Summary

Although dictionaries are not required for the RADIUS protocol they are a core part of the FreeRADIUS server. The following is a list of important points to remember about dictionaries:

• Do not modify the pre-defined dictionary files that are installed by FreeRADIUS.
• Check with an NAS vendor for any new supported RADIUS attributes in order to update the dictionaries.
• Updated dictionaries have to be sourced after the pre-defined dictionary files in order to have the latest supported attributes.
• Dictionaries are there for our benefit by mapping attribute names to AVP type numbers.
• Attributes of type integer can have value definitions that link a certain string to an integer value.
• Dictionary files located under /usr/share/freeradius are not automatically used by FreeRADIUS but they have to be specifically listed in the /usr/share/freeradius/dictionary file or in the dictionary file in the FreeRADIUS configuration directory.

Pop quiz – dictionaries

1. Isaac phones you in a state of shock...