How do you evaluate and compare different RADIUS solutions for your WLAN?

1 Security and compliance

One of the main benefits of using RADIUS is that it enhances the security and compliance of your WLAN. RADIUS can support various encryption methods, such as WPA2-Enterprise, EAP-TLS, and PEAP, to protect your data and credentials. RADIUS can also help you comply with standards and regulations, such as PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR, by providing audit logs, access policies, and identity management. You should compare how different RADIUS solutions meet your security and compliance requirements, and how easy they are to configure and manage.

2 Scalability and reliability

Another factor to consider is how well the RADIUS solution can scale and perform as your WLAN grows and changes. You should look for a RADIUS solution that can handle the number of users, devices, and access points that you have or expect to have in the future. You should also check how the RADIUS solution handles high traffic, peak demand, and network failures. You should compare the availability, redundancy, and load balancing features of different RADIUS solutions, and how they affect the speed and quality of your WLAN service.

3 Integration and compatibility

A third factor to consider is how easily the RADIUS solution can integrate and work with your existing or desired WLAN infrastructure and applications. You should look for a RADIUS solution that can support the authentication methods, network protocols, and device types that you use or plan to use on your WLAN. You should also check how the RADIUS solution can connect and synchronize with your user directories, such as Active Directory, LDAP, or SAML. You should compare the compatibility, flexibility, and interoperability of different RADIUS solutions, and how they affect the functionality and usability of your WLAN.

4 Cost and maintenance

A fourth factor to consider is how much the RADIUS solution costs and how much effort it requires to maintain. You should look for a RADIUS solution that fits your budget and offers a fair pricing model, such as per user, per device, or per access point. You should also check how the RADIUS solution provides updates, patches, and support, and how often you need to upgrade or troubleshoot it. You should compare the total cost of ownership, return on investment, and customer service of different RADIUS solutions, and how they affect the efficiency and satisfaction of your WLAN.

5 Features and benefits

A fifth factor to consider is what additional features and benefits the RADIUS solution offers to enhance your WLAN experience. You should look for a RADIUS solution that can provide value-added services, such as guest access, multi-factor authentication, device enrollment, reporting, and analytics. You should also check how the RADIUS solution can improve the performance, security, and usability of your WLAN, such as by reducing latency, preventing unauthorized access, and simplifying login. You should compare the features, benefits, and differentiators of different RADIUS solutions, and how they align with your WLAN goals and needs.

6 Reviews and recommendations

A sixth factor to consider is what other WLAN managers and users think and say about the RADIUS solutions that you are evaluating. You should look for a RADIUS solution that has positive reviews, ratings, and testimonials from reputable sources, such as industry experts, peers, or customers. You should also check how the RADIUS solution responds to feedback, suggestions, and complaints, and how it handles customer satisfaction and loyalty. You should compare the reputation, credibility, and trustworthiness of different RADIUS solutions, and how they influence your decision making.