With such a big range of network access control software applications available on the market, choosing the right one can be challenging. Here are the top 2 suggestions that I would highly recommend:
1. Cisco ISE (Identity Services Engine): This solution is powerful, giving IT administrators the flexibility they need to control who, what, when, where, and how endpoints are allowed on the network. ISE uses Cisco TrustSec software-defined segmentation and other technologies to enforce security policies, including BYOD policies. In addition, ISE integrates well with other Cisco products, which makes it a natural fit for Cisco infrastructure network environments. Some of its best features and capabilities include built-in AAA services and support for multiple identity and directory services, such as Active Directory, LDAP, RADIUS, RSA, OTP, etc., centralized policy management and role-based access control, integrated BYOD, mobility, and guest lifecycle management, customizable mobile and desktop guest portals, and device profiling and endpoint posture service.
There are several advantages of using Cisco ISE, including: context-based access, better network visibility, comprehensive policy enforcement, self-service device onboarding, and consistent guest experiences. You can get ISE as a physical or virtual appliance. Both deployments can create ISE clusters that create scale, redundancy, and requirements. And Cisco ISE has four primary licenses.
Here’s the catch: Cisco ISE is best suited for companies that have invested in Cisco hardware. If your network infrastructure is made up of equipment from different vendors, you may want to consider a NAC solution that is more suitable for your environment.
2. Forescout Platform: Forescout is a highly flexible and robust product that offers agentless detection and management of network devices ranging from IT to IoT and even operational technology (OT) devices. What’s really good about the solution is that it integrates well with most network security applications, such as vulnerability assessment and SIEM tools. Forescout also places emphasis on device visibility, and can seamlessly identify a variety of device profiles. And through its security policy engine, it is able to provide network access control, segmentation, and even automatic incident response. The features I like most about this solution are that its user management is very easy, and the ability to actively identify the client without a certificate, which allows you to control every device on your network regardless of the make, model, and software running, which also allows for end-to-end security. And the actions that the agentless visibility allows you to perform on the endpoint are amazing. Moreover, it is very granular and has rock-solid stability.
In contrast to Cisco ISE, Forescout platform is a better choice for companies that have network equipment from different vendors, as it can easily gather information, and control different products from the same pane of glass. It is also worth noting that Forescout is more suitable for large organizations, due to its support for the most variety of devices and compliance modules.
Search for a product comparison in Network Access Control (NAC)
Network Access Control (NAC) is crucial for managing secure connections in enterprise networks, ensuring only authorized users and devices can access network resources.Network Access Control solutions help organizations enforce security policies by monitoring, managing, and controlling access to network resources. They provide real-time visibility and ensure compliance with company security policies. NAC solutions also help prevent unauthorized access and potential breaches by verifying...
With such a big range of network access control software applications available on the market, choosing the right one can be challenging. Here are the top 2 suggestions that I would highly recommend:
1. Cisco ISE (Identity Services Engine): This solution is powerful, giving IT administrators the flexibility they need to control who, what, when, where, and how endpoints are allowed on the network. ISE uses Cisco TrustSec software-defined segmentation and other technologies to enforce security policies, including BYOD policies. In addition, ISE integrates well with other Cisco products, which makes it a natural fit for Cisco infrastructure network environments. Some of its best features and capabilities include built-in AAA services and support for multiple identity and directory services, such as Active Directory, LDAP, RADIUS, RSA, OTP, etc., centralized policy management and role-based access control, integrated BYOD, mobility, and guest lifecycle management, customizable mobile and desktop guest portals, and device profiling and endpoint posture service.
There are several advantages of using Cisco ISE, including: context-based access, better network visibility, comprehensive policy enforcement, self-service device onboarding, and consistent guest experiences. You can get ISE as a physical or virtual appliance. Both deployments can create ISE clusters that create scale, redundancy, and requirements. And Cisco ISE has four primary licenses.
Here’s the catch: Cisco ISE is best suited for companies that have invested in Cisco hardware. If your network infrastructure is made up of equipment from different vendors, you may want to consider a NAC solution that is more suitable for your environment.
2. Forescout Platform: Forescout is a highly flexible and robust product that offers agentless detection and management of network devices ranging from IT to IoT and even operational technology (OT) devices. What’s really good about the solution is that it integrates well with most network security applications, such as vulnerability assessment and SIEM tools. Forescout also places emphasis on device visibility, and can seamlessly identify a variety of device profiles. And through its security policy engine, it is able to provide network access control, segmentation, and even automatic incident response. The features I like most about this solution are that its user management is very easy, and the ability to actively identify the client without a certificate, which allows you to control every device on your network regardless of the make, model, and software running, which also allows for end-to-end security. And the actions that the agentless visibility allows you to perform on the endpoint are amazing. Moreover, it is very granular and has rock-solid stability.
In contrast to Cisco ISE, Forescout platform is a better choice for companies that have network equipment from different vendors, as it can easily gather information, and control different products from the same pane of glass. It is also worth noting that Forescout is more suitable for large organizations, due to its support for the most variety of devices and compliance modules.
Aruba ClearPass in my experience is the most complete and useful solution on the market.
@reviewer1045779 can you please elaborate a bit on your answer? What does make it better than other products?
Thanks!