RADIUS-Based MikroTik Stations: Centralized Control and Tradeoffs

What is RADIUS?

RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) is the industry standard for centralized authentication. For ISPs with multiple MikroTik routers across different locations, RADIUS is the key to unified user management.

Benefits of RADIUS in Nova WiFi

• Roaming: Users can log in at any of your locations using the same credentials.
• Centralized Database: No user data is stored on the router itself, making it easy to swap hardware.
• Unlimited Scale: Manage hundreds of routers from a single Nova WiFi cluster.

RADIUS vs. API: The Tradeoffs

While API management is great for real-time control, RADIUS is better for high-concurrency environments. Nova WiFi supports both, allowing you to choose the best method for each station in your network.

Implementation Best Practices

When setting up RADIUS, ensure your NAS (Network Access Server) configurations are optimized and that you have a stable connection between your router and the RADIUS server. Nova WiFi handles the complex backend, so you only need to point your MikroTik to our IP.