H3C Technologies H3C WX3000E Series Wireless Switches - Manual (Page 283)

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PKI applications
The PKI technology can satisfy the security requirements of online transactions. As an infrastructure, PKI
has a wide range of applications. Here are some application examples.
VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) is a private data communication network built on the public
communication infrastructure. A VPN can leverage network layer security protocols (for instance, IPsec)
in conjunction with PKI-based encryption and digital signature technologies for confidentiality.
Secure email
Emails require confidentiality, integrity, authentication, and non-repudiation. PKI can address these
needs. The secure email protocol that is developing rapidly is Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail
Extensions (S/MIME), which is based on PKI and allows for transfer of encrypted mails with signature.
Web security
For Web security, two peers can establish an SSL connection first for transparent and secure
communications at the application layer. With PKI, SSL enables encrypted communications between a
browser and a server. Both of the communication parties can verify each other's identity through digital
certificates.
How does PKI work
In a PKI-enabled network, an entity can request a local certificate from the CA and the access controller
(AC) can check the validity of certificates. Here is how it works:
1. An entity submits a certificate request to the RA.
2. The RA reviews the identity of the entity and then sends the identity information and the public key
with a digital signature to the CA.
3. The CA verifies the digital signature, approves the application, and issues a certificate.
4. The RA receives the certificate from the CA, sends it to the LDAP server to provide directory
navigation service, and notifies the entity that the certificate is successfully issued.
5. The entity retrieves the certificate. With the certificate, the entity can communicate with other
entities safely through encryption and digital signature.
6. The entity makes a request to the CA when it needs to revoke its certificate. The CA approves the
request, updates the CRLs and publishes the CRLs on the LDAP server.
PKI configuration task list
Complete the following tasks to configure PKI:
Task Remarks
Configuring an entity DN Required.
Configuring a PKI domain Required.
Submitting a PKI certificate request
Submitting a certificate request
in auto mode
Required.
Use either approach.
Submitting a certificate request
in manual mode