> # About TACACS+

> TACACS+ is a client/server protocol that uses TCP (TCP port 49) for transport requirements. All switches in the Cisco MDS 9000 Family provide centralized authentication using the TACACS+ protocol. The TACACS+ has the following advantages over RADIUS authentication:

> - Provides independent, modular AAA facilities. Authorization can be done without authentication.
> - Uses the TCP transport protocol to send data between the AAA client and server, making reliable transfers with a connection-oriented protocol.
> - Encrypts the entire protocol payload between the switch and the AAA server to ensure higher data confidentiality. The RADIUS protocol only encrypts passwords.

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