TACACS+ Authentication

Configuring TACACS+ on the Switch

•Local Authentication: This method uses username/password pairs configured locally on the switch; one pair each for manager- level and operator-level access to the switch. You can assign local usernames and passwords through the CLI or web browser inter- face. (Using the menu interface you can assign a local password, but not a username.) Because this method assigns passwords to the switch instead of to individuals who access the switch, you must distribute the password information on each switch to everyone who needs to access the switch, and you must configure and manage password protection on a per-switch basis. (For more on local authentication, refer to “Configuring Username and Password Security” on page 2-1.)

•TACACS+ Authentication: This method enables you to use a TACACS+ server in your network to assign a unique password, user name, and privilege level to each individual or group who needs access to one or more switches or other TACACS-aware devices. This allows you to administer primary authentication from a central server, and to do so with more options than you have when using only local authentication. (You will still need to use local authentication as a backup if your TACACS+ servers become unavailable.) This means, for example, that you can use a central TACACS+ server to grant, change, or deny access to a specific individual on a specific switch instead of having to change local user name and password assignments on the switch itself, and then have to notify other users of the change.

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