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Configuring 802.1x and Troubleshooting Commands

Created by Pankaj Sharma in Articles 24 Aug 2024
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802.1X is a widely adopted IEEE standard that provides port-based network access control and authentication. It plays a crucial role in enhancing network security by controlling and monitoring access to network resources. Professionals with Network security certifications understand the importance of 802.1x.

In this article, we will cover the key aspects of configuring 802.1X and troubleshooting commands. By understanding and implementing these configurations, you will gain essential skills in Cisco security and it will help you maintain a robust and reliable network infrastructure.

What is 802.1x?

The IEEE 802.1X standard defines a client-server-based access control and authentication protocol that restricts unauthorized devices from connecting to a LAN through publicly accessible ports. The authentication server authenticates each client connected to a switch port before making available any services offered by the switch or the LAN.

Until the client is authenticated, 802.1X access control allows only Extensible Authentication Protocol over LAN (EAPOL) traffic through the port to which the client is connected. After authentication is successful, normal traffic can pass through the port.

This enables establishing best practices for commonly performed procedures and aids in introducing consistency in processes and hence an enhancement in service levels.

In locations where we do not control the cabling, we need to use 802.1x to take care of the security. It is decided to implement 802.1x on the local switch since Statoil is not responsible for the cabling/infrastructure. All Laptops and printers connected to the switch have to be authorized to the Radius/AD with their certificate to get an open/authorized port on the switch. When they are authorized a normal logon procedure is required to access applications.

Try CCNA Virtual Lab to gain practical experience on 802.1X.

Troubleshooting 802.X AAA Issues

Use the following CLI commands to troubleshoot AAA issues:

• show aaa authentication

• show radius status

• show radius-server

• Show aaa server

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Debug Error in 802.1X

Use the following debug commands to determine the root cause of an issue:

• debug radius aaa-request

• debug radius aaa-request-low-level

• debug dot1x errors/events

• debug radius brief/retransmit

802.1x Configuration with Switch Port

When configuring a switch port with 802.1x. Should have the below standard configuration included:-

• authentication event server dead action authorize

• authentication event server alive action reinitialize

• authentication port-control auto

• authentication timer reauthenticate 100

• authentication violation protect

• dot1x pae authenticator

802.1x Configuration with Switch

When configuring a switch with 802.1x. Configuration to verify:

• aaa authentication dot1x default group radius

• ip radius source-interface Vlan Management

• dot1x system-auth-control

• dot1x critical eapol

• radius-server source-ports extended

• radius-server host 10.217.105.245 auth-port 1812 acct-port 1813

• radius-server host 10.217.105.246 auth-port 1812 acct-port 1813

• radius-server key 7 1046080B01161C0C09163C22202C32

• radius-server deadtime 1

• radius-server dead-criteria time 10 tries 2

Conclusion

Configuring and troubleshooting the 802.1x is an essential skill for any network security professional. In this article, we have briefly discussed 802.1x, how to troubleshoot common issues in 802.1x, and how to debug 802.1x to find the cause of possible errors.

802.1X is a network access control protocol that enhances security by requiring authentication before devices can connect to a network. It is commonly used in both wired and wireless networks to ensure that only authorized users gain access. You can learn more about 802.1x in our live CCNA Training class.

Command tacacs-server directed-request ...»
Pankaj Sharma

Pankaj Sharma is a senior network security engineer. He is working since past 14 years in IT networking field and have excellent experience in training industry also. His working experience in top companies in India makes him most valuable professional in IT industry. Pankaj Sharma has done CCNA security, Palo Alto and Checkpoint ...

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FAQ

To force 802.1X authentication, configure the network device to require authentication on specific ports or interfaces. This can typically be done through the device's command-line interface by enabling 802.1X globally and applying it to the desired ports.
To reset 802.1X security, access the network device's configuration settings and remove or reset the current 802.1X configuration. This may involve disabling the 802.1X feature and then re-enabling it to restore default settings.
To enable the 802.1X protocol, access the network device's configuration interface and enable 802.1X globally. Then, configure the specific interfaces or ports where 802.1X authentication will be applied, ensuring that the required authentication server settings are in place.
When 802.1X authentication fails three times, it typically indicates that the device has not successfully authenticated with the server after three attempts. This can lead to the port being disabled or access being denied until the issue is resolved.

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