further authentication. Whereas the randomly-generated key in EAP-MD5 relay mode is generated by the authentication server, and the switch is responsible to encapsulate the authentication packet and forward it to the RADIUS server.

802.1X Timer

In 802.1 x authentication, the following timers are used to ensure that the supplicant system, the switch, and the RADIUS server interact in an orderly way:

1Supplicant system timer (Supplicant Timeout): This timer is triggered by the switch after the switch sends a request packet to a supplicant system. The switch will resend the request packet to the supplicant system if the supplicant system fails to respond in the specified timeout period.

2RADIUS server timer (Server Timeout): This timer is triggered by the switch after the switch sends an authentication request packet to RADIUS server. The switch will resend the authentication request packet if the RADIUS server fails to respond in the specified timeout period.

3Quiet-period timer (Quiet Period): This timer sets the quiet-period. When a supplicant system fails to pass the authentication, the switch quiets for the specified period before it processes another authentication request re-initiated by the supplicant system.

Guest VLAN

Guest VLAN function enables the supplicants that do not pass the authentication to access the specific network resource.

By default, all the ports connected to the supplicants belong to a VLAN, i.e. Guest VLAN. Users belonging to the Guest VLAN can access the resources of the Guest VLAN without being authenticated. But they need to be authenticated before accessing external resources. After passing the authentication, the ports will be removed from the Guest VLAN and be allowed to access the other resources.

With the Guest VLAN function enabled, users can access the Guest VLAN to install 802.1X client program or upgrade their 802.1x clients without being authenticated. If there is no supplicant past the authentication on the port in a certain time, the switch will add the port to the Guest VLAN.

With 802.1X function enabled and Guest VLAN configured, after the maximum number retries have been made to send the EAP-Request/Identity packets and there are still ports that have not sent any response back, the switch will then add these ports into the Guest VLAN according to their link types. Only when the corresponding user passes the 802.1X authentication, the port will be removed from the Guest VLAN and added to the specified VLAN. In addition, the port will back to the Guest VLAN when its connected user logs off.

The 802.1X function is implemented on the Global Config, Port Config and Radius Server pages.

12.4.1 Global Config

On this page, you can enable the 802.1X authentication function globally and control the authentication process by specifying the Authentication Method, Guest VLAN and various Timers.

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TP-Link TL-SG3424P manual  802.1X Timer,  Guest Vlan

TL-SG3424P specifications

The TP-Link TL-SG3424P is a high-performance managed switch designed to meet the needs of small to medium-sized businesses. Offering 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports, this device is an ideal solution for improving network efficiency and ensuring seamless data transfer across multiple devices. The switch not only facilitates connectivity but also provides robust management features to enhance the performance and security of your network.

One of the standout features of the TL-SG3424P is its Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability, which allows it to deliver power and data over the same Ethernet cable. This feature is particularly beneficial for deploying devices such as IP cameras, VoIP phones, and wireless access points without the need for additional power sources. With a total power budget of 250W, the TL-SG3424P can support a diverse range of PoE devices, providing convenience and flexibility in deployment.

In terms of management, the TL-SG3424P offers a user-friendly web interface, allowing network administrators to configure and monitor the switch with ease. It supports advanced Layer 2 features, including VLANs, Quality of Service (QoS), and Link Aggregation. These features enhance network performance by optimizing traffic flow and prioritizing essential applications. The switch also includes comprehensive security features, such as Port Security and Access Control Lists (ACL), which help protect against unauthorized access and ensure data integrity.

The build quality of the TL-SG3424P is robust, designed to handle demanding network environments. It includes a fanless design, which ensures silent operation, making it suitable for office environments where noise can be a distraction. The metal chassis is durable and built for longevity, ensuring that the device will withstand rigorous usage over time.

Furthermore, the TL-SG3424P supports SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), allowing for centralized network monitoring and management. This makes it easier for IT teams to keep track of network health and performance, enabling timely interventions when necessary.

In conclusion, the TP-Link TL-SG3424P is a versatile and powerful managed switch that combines PoE capabilities with advanced network management features, making it a perfect choice for businesses looking to upgrade their network infrastructure. With its reliable performance and robust features, it provides an excellent solution for enhancing productivity and connectivity in any office setting.