Cisco WS-C2960S-24PD-L Software Guide - Page 185

Chapter 6 Configuring the System Controlling Switch Access with RADIUS The ACCEPT or REJECT response is bundled with additional data that is used for privileged EXEC or network authorization. Users must first successfully complete RADIUS authentication before proceeding to RADIUS authorization, if it is enabled. The additional data included with the ACCEPT or REJECT packets includes these items: • Telnet, rlogin, or privileged EXEC services • Connection parameters, including the host or client IP address, access list, and user timeouts Configuring RADIUS This section describes how to configure your switch to support RADIUS. At a minimum, you must identify the host or hosts that run the RADIUS server software and define the method lists for RADIUS authentication. You can optionally define method lists for RADIUS authorization and accounting. A method list defines the sequence and methods to be used to authenticate, to authorize, or to keep accounts on a user. You can use method lists to designate one or more security protocols to be used (such as TACACS+ or local username lookup), thus ensuring a backup system if the initial method fails. The software uses the first method listed to authenticate, to authorize, or to keep accounts on users. If that method does not respond, the software selects the next method in the list. This process continues until there is successful communication with a listed method or the method list is exhausted. You should have access to and should configure a RADIUS server before configuring RADIUS features on your switch. This section contains this configuration information: • Default RADIUS Configuration, page 6-57 • Identifying the RADIUS Server Host, page 6-58 (required) • Configuring RADIUS Login Authentication, page 6-60 (required) • Defining AAA Server Groups, page 6-62 (optional) • Configuring RADIUS Authorization for User Privileged Access and Network Services, page 6-64 (optional) • Starting RADIUS Accounting, page 6-65 (optional) • Configuring Settings for All RADIUS Servers, page 6-65 (optional) • Configuring the Switch to Use Vendor-Specific RADIUS Attributes, page 6-66 (optional) • Configuring the Switch for Vendor-Proprietary RADIUS Server Communication, page 6-67 (optional) Default RADIUS Configuration RADIUS and AAA are disabled by default. To prevent a lapse in security, you cannot configure RADIUS through a network management application. When enabled, RADIUS can authenticate users who access the switch through the CLI. 78-6511-08 Catalyst 2900 Series XL and Catalyst 3500 Series XL Software Configuration Guide 6-57