Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A method for improving network security in a network that includes a star configured interconnection device such as a repeater, a bridge or a switch, that has a plurality of ports adapted for connection to respective MAC layer devices includes storing authentication data in the star configured interconnection device that maps MAC addresses of end stations in the network to particular ports on the star configured interconnection device. Upon receiving a packet on a particular port, the process involves determining whether the packet carries a source address which the authentication data maps to the particular port. If the packet carries a source address which the authentication data maps to the particular port, then the packet is accepted. If the packet does not carry a source MAC address which the authentication maps to the port, then an authentication protocol is executed on the port to determine whether the MAC address originates from an authorized sender according to the authentication protocol.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim