FreeRADIUS

The open-source RADIUS server behind the 802.1X labs. Articles tagged FreeRADIUS cover users, clients, EAP method setup and reading the server log when authentication fails.

Latest

Terminal card showing a Catalyst 9000v port authorized by MAB alongside the FreeRADIUS debug output that accepted the MAC

802.1X · Aug 1, 2026

MAB with FreeRADIUS on Cisco: MAC Authentication Bypass Without ISE

MAB with no ISE node and no licence: FreeRADIUS 3.2.7 against a Catalyst 9000v, with the freeradius -X trail that proves MAB is bare PAP, the MAC format everyone gets wrong, and a real Method: mab / Authc Success on a live switchport.

Jaime

Switch CLI showing an 802.1X port in the Authorized state after a FreeRADIUS Access-Accept

802.1X · Aug 1, 2026

802.1X with FreeRADIUS on Cisco: The Full Lab, No ISE Required

Every 802.1X guide assumes you have Cisco ISE. You do not need it. Here is the whole chain built on FreeRADIUS and a Catalyst 9000v, with real Access-Accept output, a port flipping to Authorized, and the CML switch image that silently wastes your evening.

Jaime