Brocade FastIron Ethernet Switch Security Configuration Guide - Manual (Page 171)

FIGURE 1 Authenticator, client/supplicant, and authentication server in an 802.1X configuration
Authenticator - The device that controls access to the network. In an 802.1X configuration, the
Brocade device serves as the Authenticator. The Authenticator passes messages between the Client
and the Authentication Server. Based on the identity information supplied by the Client, and the
authentication information supplied by the Authentication Server, the Authenticator either grants or does
not grant network access to the Client.
Client/Supplicant - The device that seeks to gain access to the network. Clients must be running
software that supports the 802.1X standard (for example, the Windows XP operating system). Clients
can either be directly connected to a port on the Authenticator, or can be connected by way of a hub.
Authentication server - The device that validates the Client and specifies whether or not the Client
may access services on the device. Brocade supports Authentication Servers running RADIUS.
802.1X Port Security
FastIron Ethernet Switch Security Configuration Guide 171
53-1003088-03