Configuring Port-Based and User-Based Access Control (802.1X)

802.1X Open VLAN Mode

Setting Up and Configuring 802.1X Open VLAN Mode

Preparation. This section assumes use of both the Unauthorized-Client and Authorized-Client VLANs. Refer to Table 10-2 on page 10-32 for other options.

Before you configure the 802.1X Open VLAN mode on a port:

Statically configure an “Unauthorized-Client VLAN” in the switch. The only ports that should belong to this VLAN are ports offering services and access you want available to unauthenticated clients. (802.1X authentica- tor ports do not have to be members of this VLAN.)

C a u t i o n

Do not allow any port memberships or network services on this VLAN that

 

would pose a security risk if exposed to an unauthorized client.

 

 

Statically configure an Authorized-Client VLAN in the switch. The only ports that should belong to this VLAN are ports offering services and access you want available to authenticated clients. 802.1X authenticator ports do not have to be members of this VLAN.

Note that if an 802.1X authenticator port is an untagged member of another VLAN, the port’s access to that other VLAN will be temporarily removed while an authenticated client is connected to the port. For example, if:

i.Port A5 is an untagged member of VLAN 1 (the default VLAN).

ii.You configure port A5 as an 802.1X authenticator port.

iii.You configure port A5 to use an Authorized-Client VLAN.

Then, if a client connects to port A5 and is authenticated, port A5 becomes an untagged member of the Authorized-Client VLAN and is temporarily suspended from membership in the default VLAN.

If you expect friendly clients to connect without having 802.1X supplicant software running, provide a server on the Unauthorized-Client VLAN for downloading 802.1X supplicant software to the client, and a procedure by which the client initiates the download.

A client must either have a valid IP address configured before connecting to the switch, or download one through the Unauthorized-Client VLAN from a DHCP server. In the latter case, you will need to provide DHCP services on the Unauthorized-Client VLAN.

Ensure that the switch is connected to a RADIUS server configured to support authentication requests from clients using ports configured as 802.1X authenticators. (The RADIUS server should not be on the Unau- thorized-Client VLAN.)

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