Cisco Network Security Troubleshooting Handbook

Chapter 11. Troubleshooting AAA on the Switches

Recently, Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) implementation on the switch has become extensive and popular due to the enrichment and growth of the 802.1x protocol and Cisco’s initiative on Identity-based Network Services (IBNSs). Authenticating the device has become increasingly important for security administrators, and this need is addressed by the IBNS initiative. This chapter examines AAA implementation and troubleshooting with a focus on these two areas—device management and port authentication on Cisco switches.

Overview of AAA

AAA is implemented on the switch for two purposes:

• Switch Management

• Identity-based Network Services (IBNSs)

Switch Management

Just like routers, switches ...