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

Configuring Switch Ports as 802.1X Authenticators

2. Reconfigure Settings for Port-Access

The commands in this section are initially set by default and can be reconfigured as needed.

Syntax: aaa port-access authenticator < port-list>

[control < authorized auto unauthorized >]

Controls authentication mode on the specified port:

authorized: Also termed “Force Authorized. Gives access to a device connected to the port. In this case, the device does not have to provide 802.1X credentials or support 802.1X authentication. (You can still configure console, Telnet, or SSH security on the port.)

auto (the default): The device connected to the port must support 802.1X authentication and provide valid credentials to get network access. (Optional: You can use the Open VLAN mode to provide a path for clients without 802.1X supplicant software to down-load this software and begin the authentication process. Refer to “802.1X Open VLAN Mode” on page 8-26.)

unauthorized: Also termed “Force Unauthorized. Do not grant access to the network, regardless of whether the device provides the correct credentials and has 802.1X support. In this state, the port blocks access to any connected device.

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