Introduction

The Authorized IP Managers feature uses IP addresses and masks to determine which stations (PCs or workstations) can access the switch through the network. This covers access through the following means:

  • Telnet and other terminal emulation applications

  • The WebAgent

  • SSH

  • SNMP versions 1, 2 and 3 (with a correct community name)

  • TFTP

When configured in the switch, the Authorized IP Managers feature takes precedence over local passwords, TACACS+, and RADIUS. This means that the IP address of a networked management device must be authorized before the switch will attempt to authenticate the device by invoking any other access security features. If the Authorized IP Managers feature disallows access to the device, then access is denied. Thus, with authorized IP managers configured, having the correct passwords is not sufficient for accessing the switch through the network unless the station attempting access is also included in the switch Authorized IP Managers configuration.

Use Authorized IP Managers along with other access security features to provide a more comprehensive security fabric than if you use only one or two security options.

NOTE:

When no Authorized IP Manager rules are configured, the access method feature is disabled and access is not denied.

For each authorized manager address, you can configure either of these access levels:
  • Manager

    Enables full access to all screens for viewing, configuration, and all other operations available.

  • Operator

    Allows read-only access. (This is the same access that the switch allows for the operator-level password feature.)

Configure up to 100 authorized manager entries, where each entry applies to either a single management station or a group of stations.

CAUTION:

Configuring Authorized IP Managers does not protect access to the switch through a modem or direct connection to the Console (RS-232) port. Also, if an unauthorized station "spoofs" an authorized IP address, it can gain management access to the switch even though a duplicate IP address condition exists. For these reasons, you should enhance your network security by keeping physical access to the switch restricted to authorized personnel, using the user name/password and other security features available in the switch, and preventing unauthorized access to data on your management stations.