Integrating External Authentication Sources

Integrating external authentication sources in MikroTik RouterOS allows you to authenticate users against external databases or services, such as RADIUS, LDAP, or Active Directory. This feature enhances security and simplifies user management by centralizing authentication processes.

Key Concepts

1. RADIUS Authentication

RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) is a networking protocol that provides centralized authentication, authorization, and accounting management for users who connect and use a network service. MikroTik RouterOS can be configured to use a RADIUS server for user authentication, ensuring that users are validated against a centralized database.

Example: A company might use a RADIUS server to authenticate all employees accessing the corporate Wi-Fi. By integrating RADIUS with MikroTik RouterOS, the router can verify user credentials against the company's centralized user database.

2. LDAP Authentication

LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) is an application protocol for accessing and maintaining distributed directory information services over an IP network. MikroTik RouterOS can be configured to authenticate users against an LDAP server, allowing for seamless integration with existing directory services.

Example: An educational institution might use an LDAP server to manage student and staff accounts. By integrating LDAP with MikroTik RouterOS, the router can authenticate users against the institution's directory service, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access the network.

3. Active Directory Authentication

Active Directory (AD) is a directory service developed by Microsoft for managing user accounts and network resources. MikroTik RouterOS can be configured to authenticate users against an Active Directory server, providing a secure and efficient way to manage user access.

Example: A large enterprise might use Active Directory to manage employee accounts and network permissions. By integrating Active Directory with MikroTik RouterOS, the router can authenticate users against the enterprise's directory service, ensuring that only authorized employees can access the network.

Integrating External Authentication Sources

Step 1: Configuring RADIUS Authentication

To configure RADIUS authentication, follow these steps:

1. Open Winbox and connect to your MikroTik device.
2. Navigate to IP > RADIUS.
3. Click Add to create a new RADIUS server entry.
4. Enter the IP address and shared secret of your RADIUS server.
5. Configure the authentication and accounting settings as needed.
6. Click OK to save the configuration.

For example, you might configure a RADIUS server at IP address 192.168.1.100 with a shared secret of "secret123".

Step 2: Configuring LDAP Authentication

To configure LDAP authentication, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to System > Users > LDAP.
2. Click Add to create a new LDAP server entry.
3. Enter the IP address, base DN, and bind DN of your LDAP server.
4. Configure the authentication settings as needed.
5. Click OK to save the configuration.

For example, you might configure an LDAP server at IP address 192.168.1.200 with a base DN of "dc=example,dc=com" and a bind DN of "cn=admin,dc=example,dc=com".

Step 3: Configuring Active Directory Authentication

To configure Active Directory authentication, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to System > Users > Active Directory.
2. Click Add to create a new Active Directory server entry.
3. Enter the IP address and domain name of your Active Directory server.
4. Configure the authentication settings as needed.
5. Click OK to save the configuration.

For example, you might configure an Active Directory server at IP address 192.168.1.300 with a domain name of "example.com".

By integrating external authentication sources, you can enhance the security and manageability of your MikroTik network, ensuring that only authorized users can access network resources.