Why don't you use a binary packet? I don't know which linux (?) distribution you are currently using ... but there are freeradius packages for most of them!
For example, I am using Debian with an precompiled package, it works perfect! :-) Binary packets are compiled by people who really know what they are doing! hth PS: in the /etc/raddb or /etc/freeradius or whatever are ONLY configuration files, my main executeable freeradius is in /usr/sbin/ - List info/subscribe/unsubscribe? See http://www.freeradius.org/list/users.html
