UniFi Network – 802.1X Control (Advanced)

This article describes how to configure 802.1X Control on UniFi switches to authenticate wired client devices. 

Requirements & Notes

  • A UniFi gateway or UniFi OS Console with a built-in gateway is required to run RADIUS.
  • A third-party RADIUS server can be used by creating a new RADIUS profile.
  • 802.1X Control mode ‘Auto’ requires the usage of a third-party RADIUS server.
  • The fallback VLAN is used when a client device fails to authenticate.

Configuring MAC-Based Authentication

1. Enable 802.1X Control for all or individual UniFi switches and optionally specify the Fallback VLAN.

  • All – Settings > Networks > Global Switch Settings > 802.1X Control
  • Individual – UniFi Devices > select switch > Settings > Advanced > 802.1X Control

2. Select the Default RADIUS profile when using a UniFi gateway or Create New RADIUS profile when using a third-party RADIUS server.

3. Create the RADIUS users that match the MAC addresses of the wired clients.

Settings > Profiles > RADIUS > Default > Create New RADIUS User

  • Username – Mac address in capital letters without any dashes or colons, for example ABCDEF123456.
  • Password – Mac Address in capital letters without any dashes or colons, for example ABCDEF123456.
  • VLAN ID – 0
  • Tunnel Type – None
  • Tunnel Medium Type – None
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4. Create a new Port Profile and select MAC-based under the Advanced settings.

Settings > Profiles > Switch Ports > Create New Port Profile

  • Native Network – Default or specific network
  • Allowed Networks – None
  • Voice Network – None
  • 802.1X Control (Advanced) – MAC-based
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5. Apply the 802.1X Control profile to the port(s) on the UniFi switch where a wired client device is connected.

UniFi Devices > select switch > Ports > Port Manager > select port(s) > Port Profile 

Source :
https://help.ui.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004589707-UniFi-Network-802-1X-Control-Advanced-