Delegation provides an alternate method of acquiring and forwarding authentication. When delegation is configured, the Name Server generates authentication certificates as if it were the client.

This method requires Kerberos to be configured as both the local and remote authentication mechanism. The client process generates an authentication certificate for the local Name Server. The local Name Server, in turn, uses its delegation capabilities to generate an authentication certificate, and forwards the certificate on behalf of the client to the remote Name Server.

If delegation is not enabled, or Kerberos is not configured as the local authentication mechanism, then the Name Server cannot generate the remote authentication certificate. Instead, the client acquires the authentication certificate prior to making the remote connection. The client then forwards the credentials directly to the remote Name Server. Either method is valid for making secure connections through Kerberos.

The process of acquiring and forwarding authentication can be delegated to the Name Server.