Devices Behind Firewall ACS 4.0 Local

Question

All,
I just read a post labeled "ACS 4.0 Behind Firewall" and it talked about opening ports 2004 to 5000 to access the ACS server that is behind the firewall. My question is does this same port range apply if you are trying to access and authenticate to a device that is behind a firewall. When I try to access one of my devices that is behind the firewall I can't authenticate through the ACS box so I end up using the local username and password. Can anyone tell me what ports I have to open on the firewall to allow the authetication to go back to the ACS server. Thanks

Answer 1

Hi,
TACACS+ authentication service between Network devices and AAA Server is running on TCP 49. The 2004-5000 port range is only applicable if you need to access ACS Server (for management purposes) from outside/internet. In your case, if you need to access your devices behind firewall from external network, what you need is map your internal network devices with public IP, and open ddesired service port, e.g SSH (tcp 22) on your Firewall outside interface ACL to allow incoming access.
For your internal devices, you need to have appropriate AAA configuration that point to ACS (e.g TACACS+). In your ACS, set these devices as AAA Client, and configured appropriate IP, secret key and using TACACS+.
Before you test ssh access from internet/external network, test your SSH access locally. It must be successful to get AAA to authenticate your SSH connection request.
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/products/sw/secursw/ps2086/products_user_guide_chapter09186a008052e996.html
Hope this helps.
Rgds,
AK