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RackSwitch G8000 Application Guide
TACACS+ Authentication
Blade OS supports authentication and authorization with networks using the Cisco Systems
TACACS+ protocol. The G8000 functions as the Network Access Server (NAS) by interacting
with the remote client and initiating authentication and authorization sessions with the
TACACS+ access server. The remote user is defined as someone requiring management
access to the G8000 through a data port.
TACACS+ offers the following advantages over RADIUS:
„
TACACS+ uses TCP-based connection-oriented transport; whereas RADIUS is UDPbased. TCP offers a connection-oriented transport, while UDP offers best-effort delivery.
RADIUS requires additional programmable variables such as re-transmit attempts and
time-outs to compensate for best-effort transport, but it lacks the level of built-in support
that a TCP transport offers.
„
TACACS+ offers full packet encryption whereas RADIUS offers password-only encryption in authentication requests.
„
TACACS+ separates authentication, authorization and accounting.
How TACACS+ authentication works
TACACS+ works much in the same way as RADIUS authentication as described on page 26.
1.
Remote administrator connects to the switch and provides user name and password.
2.
Using Authentication/Authorization protocol, the switch sends request to authentication
server.
3.
Authentication server checks the request against the user ID database.
4.
Using TACACS+ protocol, the authentication server instructs the switch to grant or deny
administrative access.
During a session, if additional authorization checking is needed, the switch checks with a
TACACS+ server to determine if the user is granted permission to use a particular command.
30 „ Chapter 1: Accessing the Switch
BMD00041, November 2008