Configuring And Enabling Radius; Understanding Radius - Cisco C3201FESMIC-TP= - 3201 Fast EN Switch Mobile Interface Card Expansion Module Software Configuration Manual

Administering the WMIC

Configuring and Enabling RADIUS

This section describes how to configure and enable Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service
(RADIUS).

Understanding RADIUS

RADIUS is a distributed client/server system that secures networks against unauthorized access.
RADIUS clients run on supported Cisco devices and send authentication requests to a central RADIUS
server that contains all user authentication and network service access information. The RADIUS host
is normally a multiuser system running RADIUS server software from Cisco, Livingston, Merit,
Microsoft, or another software provider. For more information, see the RADIUS server documentation.
Use RADIUS in these network environments:
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RADIUS is not suitable for these network situations:
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Networks with multiple-vendor access servers, each supporting RADIUS. For example, access
servers from several vendors use a single RADIUS server-based security database. In an IP-based
network with multiple vendors' access servers, dial-in users are authenticated through a RADIUS
server that is customized to work with the Kerberos security system.
Turnkey network security environments in which applications support the RADIUS protocol, such
as an access environment that uses a smart card access control system. In one case, RADIUS has
been used with Enigma's security cards to validate users and to grant access to network resources.
Networks already using RADIUS. You can add a Cisco bridge containing a RADIUS client to the
network.
Networks that require resource accounting. You can use RADIUS accounting independent of
RADIUS authentication or authorization. The RADIUS accounting functions allow data to be sent
at the start and end of services, showing the amount of resources (such as time, packets, bytes, and
so forth) used during the session. An Internet service provider might use a freeware-based version
of RADIUS access control and accounting software to meet special security and billing needs.
Multiprotocol access environments. RADIUS does not support AppleTalk Remote Access (ARA),
NetBIOS Frame Control Protocol (NBFCP), NetWare Asynchronous Services Interface (NASI), or
X.25 Packet Assembler Disassembler (PAD) connections.
Switch-to-switch or router-to-router situations. RADIUS does not provide two-way authentication.
RADIUS can be used to authenticate from one device to a non-Cisco device if the non-Cisco device
requires authentication.
Networks using a variety of services. RADIUS generally binds a user to one service model.
Cisco 3200 Series Wireless MIC Software Configuration Guide
Configuring and Enabling RADIUS
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