In the world of network management, RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) servers are crucial for managing authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) in various network setups. Two popular options are SAS 4 Radius and FreeRADIUS. This post will compare the two, explore their OS requirements, and guide you on installing them on Windows using Proxmox VE.
What is SAS 4 Radius?
SAS (SafeNet Authentication Service) 4 Radius is a robust, commercial RADIUS server designed for enterprise-level security and scalability. It integrates with multi-factor authentication solutions, offering strong identity verification for critical resources. Key features include:
- Integration with LDAP, Active Directory, and cloud services.
- Advanced reporting and auditing capabilities.
- User-friendly interface for managing policies and configurations.
What is FreeRADIUS?
FreeRADIUS, on the other hand, is an open-source RADIUS server widely used for its flexibility and performance. It is ideal for small to medium-sized organizations and provides:
- Support for a wide range of authentication protocols (e.g., PAP, CHAP, EAP).
- Customizable modules for advanced configurations.
- Active community support and frequent updates.
Comparison of SAS 4 Radius and FreeRADIUS
| Feature | SAS 4 Radius | FreeRADIUS |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Commercial, subscription-based | Free, open-source |
| Ease of Use | Intuitive GUI for management | Requires CLI knowledge |
| Scalability | Enterprise-grade, highly scalable | Scalable but requires manual tuning |
| Integration | Seamless integration with enterprise tools | Integrates with multiple protocols |
| Customization | Limited to predefined features | Highly customizable with modules |
Operating System Requirements
SAS 4 Radius:
Requires a Windows-based environment or a virtualized instance on Linux using software like Proxmox VE. Windows Server 2016/2019 is often recommended.FreeRADIUS:
Native to Linux environments (e.g., Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS). Can be installed on Windows using virtualization or compatibility layers like Proxmox VE or WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux).
Why Use Proxmox VE?
Proxmox VE is a powerful, open-source virtualization platform. It allows you to run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine, making it an excellent choice for deploying both SAS 4 Radius and FreeRADIUS on Windows.
Installation Guide: SAS 4 Radius and FreeRADIUS on Proxmox VE
Step 1: Set Up Proxmox VE
- Download the Proxmox VE ISO image from the official website.
- Create a bootable USB drive using software like Rufus.
- Install Proxmox VE on a dedicated server following the installation wizard.
Step 2: Create a Virtual Machine
- Log in to the Proxmox VE web interface.
- Click Create VM.
- Configure the VM with the following:
- For SAS 4 Radius: Use a Windows Server ISO.
- For FreeRADIUS: Use a Linux ISO (e.g., Ubuntu Server).
- Assign CPU, memory, and disk space as per the OS requirements.
Step 3: Install SAS 4 Radius on Windows
- Start the VM with the Windows Server ISO.
- Complete the Windows Server installation.
- Download the SAS 4 Radius installer from the vendor's portal.
- Install SAS 4 Radius and configure it as per your network requirements.
Step 4: Install FreeRADIUS on Linux
- Start the VM with the Linux ISO.
- Install the Linux OS (e.g., Ubuntu Server): sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
- Install FreeRADIUS: sudo apt install freeradius freeradius-utils
- Configure FreeRADIUS by editing the configuration files located in
/etc/freeradius/3.0/.
Step 5: Network Configuration
- Assign a static IP address to the VMs.
- Set up port forwarding on your physical router to allow external devices to connect to the RADIUS servers.
Conclusion
Both SAS 4 Radius and FreeRADIUS are powerful RADIUS solutions catering to different needs. SAS 4 Radius excels in enterprise environments requiring robust, out-of-the-box features, while FreeRADIUS offers unparalleled flexibility for custom solutions. By leveraging Proxmox VE, you can seamlessly install and manage these servers on a Windows-based system, optimizing your network’s AAA capabilities.