Enterasys Networks has thrown its weight behind the emerging IEEE 802.1X industry standard. 802.1X, a comprehensive method for authenticating users before granting access to networked resources, will first be supported in Enterasys` Matrix switching product line-up and NetSight family of network management products. Additional Enterasys solutions will offer 802.1X support later in 2001 as well.
Martin May, Enterasys Networks SA regional director, says the importance of security in modern networks cannot be over emphasised. "The proposed standard offers a number of benefits by authenticating users and creating the ability to map network-based services to individual users," he says.
"Authentication is a critical element for effectively enforcing security and business-based policies throughout a LAN, WAN or MAN environment. By accurately defining and authenticating users at the network edge, one can provide pinpoint control of network resources, which allows us to give end users the exact resources that they need to do their jobs effectively -anytime, anyplace - without compromising the integrity of the network.
"The most obvious benefits are the authentication capabilities it brings to 802.11-based wireless access points," says May.
The 802.1X standard complements Enterasys` Secure Harbour architecture, a holistic framework for defining and enforcing security across wired and wireless enterprise networks.
Secure Harbour is designed to remedy attacks from both inside and outside a corporate or campus network.
802.1X is a collaborative effort by vendors in the software, server and networking industries to provide a standards-based authentication methodology.
Authentication, combined with network-based services that are focused on the people who use the services and meeting their business objectives, will enable organizations to maximize the value of their IT infrastructure.
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