Criteria for Evaluating Network Access Server Protocols

Status of this Memo This memo provides information for the Internet community. It does not specify an Internet standard of any kind. Distribution of this memo is unlimited. Abstract This document defines requirements for protocols used by Network Access Servers (NAS). 1. Requirements language In this document, the key words "MAY", "MUST, "MUST NOT", "optional", "recommended", "SHOULD", and "SHOULD NOT", are to be interpreted as described in [KEYWORDS]. 2. Introduction This document defines requirements for protocols used by Network Access Servers (NAS). Protocols used by NAS's may be divided into four spaces: Access protocols, Network protocols, AAA protocols, and Device Management protocols. The primary focus of this document is on AAA protocols. The reference model of a NAS used by this document, and the analysis of the functions of a NAS which led to the development of these requirements, may be found in [NAS-MODEL]. 3. Access Protocol Requirements There are three basic types of access protocols used by NAS's. First are the traditional telephony-based access protocols, which interface to the NAS via a modem or terminal adapter or similar device. These protocols typically support asynchronous or synchronous PPP [PPP] Beadles & Mitton Informational [Page 1]