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APconnections, which provides plug-and-play bandwidth shaping products, has announced the availability of RADIUS authentication through its NetEqualizer (News - Alert) network access control (NAC) module.

Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) is a client/server protocol and software that enables remote access servers to communicate with a central server to authenticate dial-in users and authorize their access to the requested system or service, according to SearchSecurity.com.

RADIUS allows a company to maintain user profiles in a central database that can be shared by remote servers. This provides better security and enables a company to track usage for billing and for keeping network statistics.

“We're excited to offer the option to do authentication with Radius servers,” said Art Reisman (News - Alert), co-founder and CEO of APconnections, in a statement. “As a special-feature improvement available with our existing network access control (NAC) module, the authentication will be both effective as well as simple to use.”

When the network is congested, NetEqualizer uses a "behavior shaping" technology to give priority to latency-sensitive applications, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and email.

The dynamic and automatic WAN/Internet optimization feature of NetEqualizer improves on other bandwidth shaping technology available, say officials.

APconnections recently announced the updated version NetEqualizer, aimed at wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) and small business users, TMCnet reported . The new NetEqualizer release is designed for 10 megabits of traffic and 100 users, with potential room for expansion.

Users of RADIUS authentication through NetEqualizer will need an existing RADIUS server along with details from their customers including the speed of their connection and the duration of their service. The NetEqualizer will sit between users and the core network/Internet connection.

Upon receiving access requests to the network, the NetEqualizer will authenticate with the RADIUS server in one of several ways -- MAC address, IP address, or username and password. In case the authentication fails, they will be sent to a Web page of the network administrator's choosing or design for further information about obtaining network access.

APconnections has also announced a 50-percent discount offer on NAC module pricing through the end of October with the purchase of any new NetEqualizer.