In the context of wireless security, what role does AAA play when integrated with RADIUS?

AAA stands for Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting. It is a system in wireless security that manages user rights:

1. Authentication: This is the first step where the system verifies the identity of the user or device trying to connect to the network. It checks whether the user or device is what it claims to be. This is usually done through a username and password, but can also involve other methods like biometrics.

2. Authorization: Once the user or device is authenticated, the system then determines what they are allowed to do on the network. This involves setting permissions and granting access to resources.

3. Accounting: This is the process of tracking what the user or device does while connected to the network. This includes keeping logs of activity, which can be used for billing, auditing, or reviewing usage patterns.

RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) is a protocol that provides AAA services to users on a network. When AAA is integrated with RADIUS, it means that the RADIUS server is handling the AAA processes. The RADIUS server will authenticate users, authorize their access, and account for their activity. This integration provides a centralized way to manage wireless security, making it easier to control access and monitor activity on the network.