RADIUS/
TACACS+ server
Web
Telnet
1. Client attempts management access.
2. Switch contacts authentication server.
3. Authentication server challenges client.
4. Client responds with proper password or key.
5. Authentication server approves access.
6. Switch grants management access.
console

CONFIGURING THE SWITCH

CLI – Assign a user name to access-level 15 (i.e., administrator), then specify the password.

Console(config)#username bob access-level 15

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Console(config)#username bob password 0 smith

Console(config)#

Configuring Local/Remote Logon Authentication

Use the Authentication Settings menu to restrict management access based on specified user names and passwords. You can manually configure access rights on the switch, or you can use a remote access authentication server based on RADIUS or TACACS+ protocols.

Remote

Authentication Dial-in User Service (RADIUS) and

Terminal Access Controller Access Control System Plus (TACACS+) are logon

authentication protocols that use

software running on a central server to control access to RADIUS-aware or TACACS-aware devices on the network. An authentication server contains a database of multiple user name/password pairs with associated privilege levels for each user that requires management access to the switch.

RADIUS uses UDP while TACACS+ uses TCP. UDP only offers best effort delivery, while TCP offers a connection-oriented transport. Also, note that RADIUS encrypts only the password in the access-request packet from the client to the server, while TACACS+ encrypts the entire body of the packet.

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SMC Networks SMC6752AL2 manual Configuring Local/Remote Logon Authentication

SMC6752AL2 specifications

The SMC Networks SMC6752AL2 is a robust and versatile gigabit Ethernet switch designed to cater to the demands of medium to large enterprise networks. This switch delivers an impressive combination of performance, flexibility, and manageability, making it an ideal solution for businesses seeking to enhance their network infrastructure.

One of the standout features of the SMC6752AL2 is its 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing for high-speed network connections to a variety of devices such as servers, workstations, and other networked equipment. Additionally, the switch includes 4 SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) slots that provide options for connecting to other networking devices via fiber optics, enhancing the versatility of the network configuration.

The SMC6752AL2 supports advanced Layer 2 switching capabilities, which are crucial for efficient data handling and traffic management. With features such as VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) support, the switch can segment network traffic to improve performance and security while effectively managing broadcast domains. It supports 802.1Q VLAN tagging, allowing for better network segmentation and isolation of different types of traffic.

Moreover, the switch is equipped with Quality of Service (QoS) features to prioritize critical data transmissions. This is essential for applications requiring real-time data flow, such as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and video conferencing. The SMC6752AL2's QoS capabilities enable users to classify and prioritize traffic, ensuring a smooth and seamless experience for bandwidth-intensive applications.

The SMC6752AL2 also includes features such as port mirroring and link aggregation, enhancing the monitoring and management capabilities of the network. Port mirroring allows administrators to duplicate traffic from one port to another for analysis and troubleshooting, while link aggregation enables combining multiple connections for increased bandwidth and redundancy.

In terms of security, the switch supports802.1X port-based authentication, providing a layer of network access control that ensures only authorized users can connect. This feature, combined with the ability to create access control lists (ACLs), helps to safeguard the network against unauthorized access and other potential threats.

Overall, the SMC Networks SMC6752AL2 is a feature-rich Ethernet switch that offers reliable performance and advanced capabilities for managing enterprise networks. Its combination of port density, layer 2 switching features, QoS functionalities, and enhanced security makes it an excellent choice for organizations looking to expand or upgrade their networking solutions. With the SMC6752AL2, businesses can maintain high-performance connectivity and effective network management tailored to their specific operational needs.