(Optional) Configuring Methods Used to Process Authentication Packets

Context

In 802.1X authentication, EAP authentication packets can be processed in EAP termination or EAP relay mode. The PAP or CHAP protocol can also be used in EAP termination mode. CHAP is more secure than PAP.

If the authentication server has a higher processing capability and can parse a large number of EAP packets before authentication, the EAP relay mode is recommended. If the authentication server has a lower processing capability and cannot parse a large number of EAP packets before authentication, the EAP termination mode is recommended and the device parses EAP packets for the authentication server.

When the authentication packet processing method is configured, ensure that the client and server both support this method; otherwise, the users cannot pass authentication.

The authentication mode can be set to EAP relay for 802.1X authentication users only when the RADIUS authentication is used.
If the 802.1X client uses the MD5 encryption mode, the user authentication mode on the device can be set to EAP or CHAP; if the 802.1X client uses the PEAP authentication mode, the authentication mode on the device can be set to EAP.

Procedure

Run system-view
The system view is displayed.
You can configure the authentication mode for 802.1X user in the system view or interface view.
- In the system view:
  
  Run the dot1x authentication-method { chap | eap | pap } command to set the authentication mode for 802.1X users.
- In the interface view:
  1. Run the interface interface-type interface-number command to enter the interface view.
  2. Run the dot1x authentication-method { chap | eap | pap } command to set the authentication mode for 802.1X users.
By default, the global 802.1X user authentication mode is CHAP authentication and the 802.1X user authentication mode on interfaces is the same as the mode globally configured.