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

802.1X Open VLAN Mode

N o t e

If you use the same VLAN as the Unauthorized-Client VLAN for all authenti-

 

cator ports, unauthenticated clients on different ports can communicate with

 

each other.

 

 

Caution

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 8-3 on page 8-51for 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 authenticator ports do not have to be members of this VLAN.)

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 authen- ticator 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 suppli- cant 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.

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