RADIUS Protocol Definition
The RADIUS protocol, which stands for “Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service,” is a widely used networking protocol that authenticates and authorizes remote users attempting to access a network.
The protocol kicks in, for example, when an individual connects to a public Wi-Fi network by entering a network password. RADIUS communicates with a central authentication server to verify the user’s credentials, ensuring that only authorized users can access the network.
Below is a step-by-step explanation of how it works:
- The protocol works by sending authentication and authorization requests from a network access server to a central RADIUS server.
- The RADIUS server holds the user credentials and decides whether to grant access or not.
- If the credentials match and the user is allowed in, the RADIUS server sends a response back to the access server, and they are granted access to the network.
This process helps secure networks by controlling who can enter and ensuring that user data remains protected.