
As modern enterprises strive to enhance network security and streamline access control, implementing AAA (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting) with a TACACS (Terminal Access Controller Access Control System) server has become a mandatory step in network security best practice. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of **configuring AAA with a TACACS server** for enterprise networks, enabling centralized authentication, granular authorization, and detailed accounting.

### What is AAA? {# What is AAA?}   

In the network security space, **AAA stands for Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting**. It is a framework or concept used for securing enterprise networks through identity management & access control, enforcing security policies, and tracking user activity. This framework provides a comprehensive approach to managing user authentication, determining access privileges, and recording usage information for auditing and accountability purposes. **Radius and TACACS+** are two popular protocols used in AAA services.  


Let us dig more into the three components of the AAA framework:

1. **Authentication:**  
The process of verifying the identity of users or devices attempting to access a network is known as Authentication. This is a fundamental step in the AAA framework, ensuring that only legitimate users gain entry. Some examples of authentication methods are passwords, certificates, biometric factors (fingerprint, facial recognition), or token-based authentication.  
2. **Authorization:**  
The next step in the AAA framework is authorization, which determines the level of access and permissions granted to the authenticated entity. Granular access control policies should be implemented to ensure that users have appropriate privileges based on their roles and responsibilities within the organization.  
3. **Accounting:**  
This step aids in security auditing and fraud detection because it records important information such as login/logout times, session durations, data transferred, and specific actions performed. AAA frameworks provide centralized accounting mechanisms for easy monitoring and analysis of user activity.  


### What is TACACS? {# What is TACACS?}  

**TACACS or Terminal Access Controller Access Control System** is a network protocol and framework used for controlling access to network devices and services. TACACS provides authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) functionality, allowing organizations to secure and manage access to their network infrastructure.

### TACACS Vs.TACACS+ {# TACACS Vs.TACACS+}  
TACACS protocol was first developed by Cisco Systems to facilitate Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting or AAA Services to secure enterprise networks like routers, switches, VPNs, etc. **TACACS+ protocol** is an enhanced version of the older TACACS protocol, also developed by Cisco. TACACS+ provides a more flexible authorization framework, supporting fine-grained access control and a wider range of attributes. It has broader vendor support and is considered more secure than TACACS.

### TACACS+ Vs. HWTACACS {# TACACS+ Vs. HWTACACS}  
**HWTACACS protocol** is another variant of the TACACS+ protocol, which was specifically designed to work with **Huawei networking devices**. But when it comes to TACACS+, it not only works well with Cisco network devices but also supports multiple other vendors and is widely adopted by various manufacturers. HWTACACS is tailored to meet the specific requirements of Huawei devices and may have unique features or integrations with Huawei's ecosystem, whereas TACACS+ is known for its flexibility, advanced authorization options, and stronger encryption.  

### AAA TACACS Server Configuration {# AAA TACACS Server Configuration}
Configuring a TACACS server involves several steps to set up authentication, authorization, and accounting services. Here's a general outline of the process:  

#### Install and Configure TACACS Server Software:
1. Choose a TACACS server software that suits your needs (e.g., miniOrange, Cisco Secure ACS, TACACS.net).  
2. Install the server software on a dedicated server or virtual machine.  
3. Configure the server software by specifying parameters such as IP address, port number, shared secret key, and authentication methods.  

#### Define User Accounts:  

Create user accounts on the TACACS server, specifying usernames and passwords.
Optionally, you can define additional user attributes like group memberships, access privileges, and authorization settings.  

### Configure Network Devices for TACACS Authentication:

1. Access the configuration interface of your network devices (e.g., routers, switches).
2. Configure the devices to use the TACACS server for authentication by specifying its IP address and port.
3. Set the shared secret key to match the one configured on the TACACS server.

#### Authorization Configuration:

1. Configure authorization settings on the TACACS server to control user access privileges and permissions.
2. Define access policies based on user roles or groups.
3. Specify the level of access granted for various commands or resources.

#### Accounting Configuration:

1. Enable accounting on the TACACS server to track and log user activities.
2. Specify the accounting methods (e.g., start-stop, interim-update) and the type of data to be logged (e.g., login events, command history).

#### Testing and Verification:

1. Test the TACACS authentication by attempting to log in to the network devices using the TACACS server credentials.
2. Verify that the authorization settings are correctly applied, allowing or denying access based on the defined policies.
3. Monitor the accounting logs to ensure that user activities are properly recorded.

### Implementing AAA TACACS with miniOrange {# Implementing AAA TACACS with miniOrange}

You can easily manage and increase the security of all of your network devices like routers and switches with **miniOrange AAA service with TACACS/TACACS+**. Get a centralized dashboard where you can add all your TACACS/TACACS+ devices and configure their authentication source like verifying user identities from your existing databases and directories **like Active Directory or AD**. For increasing or adding the extra layer of Security, you can enable Multi-Factor Authentication(MFA) on top of regular authentication and enable any of the **15+ MFA methods** that miniOrange provides. We support diverse use cases that enterprises require, like **AD authentication + MFA, local authentication + MFA**, and many more.  

