SSO Architecture Diagram (SAML & OIDC)
Map single sign-on between identity provider, service providers, and the user browser.
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This diagram explains single sign-on architecture, where one set of credentials grants access to many applications. It shows the trust relationship between an identity provider and multiple service providers, with the user's browser relaying assertions or tokens. The building blocks include the IdP, the SAML or OIDC protocol exchange, the assertion or ID token, the user directory, and the downstream service providers that consume the authenticated session.
IT admins, identity engineers, and SaaS vendors use this SSO architecture diagram to design federated login, document SAML and OIDC integrations, and explain session flow to stakeholders. It is useful for enterprise onboarding, security reviews, and troubleshooting authentication issues across connected apps.
Great for
- Enterprise SaaS onboarding
- Identity integration docs
- Security reviews
- IT admin runbooks
- Vendor integration guides
Frequently asked questions
What is SSO architecture?+
Single sign-on lets a user authenticate once with an identity provider and access multiple applications without logging in again. The IdP issues assertions or tokens that service providers trust.
What is the difference between SAML and OIDC for SSO?+
SAML is an XML-based standard common in enterprise apps, while OIDC is a JSON and OAuth 2.0 based protocol popular for modern web and mobile apps. Both establish federated trust.
What are the components of an SSO system?+
An identity provider, one or more service providers, the user browser, a user directory, and the protocol exchange that passes a SAML assertion or OIDC ID token.
How does SSO improve security?+
It centralizes authentication, reduces password reuse, and lets organizations enforce MFA and policy in one place rather than across every individual app.
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