HP Cisco Nexus 5000 Cisco Nexus 5000 Series Switch CLI Software Configuration - Page 254

Information About RADIUS Chapter 17 Configuring RADIUS Send feedback to [email protected] You can use RADIUS in the following network environments that require access security: • Networks with multiple-vendor network devices, each supporting RADIUS. For example, network devices from several vendors can use a single RADIUS server-based security database. • Networks already using RADIUS. You can add a Nexus 5000 Series switch with RADIUS to the network. This action might be the first step when you make a transition to a AAA server. • Networks that require resource accounting. You can use RADIUS accounting independent of RADIUS authentication or authorization. The RADIUS accounting functions allow data to be sent at the start and end of services, indicating the amount of resources (such as time, packets, bytes, and so on) used during the session. An Internet service provider (ISP) might use a freeware-based version of the RADIUS access control and accounting software to meet special security and billing needs. • Networks that support authentication profiles. Using the RADIUS server in your network, you can configure AAA authentication and set up per-user profiles. Per-user profiles enable the Nexus 5000 Series switch to better manage ports using their existing RADIUS solutions and to efficiently manage shared resources to offer different service-level agreements. RADIUS Operation When a user attempts to log in and authenticate to a Nexus 5000 Series switch using RADIUS, the following process occurs: 1. The user is prompted for and enters a username and password. 2. The username and encrypted password are sent over the network to the RADIUS server. 3. The user receives one of the following responses from the RADIUS server: • ACCEPT-The user is authenticated. • REJECT-The user is not authenticated and is prompted to reenter the username and password, or access is denied. • CHALLENGE-A challenge is issued by the RADIUS server. The challenge collects additional data from the user. • CHANGE PASSWORD-A request is issued by the RADIUS server, asking the user to select a new password. The ACCEPT or REJECT response is bundled with additional data that is used for EXEC or network authorization. You must first complete RADIUS authentication before using RADIUS authorization. The additional data included with the ACCEPT or REJECT packets consists of the following: • Services that the user can access, including Telnet, rlogin, or local-area transport (LAT) connections, and Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP), Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP), or EXEC services. • Connection parameters, including the host or client IPv4 or IPv6 address, access list, and user timeouts. 17-2 Cisco Nexus 5000 Series Switch CLI Software Configuration Guide OL-16597-01