What is the common use of RADIUS in network configurations?

RADIUS, which stands for Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service, is primarily used for providing centralized Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) services for network access. In the context of managing switches and routers, RADIUS is particularly effective because it allows network administrators to authenticate users attempting to access network equipment.

By using RADIUS, administrators can enforce security policies and ensure that only authorized personnel can configure or manage network devices. This centralized management of device access is crucial in maintaining a secure network environment, especially in larger organizations where multiple network devices are present.

The other options, while related to networking, do not accurately represent the primary purpose of RADIUS. Firewall protection generally pertains to monitoring and controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic based on security rules, file transfer relates to the movement of data between systems, and remote logging refers to the practice of collecting log data from systems for monitoring or analysis. These functions may incorporate RADIUS indirectly, but they are not its main use.