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Configuring 802.1X
Overview
802.1X is a port-based network access control protocol initially proposed by the IEEE 802 LAN/WAN
committee for the security of WLANs. It has been widely used on Ethernet for access control.
802.1X controls network access by authenticating devices connected to the 802.1X-enabled LAN ports.
802.1X architecture
802.1X operates in the client/server model. It comprises three entities: the client (the supplicant), the
network access device (the authenticator), and the authentication server.
Figure 317 802.1X architecture
• Client—A user terminal seeking access to the LAN. It must have 802.1X software to authenticate to
the network access device.
• Network access device—Authenticates the client to control access to the LAN. In a typical 802.1X
environment, the network access device uses an authentication server to perform authentication.
• Authentication server—Provides authentication services for the network access device. The
authentication server authenticates 802.1X clients by using the data sent from the network access
device, and returns the authentication results to the network access device to make access decisions.
The authentication server is typically a RADIUS server. In a small LAN, you can also use the network
access device as the authentication server.
Access control methods
HP implements port-based access control as defined in the 802.1X protocol, and extends the protocol to
support MAC-based access control.
• Port-based access control—once an 802.1X user passes authentication on a port, any subsequent
user can access the network through the port without authentication. When the authenticated user
logs off, all other users are logged off.
• MAC-based access control—Each user is separately authenticated on a port. When a user logs off,
no other online users are affected.
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