You can get a TACTACS+ AAA solution specifically designed to secure all your **Cisco devices like Cisco Routers and Switches** in your entire organization. Secure all your Network Devices like Wi-Fi, Routers, Network Switches, and Firewall and enable MFA without installing any external proxy with the miniOrange solution. Test how our solution will function in your environment with a [one-month full feature free trial/ POC](https://www.miniorange.com/iam/free-trial)

### FAQ {# FAQ}

**What are the other Vendor Network Devices supported by the miniOrange TACACS+ solution other than Cisco devices?**  
  


The miniOrange TACACS+ solution supports multiple vendors like Huawei, Juniper, Fortinet, Arista, Palo Alto, and many more along with Cisco network devices to effortlessly enable AAA services to secure their network devices like Wi-Fi, Routers, Network Switches, and Firewall, etc. Also, if you want to add next-level security, the miniOrange solution can enable MFA by simply using an external proxy.


Implement AAA services for your enterprise network with Tacacs and Tacacs+ servers. This blog provides you with complete knowledge.

A Comprehensive Guide to Implement AAA with TACACS Server for Enterprise Networks


## RADIUS Vs. TACACS+: What Enterprise Network Users Need to Know? {#RADIUS Vs. TACACS+: What Enterprise Network Users Need to Know?}

In the corporate world, enterprise networks form the backbone of organizations, facilitating seamless communication and data exchange. Modern businesses are often required to employ various **Authentication, Authorization & Accounting (AAA) protocols** to ensure the security and efficiency of their network infrastructure and devices like routers, switches, firewalls, Wi-Fi, VPNs, etc. 

**RADIUS and TACACS+** are popular AAA protocols facilitating AAA services, and each has unique advantages and disadvantages over the other. This blog aims to shed light on these two protocols, highlighting their features, strengths, and differences to help enterprise network users make informed decisions about their network security and network access control needs.

### Understanding AAA protocols {#Understanding AAA protocols}

The AAA protocols are the secret sauce that elevates your enterprise network security. It's like having a well-trained bouncer, an access control tailor, and a savvy detective rolled into one. Your network stays locked down, efficient, and audit-ready at all times. AAA or Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting is the ultimate trifecta that keeps your network safe, efficient, and in control while empowering your enterprise network to thrive with confidence!

### Understanding RADIUS {#Understanding RADIUS}

**RADIUS protocol (also known as Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service)** is a widely adopted networking protocol primarily used for user authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA). It was originally designed for dial-up connections but has evolved to cater to modern network environments. 

&nbsp;  

#### **How Does RADIUS Work?**

RADIUS operates in a client-server model, where the client (often a network access server) sends authentication requests to the RADIUS server, which then verifies user credentials and grants or denies access accordingly.  

&nbsp;  

#### **Key Features of RADIUS:**

1. **User Authentication:** RADIUS verifies the identity of users attempting to access the network by cross-referencing credentials against a centralized user database.

2. **Authorization:** Once a user is authenticated, RADIUS determines the level of access they are granted based on predefined policies and permissions.

3. **Accounting:** RADIUS logs network access-related information, such as login time, data usage, and session duration, for auditing and billing purposes.

4. **Scalability:** RADIUS has the capability to support a larger volume of users and network access devices, making it suitable for enterprise-level networks.  


### Understanding TACACS+ {#Understanding TACACS+}

**Terminal Access Controller Access-Control System Plus or TACACS+ protocol** is another authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) protocol, similar to RADIUS. It was developed as an improvement over the older TACACS protocol to address its limitations. 

The TACACS+ protocol provides separate authentication and authorization, which adds an extra layer of security compared to RADIUS. Like RADIUS, TACACS+ also operates in a client-server architecture.  

&nbsp;  

#### **Key Features of TACACS+:**

1. **Separation of Authentication and Authorization:** TACACS+ separates the authentication process from the authorization process, providing more granular network access control.

2. **Command-Level Authorization:** With TACACS+, administrators can control which commands a user is allowed to execute on a network device, enhancing security.

3. **Encryption:** TACACS+ encrypts the entire communication between the client and the server, making it more secure compared to the shared-secret encryption of RADIUS.

4. **Flexibility:** TACACS+ allows customization of authentication and authorization methods, providing greater flexibility to suit specific network security requirements.  


### RADIUS and TACACS+: Similarities {#RADIUS and TACACS+: Similarities}

RADIUS and TACACS+, although distinct protocols in their implementations, serve a common mission of fortifying your enterprise networks against unauthorized access and safeguarding your organization’s sensitive data & resources. As we delve into the similarities between these AAA protocols, you will gain a clearer appreciation for the fundamental principles that have made RADIUS and TACACS+ the pillars of network security. So, let's explore the convergence of these authentication powerhouses and their roles in enhancing the digital fortress of modern-day enterprises.  

