Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Play with MACSEC on copper interface with 3750X

The Cisco documentation is not clear on the switch-to-switch (via copper) macsec feasibility.
Also, I have decided to test it between two 3750x:

  • 3750X-24TS (without service module)
  • 3750X-48TS (without service module)


I have applied the following configuration on each switch:


I have plugged the cable between this 2 switchs and checked that SAP 'succeeded':

Interface is up and configuration looks fine. But I have prefer checked by myself that the traffic is well encrypted. The best way to do this is to use a hub. But this equipment has disappeared from IT services and is very rare!! Also we have designed our own RJ45 TAP:).

I have used this magic TAP and wireshark to sniff the traffic between our both switchs.
Below, you can see the result of a packet when it's encrypted by MACSEC (802.1ae). We can see the Ethertype (88e5) used by this protocol.

To resume, MACSEC is available on Cisco Switch (switch-to-switch) on copper interface without Service Module. This configuration is not available on 3560X. I guess, the service module is mandatory for it.