Configuring port security

Overview

Port security combines and extends 802.1X and MAC authentication to provide MAC-based network access control. It applies networks that require different authentication methods for different users on a port.

Port security prevents unauthorized access to a network by checking the source MAC address of inbound traffic and prevents access to unauthorized devices by checking the destination MAC address of outbound traffic.

Port security can control MAC address learning and authentication on a port to make sure the port learns only source trusted MAC addresses.

A frame is illegal if its source MAC address cannot be learned in a port security mode or if it is from a client that has failed 802.1X or MAC authentication. The port security feature automatically takes a predefined action on illegal frames. This automatic mechanism enhances network security and reduces human intervention.

For scenarios that require only 802.1X authentication or MAC authentication, HP recommends you configure 802.1X authentication or MAC authentication rather than port security for simplicity.

For more information about 802.1X and MAC authentication, see "Configuring 802.1X" and "Configuring MAC authentication."

Port security features

Outbound restriction

The outbound restriction feature is not supported in this release.

The outbound restriction feature prevents traffic interception by checking the destination MAC addresses in outbound frames. The feature guarantees that frames are sent only to devices that have passed authentication or whose MAC addresses have been learned or configured on the access device.

Intrusion protection

The intrusion protection feature checks the source MAC addresses in inbound frames for illegal frames and takes a predefined action on each detected illegal frames. The action can be disabling the port temporarily, disabling the port permanently, or blocking frames from the illegal MAC address for 3 minutes (not user configurable).

Port security traps

You can configure the port security module to send traps for port security events such as login, logoff, and MAC authentication. These traps help you monitor user behaviors.

Port security modes

Port security supports the following categories of security modes:

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