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Implementation of 802.1X over Ethernet

IEEE 802.1X is a standard for port-based network access control, typically used to provide secure authentication on both wired (Ethernet) and wireless networks. Here's a breakdown of the key components and implementation steps for 802.1X over Ethernet:

Key Components

  1. Supplicant (Client)
    • The device (e.g., a computer or network printer) that requests access to the network.
    • It must support 802.1X and be configured with credentials (such as a username/password or certificate) to authenticate to the network.
  2. Authenticator (Switch or Access Point)
    • The network device that acts as an intermediary between the supplicant and the authentication server.
    • In the case of Ethernet, this is typically an Ethernet switch. The switch only allows network access if the supplicant is successfully authenticated.
  3. Authentication Server (RADIUS)
    • A server that performs the authentication. Typically, this is a RADIUS server (e.g., FreeRADIUS, Microsoft Network Policy Server).
    • The authenticator forwards authentication requests to the RADIUS server.

802.1X Process Flow

  1. Initialization
    • The Ethernet switch port is initially blocked from network access. The port is configured in a state that only allows 802.1X traffic (EAPOL frames) through.
  2. EAPOL (Extensible Authentication Protocol over LAN)
    • The supplicant sends an EAPOL-Start message to the switch to begin the authentication process.
    • The switch, acting as the authenticator, relays the EAPOL message to the RADIUS server.
  3. Authentication Request
    • The authentication server challenges the supplicant to provide credentials (using methods like EAP-PEAP, EAP-TLS, or EAP-TTLS).
    • The supplicant responds with the credentials, which the switch forwards to the RADIUS server.
  4. Authentication Response
    • The authentication server checks the credentials. If valid, it sends a Success message to the switch. Otherwise, it sends a Failure message.
    • The switch grants or denies access to the supplicant based on this response.
  5. Access Granted
    • Upon successful authentication, the switch opens the port for full network access.

Steps to Implement 802.1X over Ethernet

  • Configure the RADIUS Server
  • Configure the Ethernet Switch (Authenticator)
  • Configure the Supplicant (Client)
  • Testing and Verification

Best Practices

  • Use EAP-TLS for certificate-based authentication (more secure).
  • Regularly update the RADIUS server's user database and certificates.
  • Test the configuration on a small scale before rolling it out widely.

#AOSP #Android #Ethernet #802.1X #Enterprise_security #LAN #EAP_over_LAN #EAPOL #EAP-TLS #TLS #PEAP #AndroidEAPOL #AOSP_EAPOL #Android_EAP_TLS #AOSP_EAP_TLS #Android_802.1x #AOSP_802.1x #Android_Ethernet_802.1x #Android_Ethernet_EAP_TLS

https://prabhusystemtech.com/2024/09/05/implementation-of-802-1x-over-ethernet/

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