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Configuring Secure Socket Layer (SSL)

Prerequisite for Using SSL

Prerequisite for Using SSL

Before using the switch as an SSL server, you must install a publicly or commercially available SSL enabled web browser application on the com- puter(s) you use for management access to the switch.

Steps for Configuring and Using SSL for Switch and Client Authentication

The general steps for configuring SSL include:

A. Client Preparation

1.Install an SSL capable browser application on a management station you want to use for access to the switch. (Refer to the documentation provided with your browser.)

The latest versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape web browser support SSL and TLS functionality. See browser documentation for additional details

B. Switch Preparation

1.Assign a login (Operator) and enable (Manager) password on the switch. (page 7-7)

2.Generate a host certificate on the switch. (page 7-8)

i.Generate certificate key pair

ii.Generate host certificate

You need to do this only once. The switch's own public/private certificate key pair and certificate are stored in the switch's flash memory and are not affected by reboots or the erase startup-config command. (You can remove or replace this certificate, if necessary.) The certificate key pair and the SSH key pair are independent of each other, which means a switch can have two keys pairs stored in flash.

3.Enable SSL on the switch. (page 7-17)

4.Use your SSL enabled browser to access the switch using the switch’s IP address or DNS name (if allowed by your browser). Refer to the documentation provided with the browser application.

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