Question regarding 802.1x

As long as switch B can function as an authenticator, then yes, the solution should work fine. The intermediate switch doesn't see the EAP at layer-2, only the access-switch see it so it isn't important whether it supports 802.1x or not. That is one of the functions of the authenticator... convert EAP at layer-2 to RADIUS (or another unspecified protocol... the standard isn't specific) layer-3 traffic.

Of course you can attach as many stations as you have ports. I won't answer for multiple stations per port... it can be done, but it makes ugliness.

As far as NICs go... almost any modern nic will be fine... it's the supplicant software that makes all the difference.

Scott

As long as switch B can function as an authenticator, then yes, the solution should work fine. The intermediate switch doesn't see the EAP at layer-2, only the access-switch see it so it isn't important whether it supports 802.1x or not. That is one of the functions of the authenticator... convert EAP at layer-2 to RADIUS (or another unspecified protocol... the standard isn't specific) layer-3 traffic.

Of course you can attach as many stations as you have ports. I won't answer for multiple stations per port... it can be done, but it makes ugliness.

As far as NICs go... almost any modern nic will be fine... it's the supplicant software that makes all the difference.

Scott