A lot of IT admins may be wondering if there is a viable FreeRADIUS alternative because of the immense amount of work it takes to go from setting up and configuring a FreeRADIUS server to actually using it. In our opinion, such an alternative exists, but it isn’t a new software solution that directly replaces FreeRADIUS. FreeRADIUS is the standard for a reason.
FreeRADIUS Implementation Challenges
Now, just because a commercial firm hasn’t risen to the challenge and created a viable alternative to FreeRADIUS doesn’t mean there isn’t a better way to consume the FreeRADIUS functionality. As mentioned in the intro, it has traditionally taken a lot of work from IT admins to stand up the FreeRADIUS infrastructure. That’s because FreeRADIUS is incredibly flexible and includes an array of configuration settings for a wide range of environments. Further, integrating FreeRADIUS into the IT environment is a time-consuming process. It must be integrated with WAPs, switches, routers, a directory service, as well as making sure that the endpoints are each running the correct RADIUS protocol to make it all work. That’s a lot of work. So, IT admins are looking for a way less labor-intensive way to implement FreeRADIUS because of the security benefits it provides. FreeRADIUS Bolsters Security
FreeRADIUS’s allure is its ability to secure networks that would otherwise have flimsy security measures in place. For example, a lot of offices simply write SSID and password combinations on a whiteboard in the office for anyone to see. It’s not the most secure process. With FreeRADIUS properly implemented, users are able to leverage their own unique set of credentials to login to the network. In addition, FreeRADIUS empowers IT admins because it gives them the authority to decide who is on which network. Obviously, leveraging RADIUS to secure your WiFi network results in a much more secure and optimized network. FreeRADIUS Usage in the Cloud
The challenge that IT organizations are facing stems from their desire to push all their IT management tools to the cloud FreeRADIUS included. Thankfully, a third party solution has emerged that can simplify the implementation (Read more...)