The Cloud RADIUS Opportunity: Securing Client Wi-Fi Without Hardware

Written by Sean Blanton on October 3, 2025

Connect

Setting up a secure network used to be a massive undertaking. It often involved buying, installing, and managing on-premises hardware just to get a Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) server running. This approach is not only expensive and complex, but it also creates a rigid infrastructure that is difficult to scale and maintain.

Today’s IT environments demand more flexibility. As organizations embrace remote and hybrid work models, the need for a modern, hardware-free solution to secure Wi-Fi and VPN access has never been greater. It is time to move past the limitations of traditional hardware and embrace a more efficient approach.

The Problem with On-Premises RADIUS

Hardware-based RADIUS servers have long been the standard for network security, but they come with significant drawbacks. The initial setup requires a substantial capital investment in physical servers, not to mention the ongoing costs of maintenance, power, and cooling. For IT admins, this means more time spent on routine upkeep and less time on strategic initiatives.

These traditional setups also create security and operational challenges. They are single points of failure that can bring down network access if they malfunction. Scaling this infrastructure to support a growing workforce or new office locations is a slow and costly process that simply does not fit the dynamic needs of modern business.

JumpCloud

The High-Growth MSP Playbook

Turn Complexity Into Your Competitive Edge

A Better Way: RADIUS in the Cloud

Cloud RADIUS offers a streamlined alternative that eliminates the need for on-premises hardware entirely. By moving RADIUS to the cloud, you can deploy a robust security solution for your Wi-Fi and VPN networks instantly. This approach transforms network authentication from a complicated hardware project into a simple, scalable service.

With a cloud-based solution, you can manage network access from a single, centralized platform. This simplifies administration and provides greater visibility across your entire network. Key benefits include:

  • Instant Deployment: Set up and configure your RADIUS service in minutes, not days, without any hardware installation.
  • Reduced Costs: Eliminate the high upfront and ongoing costs associated with physical servers.
  • Enhanced Security: Secure every connection with unique user credentials, and easily enforce policies across all access points.
  • Seamless Scalability: Effortlessly scale your network security as your organization grows, without adding more hardware.

How Cloud RADIUS Works with JumpCloud

JumpCloud’s Cloud RADIUS extends the power of our open directory platform to your network infrastructure. It integrates directly with your existing Wi-Fi access points and VPNs, allowing you to secure network access using the same core identities your users have for their devices and applications. This creates a unified, certificate-based authentication experience that is both secure and frictionless.

Implementing JumpCloud RADIUS is straightforward. You simply point your network devices to JumpCloud’s cloud-based servers and configure your policies. From there, you can manage access for all users and devices from a single console, ensuring only authorized individuals can connect to your corporate network.

Secure Your Network the Modern Way

The days of clunky, expensive hardware for network security are over. Cloud RADIUS provides a modern, efficient, and highly secure alternative that meets the demands of today’s distributed workforce. By adopting a cloud-first approach, you can enhance your security posture while simplifying network management.

Ready to move beyond hardware-based RADIUS? Learn more about secure, frictionless access with JumpCloud RADIUS.

Sean Blanton

Sean Blanton has spent the past 15 years in the wide world of security, networking, and IT and Infosec administration. When not at work Sean enjoys spending time with his young kids and geeking out on table top games.

Continue Learning with our Newsletter