Broadband Remote Access Server
(BRAS)
Description
We often take for granted the means by which things happen when we surf the internet, watch video content, or telecommute. The BRAS, or Broadband Remote Access Server, is one of these broadband marvels doing much work behind the scenes to ensure there’s easy access to cyberspace, particularly through DSL or other broadband methods.
BRAS – Let it be clear what it stands for, what it does, and why it is important.
What is BRAS?
BRAS stands for Broadband Remote Access Server. Your Internet Service Provider uses it to control which customers have access to the network and to forward broadband traffic between that user and the Internet.
The request goes to the BRAS first whether you are on DSL, fiber, cable, or whatever; it’ll check who you are, let you in or deny you.
BRAS is a traffic cop at the end of the ISP's network.
BRAS is most typically located at the periphery of the ISP network, right before it enters the larger Internet backbone. Its primary function is to connect to access networks like DSLAMs so that aggregated internet connections collected from many homes or offices can be made.
In sum, this is how ISPs can cope with thousands and millions of users.
What is BRAS?
BRAS does a lot of really important things:
- It asks the user who they are. This is called User Authentication. Only if you’re a registered user will it let you in.
BRAS authenticates the identity of the user before accepting him to surf the internet. It interrogates other companion RADIUS servers, asking them to check the username and password. If this is okay, then give access to the person online.
QoS is the process of ensuring a certain level of performance in network communication.
A deliberate management technique for IP addresses includes configuring a device to use a specific IP address from among the available static IP addresses or allowing devices to take any dynamic IP address from a defined range.
Routing
BRAS routes your data to the appropriate server and returns the findings to you as in watching YouTube, or in opening an email message.
Quality of Service (QoS)
Although BRAS is not an element of all ISP networks, it illustrates the intent to modify bandwidth or other parameters. Here’s how it works: an example is someone’s subscription to a premium plan since they will get more bandwidth, and another person may be on a lower speed.
Accounting for use and billing
BRAS helps ISPs monitor your data consumption and accurately charge you or enforce fair use policies. It monitors session time, data use, as well as maintains login logs.
What’s BRAS all about?
BRAS is that fellow who allows people into broadband networks. Without him:
- There would have been no proper authentication of users.
- There would be uncontrollable internet traffic.
- Differentiation of services is not an option available to ISPs.
- It would be difficult to monitor and secure the network.
In a nutshell, BRAS helps ISPs in maintaining stable, well-managed, and operational networks.
An Easy Example
Think of it this way:
You turn on your Wi-Fi at home and try to get to Google.
Your modem’s connected to your ISP’s DSL network.
BRAS gets your request.
BRAS checks if you are a real customer.
Assigns you an IP address.
Routes your request to the correct Google server.
Counts the amount of data that it gives you.
Provides the wanted speed when more than 1 service is paid for
All of this occurs every time a user goes online within a matter of seconds
BRAS and the Internet of Things
With the advent of fiber optics, 5G, and cloud networking, the role of BRAS is evolving. Traditionally, BRAS setups were tailored for DSL and cable internet access. This was a totally different situation back then since today’s networks support virtual BRAS (vBRAS), meaning software-based systems that operate from a data center.
ISP the ability to grow fast, be performant, and save money all at once.
We don’t hear quite a lot these days the specific term “Broadband Remote Access Server,” but it is indeed very crucial to internet usage on a daily basis as it serves as the keeper, traffic cop, and accountant regarding the broadband connection in place.
With BRAS, you can use the internet safe and sound, stream without any annoying interruptions and stay always on.
Next time your internet reconnects instantly again, just know that BRAS is there working silently in the background to do it!