FAQs
Quick Links to Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is RADIUS?
RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial In User Service) is a robust Network Protocol that offers simplified centralised user Authentication, Authorisation, as well as Accounting administration for individuals or devices to utilise a network service (e.g. a Private APN).
Essentially, it is a centralised AAA (Authentication, Authorisation and Accounting) management platform for remote devices to access a network service.
2. Who uses RADIUS?
RADIUS is predominantly used by the ISP industry as well as enterprises wanting to manage and control access to their Intranet and private corporate networks or VPNs.
3. How does RADIUS work?
RADIUS is a server protocol that handles user requests for access to cloud based or other resources, like private APNs, while providing authentication, authorisation, and accounting (AAA) services to the enterprise customer on a Linux or Microsoft server platform.
4. Why do I need a Managed RADIUS Solution for my APN?
RADIUS provides a second layer of authentication to allow (or deny) access to the Access Network. Specific policies may be applied down to a user level, e.g.: Allocating a unique IP address to specific users/devices, or other attributes as supported by the Network.
MSB RADIUS can fulfill the following requirements:
- Controlled and measurable access to a Private APN
- Ability to identify customers/employees/devices with ease
- Ability to track data usage pertaining to a specific Network
- Need to set data usage rules per device/user
- Automated user suspension prohibiting connection to the APN when the assigned data quota has been exhausted
- Ability to manually suspend users/devices prohibiting connection to the APN
- Automated and manual In-Session-Termination (IST) of users/devices
- Ability to unsuspend users/devices
- Reporting that enables identification of defective, broken or stolen remote devices
- Need for consistent (Static) IP Address allocation per device/MSISDN
- Dynamic DNS
- Dynamic IP Routing (DIPR)
MSB Micro Systems provides a fully managed solution that alleviates the need for enterprises to employ their own specialised skill sets.
We are constantly developing new features, please contact us if you’d like to know more.
5. Do you offer a Service Level Agreement (SLA) or would you be willing to negotiate one with me?
Our service promise in a nutshell:
6. Can I introduce cost control measures by deploying a managed MSB Micro Systems RADIUS service?
Yes, we provide Volume Tracking with Quotas; Soft Suspend and In-Session Termination services.
7. Are live statistics regarding connections and usage of the service available?
Yes, clients may access statistical information and draw reports themselves from the Client Service Portal.
8. What security features are included in the MSB Micro Solutions Managed Radius Service?
Much of the security associated with RADIUS is provided by the use of shared secrets. A shared secret is basically an encryption key that is known to the RADIUS client (NAS), as well as the RADIUS server (or RADIUS proxy). The shared secret is used to encrypt authentication credentials and data and is set up during the installation process.
9. What is Volume Tracking with Quotas (VTQ)?
VTQ enables companies to define and set data quotas per user. Usage is monitored on an on-going basis and alerts are generated when pre-defined thresholds are reached. This early warning system is designed to give enterprises the ability to control their data expenditure, curb and prevent system abuse and identify faulty remote devices.
10. What is Soft Suspend (SS) and In-Session Termination (IST)?
SS provides functionality that enables temporary user suspension through the Client Service Portal. IST works in collaboration with SS whereby a device may be kicked off the Network mid-session. This is particularly useful when dealing with lost or stolen SIM cards or faulty devices.
When the SS and IST features are coupled with VTQ, the cost control and device monitoring tool starts to operate like a bouncer for your Network. Devices and users exceeding their set quotas are automatically suspended and kicked off the Network. Lifting a suspension requires administrator intervention through the Client Service Portal.
11. I have my own RADIUS server, is it possible to access the specialised MSB RADIUS features?
Yes! MSB Micro Systems will provide a RADIUS Proxy solution which will proxy only validated connection requests to your enterprise’s RADIUS with the required features enabled while also providing an extra AAA service layer.
The MSB Managed Proxy RADIUS interfaces with various RADIUS platforms, such as Windows Active Directory and ISP RADIUS solutions.
12. Our clients are interested in MSB's services. Do you enter into partnerships?
Yes. Our reseller pricing structures are modeled on a tiered basis. Please contact MSB Sales for further information.