This read-write enumerated INTEGER (single/multiple/multiple-auth) sets the 802.1X host mode of a port, relevant when the port's 802.1X control is set to auto, with multiple-auth noted as an addition in the description. Admins configure this to control whether a port permits only one authenticated device (single), many devices under one authentication (multiple), or many devices each individually authenticated (multiple-auth). For example, setting multiple-auth on a port feeding an unmanaged desk-side switch ensures every individual device behind it must authenticate separately rather than piggybacking on one device's 802.1X session.