The architecture, and protocols for authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) are one of the most important design considerations in third generation (3G)/fourth generation (4G) telecommunication networks. Many advances have been made to exploit the benefits of the current systems based on the protocol remote authentication dial in user service (RADIUS)protocol, and the evolution to migrate into the more secure, robust, and scalable protocol Diameter. Diameter is the protocol of choice for the IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) architecture, the core technology for the next generation networks. It is envisioned that Diameter will be widely used in various wired and wireless systems to facilitate robust and seamless AAA. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the major AAA protocols RADIUS and Diameter, and we discuss their roles in practical 1xEV-DO network architectures in the three major network tiers: access, distribution, and core. We conclude the chapter with a short summary of the current and future trends related to the Diameter-based AAA systems.
Remote Authentication Dial In User Service (RADIUS) Protocol Extensions
