How to Generate a CSR for Radware Alteon Application Switch?

In order to install an SSL/TLS certificate on a Radware Alteon Application Switch, you were required to create a Certificate Signing Request (CSR).

You provide the CSR to a Certificate Authority (CA) to obtain a suitable certificate for your device. Step by step in the following tutorial, we will guide you through creating a CSR using the Web UI and Command-Line Interface (CLI) on the Alteon device.

Prerequisites

Access to Radware Alteon Device (Web or CLI)

You will need administrative access to the Radware Alteon device via the Web User Interface or SSH/Console if you want to use the command-line interface. You will also need to ensure the device is connected to the network and is accessible.

Administrative Credentials

To create a CSR, you will need to change certificate repositories and cryptographic information. You will need this level of credential in order to access and modify SSL parameters on the Alteon switch.

Firmware Version Supporting SSL Configuration

You must examine your Alteon device and obtain a firmware version capable of supporting the processing of SSL certificates and CSR generation. The older versions might not be able to support the current CSR formats and cryptographic standards like SHA-256 and RSA 2048+.

Defined Certificate Information

You must have the defined organizational and domain information before generating a CSR:

• Common Name (CN) – typically your fully qualified domain name (FQDN), e.g., www.example.com
• Organization Name
• Organizational Unit (optional)
• Country
• State or Province
• City or Locality

Having these ready ensures smooth CSR generation.

Ability to Define Key and Hash Parameters (for CLI)

If you’re working at the CLI, be ready to select a key type, key size (e.g., 2048 or 4096 bits), and hash function (e.g., SHA-256). Having an idea of what they are makes it easy to decide and best fits your company’s security policies.

Tools to Export and Transfer the CSR File

After the CSR has been generated, you will then export it from the Alteon device, and then paste it to your local machine in preparation for sending it to a Certificate Authority (CA). Make sure you have SCP or FTP functionality, or software to capture a terminal output, to transfer the contents of the CSR.

Access to a Certificate Authority (CA)

Finally, you need to have a SSL Certificate from reliable CA (such as DigiCert, Sectigo, or Certera) to whom you will send the CSR. Your request will be verified by the CA and they will issue you a signed SSL certificate.

How to Create a CSR for Radware Alteon Application Switch?

Method 1: Create CSR via Web Interface

This method is best for all users as it is a much easier way to take advantage of the GUI/static user input.

Step 1: Access the SSL Settings

• Log into the Alteon Web GUI, click on Application Delivery > SSL > Certificate Repository.
• Click the “+” button to add a new certificate.

Step 2: Enter CSR Details

Fill in the required fields such as:

• Common Name (CN) – typically your fully qualified domain name (e.g., www.example.com)
• Organization
• Country
• State/Province
• City/Locality

When all required information is entered, click Submit.

Step 3: Create Certificate

• In your new certificate and private key area, you will see your newly created certificate listed (ex. Certificate ID 5). Click on certificate 5, select the Generate tab.
• Complete the generation process.

Step 4: Save Configuration

Click Apply and then Save to ensure your changes are written to memory.

Method 2: Create CSR via CLI

This method is suited to advanced users and fully automated environments.

Step 1: Access the Device

SSH or Console to the Alteon switch.

Step 2: Execute CSR Request Command

/cfg/slb/ssl/cert/request <certificate_id>

Replace with the <certificate_id> of your choice (e.g. 5).

Step 3: Define Key and Hash Parameters

• Specify the key type, key size (2048 or 4096 bits), and hash algorithm (e.g., SHA-256).
• You may also accept the default values if they meet your security standards.

Step 4: Export the CSR

Once the CSR is generated, run:

/cfg/slb/ssl/cert/export

This allows you to export the CSR file for submission to your Certificate Authority.

Next Steps: Submit to Certificate Authority

Once generated, you must send the CSR to the Certificate Authority you have selected (e.g. DigiCert, Sectigo, GeoTrust) and they will provide the SSL certificate for you to install on your Alteon platform.

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