Access Switch 211