Configuring RADIUS Server Support for Switch Services

 

Configuring and Using RADIUS-Assigned Access Control Lists

 

 

Note

A RADIUS-assigned ACL assignment filters all inbound IP traffic from an

 

authenticated client on a port, regardless of whether the client’s IP traffic is

 

to be switched or routed.

 

RADIUS-assigned ACLs can be used either with or without PCM and IDM

 

support. (Refer to “Optional PCM and IDM Applications” on page 6-3.)

 

ACLs enhance network security by blocking selected IP traffic, and can serve

 

as one aspect of network security. However, because ACLs do not protect from

 

malicious manipulation of data carried in IP packet transmissions, they

 

should not be relied upon for a complete edge security solution.

 

The ACLs described in this section do not screen non-IP traffic such as

 

AppleTalk and IPX.

 

 

Contrasting Dynamic (RADIUS-Assigned) andStatic ACLs

Table 6-3 highlights several key differences between the static ACLs configu­ rable on switch ports, and the RADIUS-assigned ACLs that can be assigned to individual ports by a RADIUS server.

Table 6-3. Contrasting Dynamic (RADIUS-Assigned) and Static ACLs
RADIUS-assigned ACLsStatic Port ACLs

 

 

Configured in client accounts on a RADIUS server.

Designed for use on the edge of the network where filtering of IP traffic entering the switch from individual, authenticated clients is most important and where clients with differing access requirements are likely to use the same port.

Implementation requires client authentication.

Identified by the credentials (username/password pair or the MAC address) of the specific client the ACL is intended to service.

Configured on switch ports.

Designed for use where the filtering needs focus on static configurations covering:

•switched or routed IP traffic entering the switch from multiple sources or from unauthenticated sources

•IP traffic from multiple sources and having a destination on the switch itself

Client authentication not a factor.

Identified by a number in the range of 1-199 or an alphanumeric name.

Supports dynamic assignment to filter only the IP traffic entering the switch from an authenticated client on the port to which the client is connected. (IP traffic can be routed or switched, and includes IP traffic having a DA on the switch itself.)

When the authenticated client session ends, the switch removes the RADIUS-assigned ACL from the client port.

Supports static assignments to filter switched or routed IP traffic entering the switch, or routed IP traffic leaving the switch.

Remains statically assigned to the port.

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