What does RADIUS primarily perform in network services?

RADIUS, which stands for Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service, is primarily known for providing centralized authentication, authorization, and accounting management for users who connect and use a network service. This function is crucial in environments where multiple access points exist, such as wireless networks or remote access VPNs.

The centralized authentication aspect means that when a user attempts to access the network, RADIUS authenticates the user's identity by checking credentials against a centralized database, such as LDAP or Active Directory. Once authenticated, RADIUS also handles authorization, which determines what resources the user has access to and what actions they are permitted to perform. Additionally, RADIUS performs accounting by tracking the usage of the network services by the users, which is valuable for billing, compliance, and monitoring purposes.

This triad of services—authentication, authorization, and accounting—makes RADIUS a foundational element in network security and user management. The ability to centralize these functions enhances the efficiency and security of network management, allowing for streamlined access control and better oversight of user activities.