In today’s interconnected world, seamless access to educational resources across institutions and borders is essential. This is where eduGAIN, the global academic interfederation service, plays a crucial role. By connecting over 78 federations, more than 6,000 Identity Providers (IdPs), and nearly 27 million students across 50+ countries, eduGAIN provides a global infrastructure for federated access to shared services.

Get all the eduGAIN numbers and facts here.

What is eduGAIN?

eduGAIN simplifies authentication for users in the research and education sector. Instead of managing multiple logins for different services, users from member institutions can access all eduGAIN-connected services using their institutional credentials. This Single Sign-On (SSO) experience enhances user convenience while significantly reducing administrative overhead for service providers.

Get more information about eduGAIN here 

The story behind eduGAIN

Developed by the GÉANT research and education networking community in Europe and operational since 2011, eduGAIN has expanded beyond its initial European scope to a global service connecting federations worldwide. While its core functionality is mature, ongoing efforts under the GÉANT 4 Project focus on developing supporting services, addressing evolving privacy and trust requirements, and harmonizing policies and best practices—all overseen by the eduGAIN Steering Group.

For more information on technical documentation here.

How Does it Work?

eduGAIN operates on the principles of federated identity management. Participating institutions and service providers (SPs) exchange metadata, containing essential authentication details. When a user attempts to access a service, they are redirected to their home institution’s login page for authentication. Upon successful authentication, access is granted securely and efficiently to the requested service. This streamlined process ensures secure and efficient access to a wide range of educational resources.

Benefits from interfederating through eduGAIN

Video source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1YhuFPxMz8 

How to integrate eduGAIN in an Open edX platform

Integrating eduGAIN into an Open edX platform unlocks seamless Single Sign-On (SSO), greatly enhancing the user experience for all your LMS users. This process involves configuring the Open edX platform as a Service Provider (SP) and connecting it to the eduGAIN network. To achieve this, the platform exchanges metadata with the Identity Providers (IdPs) registered within eduGAIN, ensures the IdPs release necessary and privacy-conscious user attributes, and configures SAML authentication in Open edX by incorporating eduGAIN metadata and mapping IdP attributes to user accounts.

Benefits of implementing eduGAIN in Open edX platforms

The Open edX platform, a leading open source learning management system, can seamlessly integrate with eduGAIN, offering numerous benefits:

• Enhanced User Experience for both, learners and instructors. They can access the Open edX platform using their existing institutional credentials, eliminating the need for multiple accounts, credentials and logins.
  
• SSO streamlines the login process, leading to increased user satisfaction and engagement.
  
• The centralized authentication simplifies access management for administrators, reducing administrative effort.
  
• eduGAIN connects Open edX platforms to a vast network of educational resources and services, expanding their reach and impact.
  

Abstract Technology: Your eduGAIN Integration Partner

As Europe’s leading Open edX service partner, Abstract Technology GmbH has extensive experience in integrating eduGAIN into Open edX platforms. We understand the technical complexities and ensure a seamless and secure implementation, helping institutions unlock the full potential of eduGAIN.

Why Choose Abstract Technology?

• Deep expertise in Open edX and eduGAIN integration.
  
• A smooth, hassle-free integration process.
• Tailored solutions to meet your institution’s unique needs.
• Ongoing support to ensure long-term functionality and success.