FreeRADIUS is a high-performance and highly configurable multi-protocol policy server that implements RADIUS, DHCP, DNS, TACACS+, and VMPS protocols. It serves as the world’s most widely deployed RADIUS server, powering authentication for hundreds of millions of users globally.
- Multi-Protocol Support: Implements RADIUS, DHCPv4, DHCPv6, DNS, TACACS+, and VMPS protocols
- High Performance & Scalability: Scales from small installations (10 users) to massive deployments (10M+ users)
- Extensive Backend Integration: Works with MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, Microsoft Active Directory, Apache Cassandra, Redis, and OpenLDAP
- Flexible Authentication Methods: Supports 802.1x (WiFi), dialup, PPPoE, VPNs, VoIP, and more
- Comprehensive Policy Engine: Advanced policy language for fine-grained access control
- Latest Stable: 3.2.8 (August 20, 2025)
- Currently Supported: 3.2.x release stream (recommended for production)
- Previous Stable: 3.0.x (still maintained for legacy systems)
- Network Access Control: WiFi, wired networks, VPNs, and 802.1x implementations
- ISP Authentication: Centralized AAA for internet service providers
- Enterprise Infrastructure: Corporate network authentication and authorization
- Educational Institutions: Commonly used in academic wireless networks (eduroam)
- Telecommunications: National-scale authentication systems
- Primary Language: C (92.8% of codebase)
- License: GNU GPLv2
- Architecture: Modular design with pluggable authentication modules
Version 3.2.x focuses on new features while maintaining backward compatibility with 3.0.x. Key improvements include enhanced LDAP integration, SQL counter modules, JSON support, and improved datastore handling. For production environments, it’s recommended to start with the default configuration and make incremental changes while testing.
For Linux DevOps environments, FreeRADIUS offers excellent integration capabilities with infrastructure automation tools. The server includes debugging capabilities (radiusd -X) and extensive documentation to support operational needs.
Any questions?
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