Which user authentication method utilizes AAA in SonicWall devices?

The user authentication method that utilizes AAA—Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting—in SonicWall devices is RADIUS. RADIUS is specifically designed to provide central authentication for users who are attempting to gain access to a network. It works by first authenticating the user, then authorizing access to specific resources, and finally accounting for the user activities, such as tracking session time and data usage.

In the context of network security, RADIUS servers manage user credentials and facilitate access control for multiple devices, making it a scalable solution for user management in larger networks. Its integration with AAA principles ensures that each part of the authentication process is handled systematically, allowing for secure and efficient network access.

While TACACS+ also provides similar functionalities with an emphasis on providing more flexibility in authorization and accounting than RADIUS, it is not depicted as the primary authentication method in this specific context. LDAP and Active Directory serve different purposes related to directory services and may not inherently encompass the AAA framework in the same manner as RADIUS does. Their role usually focuses on storing and retrieving user information rather than managing access control processes directly.