Cisco IOS devices provide several Layer 2 security features to help secure network switches and prevent unauthorized access. Some of the key Layer 2 security features in IOS devices include:
Port Security: This feature allows network administrators to configure specific ports on a switch to only accept traffic from authorized devices. The switch will disable any unauthorized device attempting to connect to the port or send traffic through it.
MAC Address Filtering: This feature allows network administrators to configure a list of authorized MAC addresses that are allowed to access the network. Any device that does not have a MAC address on the list will be denied access.
VLAN Access Control Lists (VACLs): VACLs allow network administrators to filter traffic based on VLAN assignments. This feature allows administrators to prevent traffic from one VLAN from reaching another VLAN.
Private VLANs (PVLANs): PVLANs allow network administrators to isolate devices within a VLAN. This feature helps prevent unauthorized communication between devices within the same VLAN.
Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI): DAI prevents ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) spoofing attacks by verifying the ARP packets received on the switch. DAI checks the source MAC address and IP address of the ARP packet and discards it if the information is invalid.
DHCP Snooping: DHCP snooping verifies DHCP messages received on the switch to prevent rogue DHCP servers from assigning IP addresses to devices. The switch only allows DHCP messages from authorized DHCP servers.
Port-Based Authentication: This feature allows network administrators to authenticate devices connecting to a port on a switch. The switch only allows access to the network after the device has been authenticated.
These Layer 2 security features in IOS devices provide network administrators with tools to secure their networks and prevent unauthorized access. By implementing these features, administrators can mitigate the risk of security breaches and ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their network
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