Role of the SAE

The SAE is the core manager of the SRC network. It interacts with other systems, such as Juniper Networks routers, cable modem termination system (CMTS) devices, directories, Web application servers, and RADIUS servers, to retrieve and disseminate data in the SRC environment. The SAE authorizes, activates and deactivates, and tracks subscriber and service sessions. It also collects accounting information about subscribers and services.

The SAE makes decisions about the deployment of policies on JunosE routers and devices running Junos OS. When a subscriber’s IP interface comes up on the router, the SAE determines whether it manages the interface. If the interface is managed—or controlled—by the SAE, the SAE sends the subscriber’s default policy configuration to the router. These default policies define the subscriber’s initial network access. When the subscriber activates a value-added service, the SAE translates the service into lists of policies and sends them to the router.

The SAE also provides plug-ins and application programming interfaces (APIs) that extend the capabilities of the SRC software.