The comparison of RADIUS and TACACS authentication services can be explained as follows:
A. Transport protocol: RADIUS uses the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) as its transport protocol, while TACACS+ uses the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP).
Example: When a RADIUS server receives a request for authentication from a network device, it uses UDP to send the response back to the device. In contrast, a TACACS+ server uses TCP to establish a reliable and connection-oriented communication with the network device.
B. Authentication and authorization: Both RADIUS and TACACS+ provide authentication and authorization services, but they differ in the way they handle these processes.
Example: RADIUS authentication is usually based on a shared secret password between the RADIUS client (network device) and the RADIUS server. When a device wants to authenticate a user, it sends the user's credentials (username and password) to the RADIUS server for verification. TACACS+, on the other hand, uses a three-step process of authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA). It separates the authentication and authorization functions, allowing for more granular control and flexibility in granting access privileges to users.
C. Communication: RADIUS and TACACS+ differ in the way they communicate between the network device and the authentication server.
Example: RADIUS communication is combined and unencrypted, meaning that both authentication and authorization information are sent in the same packet and are not encrypted. This makes RADIUS faster and more efficient, but less secure. On the other hand, TACACS+ communication is separate and encrypted. It sends authentication and authorization information in separate packets, ensuring higher security and privacy of the transmitted data.
In summary, RADIUS and TACACS+ differ in their transport protocol, approach to authentication and authorization, and the way they communicate with network devices. RADIUS uses UDP, combines authentication and authorization, and provides unencrypted communication. TACACS+ uses TCP, separates authentication and authorization, and ensures encrypted communication.
Study the comparison of RADIUS and TACACS below and answer the question that follows:
Column A Feature
A. Transport protocol
B. Authentication and authorisation
C. Communication
Column B
RADIUS
User Datagram Protocol (UDP)
Combined
Unencrypted
Column C
TACACS+
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) Separate
EncryptedUsing appropriate examples for each feature (A – C) in column A above, explain the differences between RADIUS and TACACS+ authentication services using the descriptions in column B and column C.
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