Overview

Port security combines and extends 802.1X and MAC authentication to provide MAC-based network access control. It applies to a network that requires different authentication methods for different users on a port.

Port security prevents unauthorized access to the network by checking the source MAC address of inbound traffic and prevents access to unauthorized devices by checking the destination MAC address of outbound traffic.

Port security can control MAC address learning and authentication on a port to make sure that the port learns only trusted MAC addresses.

A frame is illegal, if its source MAC address cannot be learned in a port security mode or it is from a client that has failed 802.1X or MAC authentication.

The port security feature can automatically take a pre-defined action on illegal frames. This automatic mechanism enhances network security and reduces human intervention.

	NOTE: For scenarios that require only 802.1X authentication or MAC authentication, Hewlett Packard Enterprise recommends you configure 802.1X authentication or MAC authentication rather than port security. For more information about 802.1X and MAC authentication, see "Configuring 802.1X" and "Configuring MAC authentication."