JasperReports Server Authentication Overview
Implementing single sign-on (SSO) results in a user being able to log in to JasperReports Server based on a shared login mechanism and ID. Common external authentication mechanisms include external DB, LDAP, CAS, and Token Based Authentication.
JasperReports server can work with several methods for authentication, this video shows the differences between them, when you need directory services and when you need Single Sign On (SSO).