Product Manual

Authenticator
DES-3526 / DES-3526DC Fast Ethernet Layer 2 Switch
Figure 6- 68. Authentication Server
The Authenticator (the Switch) is an intermediary between the Authentication Server and the Client. The Authenticator
serves two purposes when utilizing 802.1x. The first purpose is to request certification information from the Client through
EAPOL packets, which is the only information allowed to pass through the Authenticator before access is granted to the
Client. The second purpose of the Authenticator is to verify the information gathered from the Client with the
Authentication Server, and to then relay that information back to the Client.
Three steps must be implemented on the Switch to properly configure the Authenticator.
1. The 802.1x State must be enabled. (Configuration > Switch Information > Advanced
Settings > 802.1x Status)
2. The 802.1x settings must be implemented by port. (Port Access Entity > PAE System Control
> Port Capability > Capability)
3. A RADIUS server must be configured on the Switch. (Port Access Entity > RADIUS Server
> Authentic RADIUS Server)
Figure 6- 69. Authenticator
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