Interlink Networks, Inc. is a technology company specializing in high-end, high-performance network access control solutions, primarily focusing on the foundational security framework of Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA). The company's core mission is to provide flexible and robust solutions for securing wired and wireless networks, serving a customer base that includes major Carriers, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), System Integrators, and large, fully networked enterprises globally.
The company is distinguished by its focus on building extensible, customizable, and high-performance servers that go beyond the capabilities of many off-the-shelf security products. Their solutions are standards-based and designed to meet the most stringent and demanding requirements of complex network environments, making network access control a managed and compliant process. This specialization in AAA protocols directly addresses key components of network security, access risk management, and regulatory compliance.
Core Business: AAA Protocol Solutions
Interlink Networks, Inc. centers its business around the implementation and deployment of two critical networking protocols: RADIUS and Diameter. These protocols are essential for centrally managing who can access a network, what they are allowed to do, and tracking their activities for billing and auditing purposes.
Products Offered
1. RAD-Series Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) RADIUS Server
The RAD-Series is the flagship product of Interlink Networks, Inc., providing a powerful and extensible RADIUS server solution.
* Functionality: It offers standards-based access control and security for diverse network environments, including mobile, wired, and wireless access networks. The server enables organizations to centrally manage the three key AAA functions for all network users:
* Authentication: Verifying the identity of the user or device.
* Authorization: Determining what resources the authenticated user or device is allowed to access.
* Accounting: Tracking the user's activities, such as connection time, data usage, and services accessed, for administrative, billing, and auditing purposes.
* Key Features: The RAD-Series is known for its extensibility, advanced user features, and ability to handle high-volume, high-performance requirements that are critical for large carriers and service providers. It is often utilized by System Integrators and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for integration into network equipment.
* Customization: The server can be tailored to specific application requirements through professional design services, ensuring optimal deployment in unique network architectures.
2. AAA Diameter Protocol Server
Interlink Networks is also involved with the next-generation AAA protocol, Diameter, which is designed to replace or extend RADIUS in modern networking architectures.
* Functionality: They offer a developer's release of a AAA Diameter Protocol Server, built to meet the requirements of the IETF and TIA for 3GPP, 3GPP2, and IMS Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting.
* Target Market: This solution provides a platform for third-generation (3G) cellular and Mobile IP IMS solutions, demonstrating the company's commitment to evolving network standards.
* Customization: Similar to the RAD-Series, the Diameter solution can be customized to meet specific customer requirements.
3. Interlink Networks Software Developer's Kit (SDK)
* Functionality: The SDK provides a set of modular tools that allow customers and partners to extend the capabilities of the RAD-Series Server.
* Applications: It is used for creating interfaces to other systems, implementing custom authorization logic, generating specialized reporting, and other bespoke extensions.
4. Advanced Policy Engine
* Functionality: This component implements RADIUS authorization using a simple scripting language, giving network administrators granular control over access.
* Applications: It can be used to define user groups and roles, filter packets based on specific criteria, and trigger unique processing for different network access scenarios.
Services Offered
Interlink Networks, Inc. complements its product offerings with a comprehensive suite of professional services, leveraging their deep expertise in AAA systems and protocols.
1. Professional Design and Support Services
The company provides a high level of support and engineering expertise to ensure successful deployment and operation of its high-performance servers.
* RADIUS/Diameter Server Design: Providing consultation and design for customized RADIUS and Diameter server implementations to meet a customer's specific functional and performance requirements.
* AAA System Audits: Conducting thorough audits of existing Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting systems to identify vulnerabilities, performance bottlenecks, and compliance issues.
* Onsite Application Engineering: Delivering specialized engineering services at the customer's location to assist with the installation, configuration, and optimization of RADIUS server deployments.
* Turnkey Solutions: Providing complete, end-to-end implementation services for complex AAA architectures, having delivered solutions for some of the world's largest carriers and service providers.
2. Specialized Training
Interlink Networks offers professional training programs designed for various roles within an organization, from operators to developers.
* Curriculum: Training courses range from the basic operation of the RADIUS server to hands-on, developer-focused courses on how to extend and optimize the server deployment for specific applications.
* Delivery: Training can be delivered onsite and tailored specifically to the customer's agenda and technical requirements.
Security Compliance and Risk Management Context
While Interlink Networks, Inc. may not be a general-purpose security compliance consulting firm, its focus on AAA protocols is intrinsically tied to Security Compliance and Risk Management in the following ways:
* Access Control: The AAA system is the primary mechanism for network access control, ensuring that only authenticated and authorized users and devices can connect to the network, which is a fundamental security and risk mitigation practice.
* Compliance: Accounting logs generated by the RADIUS server are essential for meeting regulatory and internal compliance requirements for auditing user access, data usage, and network activity.
* Risk Mitigation: By centralizing and enforcing strong authentication (e.g., through methods like EAP) and granular authorization policies, the company's solutions mitigate the risk of unauthorized access, insider threats, and network misuse.
* Extensibility for Evolving Threats: The ability to customize and extend the server through the SDK and professional services allows enterprises to adapt their access control mechanisms to new security standards, authentication methods (like various EAP types), and emerging compliance mandates.
In summary, Interlink Networks, Inc. provides essential infrastructure and expertise for large-scale network access security, positioning itself as a vital partner for organizations that require highly reliable, performant, and compliant AAA solutions for managing the security and access risk of their critical wired and wireless network assets.
