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Updated on May 11, 2023
How much does a RADIUS server cost? With network security becoming paramount to organizations, it’s a question that is on the mind of many an IT admin. As more IT organizations look to implement RADIUS infrastructure for their WiFi and VPN environments, there are several approaches and implementations to consider. Let’s explore the options.
Free RADIUS Implementations
Many organizations today leveraging on-prem RADIUS implementations use the open source FreeRADIUS server. The software is aptly named. For all intents and purposes, FreeRADIUS is free.
But, while the software itself doesn’t cost anything, IT organizations do need hardware or virtual servers to host the software on. Then, the most expensive costs are usually the personnel costs to install, configure, and manage the RADIUS infrastructure. Supporting the FreeRADIUS implementation can be painful and expensive on an on-going basis as well.
Paid RADIUS Servers
There are additional paid RADIUS servers that are available on the market. These options are offered at several different price points, both in subscription OpEx and upfront CapEx models. Their prices vary from $13 total per month to up to $750+ per server, plus additional servicing fees.
Of course, the majority of these options still require quite the undertaking and overhead costs to implement and maintain. Add that on top of the inherent price of RADIUS servers, and IT admins are met with quite the bill. Many of today’s growing organizations are limited in both their free time and budgets, making many paid RADIUS options more trouble than they may be worth.
RADIUS from the Cloud
Interestingly, though, many organizations are shifting away from running their own RADIUS on-prem infrastructure (FreeRADIUS or otherwise) and moving to a cloud RADIUS option where the infrastructure is completely managed. IT organizations can simply point their WiFi access points and their VPNs to authenticate from this cloud RADIUS platform. While there is a cost to the service, IT organizations save by subverting the implementation and ongoing management costs of a RADIUS server.
JumpCloud Cloud RADIUS feature is a part of the general open directory, which acts as a cloud-based identity and access management platform. Since RADIUS relies on a directory service for authentication of user identities, having it built into a modern directory greatly simplifies connection processes. This type of RADIUS solution can also be used for other network security techniques, such as VLAN tagging, to ensure that only the right users have access to their required network resources.
The Cost of Cloud RADIUS
So, how much does a serverless, cloud RADIUS option cost? Well, JumpCloud’s open directory platform as a whole is available at an affordable monthly or annual price.
Try JumpCloud Cloud RADIUS
If you’re ready to secure your network with a cloud RADIUS server that provides interoperability and Zero Trust security, sign up today for a JumpCloud account. It’s free for up to 10 users or devices. If you’d like additional information, feel free to consult JumpCloud’s Knowledge Base, or drop us a line.