&nbsp;  


| **Similarity Factors** | **RADIUS & TACACS+ Similarity** |
| :--------------------- |:--------------------------------|
| Purpose                | RADIUS and TACACS+ are both used to provide authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) services in network environments. |
| Client-Server Architecture | A client-server architecture is followed by both RADIUS and TACACS+, where the client (network device or user) initiates a connection request, and the server (authentication server) validates and processes the request. |
| Centralized Authentication | RADIUS and TACACS+ promote centralized authentication, which simplifies user management and streamlines the process of adding or revoking user access. |
| Industry Acceptance        | Both RADIUS and TACACS+ have been widely adopted and are considered industry standards for AAA services in many organizations.|
| Use in Network Devices     | Both protocols are supported by various network devices, such as routers, switches, VPN gateways, and wireless access points. |
| Extensible Authentication  | RADIUS and TACACS+ allow extensible authentication methods beyond the standard username & password based login. Both facilitate integration with Multi-Factor Authentication, Certificate-Based Authentication, and other methods. |
 
**Note:** With the miniOrange AAA services supporting RADIUS & TACACS+ protocols, you can also enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) or Adaptive MFA to advance the security posture of your enterprise networks. miniOrange provides 15+ MFA methods to choose from.

### RADIUS Vs. TACACS+: Key Differences {#RADIUS Vs. TACACS+: Key Differences}

While both RADIUS and TACACS+ share some common ground, they also exhibit significant differences in their design, capabilities, and areas of application. Understanding these key distinctions is essential for enterprise network administrators seeking to make informed decisions about which protocol best suits their organization's specific security and authentication requirements. Let's explore the notable disparities between RADIUS and TACACS+.

### Advantages of TACACS+ over RADIUS {#Advantages of TACACS+ over RADIUS}

1. **Granular Access Control:** By allowing fine-tuned access policies based on user roles or groups, TACACS+ provides better network access control than RADIUS protocol.

2. **Robust Packet Encryption:** TACACS+ ensures secure data transmission with strong packet encryption, protecting sensitive information beside passwords.

3. **TCP Reliability:** Since TCP is primarily used, TACACS+ can facilitate reliable data communication, ensuring orderly transmission between client and server.

4. **Extensive Packet Structure:** TACACS+ accommodates additional attributes, offering more flexibility in communication.

5. **Tailored Router Management:** TACACS+ excels in router management, providing better control over device configurations.

6. **Enhanced Cisco Interoperability:** TACACS+ integrates seamlessly with Cisco devices, making it an ideal choice for Cisco-centric environments.


### Advantages of RADIUS over TACACS+ {#Advantages of RADIUS over TACACS+}

1. **Simplicity and Wide Support:** RADIUS is simpler to implement and widely supported across various network devices, making it easier to integrate into diverse environments.

2. **Authentication-Focused:** Authentication capabilities are very strong in RADIUS, and it is known for efficiently verifying user credentials for enterprise network access.

3. **UDP Efficiency:** Compared to TACACS+ which uses TCP protocol, RADIUS offers faster communication and lower overheads using UDP for data transmission.

4. **Compact Packet Structure:** The compact packet structure used in RADIUS protocols results in smaller packet sizes and efficient bandwidth utilization.

5. **Industry Standard:** With mature implementations and widespread adoption, RADIUS has been a long-standing industry standard.
 
6. **Interoperability:** RADIUS exhibits high interoperability, allowing seamless integration with various networking vendors and equipment.


### Secure Your Network Access with miniOrange {#Secure Your Network Access with miniOrange}

This blog gave you an idea of how to decide which protocol is more suitable for your enterprise networks, now it is time to select the right solution for your organization. You can secure your enterprise networks with **miniOrange AAA solutions supporting both TACACS+ and RADIUS protocols** and also other known protocols as well. Secure all your network devices like routers, switches, firewalls, Wi-Fi, and VPNs of different vendors like Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet, and many more with a single solution. Further, you can add an extra layer of security by enabling MFA or Multi-Factor Authentication on your enterprise network access with the miniOrange MFA solution, which supports all VPNs and network devices. 

**To know more about AAA Services & MFA, visit our website: [miniorange.com](https://www.miniorange.com/)**

**Start your [30-day full feature free trial](https://www.miniorange.com/iam/free-trial) with POC** 








If you as an Enterprise Network User are confused between choosing RADIUS Vs. TACACS+ for Network Security, then this blog will help you make a firm decision.

A Comprehensive Guide to Implement AAA with TACACS Server for Enterprise Networks

RADIUS Vs. TACACS+: What to Choose For Enterprise Networks?