In this article, you’ll learn about the benefits and limitations of each type of NAC. Four major NAC solutions are available today: Hardware-based, inline, and dynamic. This article provides an overview of these four types of NAC solutions.
Out of band
There are two main types of network access control: inline and out of band. Choosing which type of network access control (nac) solutions is best for your organization will depend on your needs. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a closer look at each one. Inline solutions are the most common. Out of band solutions are more complex. Inline solutions sit on the network’s edge, outside the control plane. Inline solutions do not strip MAC addresses, and they do not see copies of traffic. Because of this, they see real-time traffic and can respond to threats before they even cause you problems. Furthermore, out-of-band solutions may not work with all switches.
When choosing an out-of-band network access control solution, ensure that it supports alternate modes of communication. For example, remote sites may require satellite, cellular broadband, dial-up, and other communication methods.
Inline
Inline network access control solutions are today’s most comprehensive solutions. They can enforce the correct network access policy, implement compartmentalized network access, and monitor all network traffic activity at the entry point. In addition, they require hardly any changes to existing network equipment, such as switches. As a result, inline solutions can scale and be more accessible to implement than other NAC solutions. However, there are critical differences between these solutions.
The first difference between NAC solutions is that the latter requires a hardware appliance. Hardware-based NACs are installed within the network and are designed to displace the access switch. Unlike software-based solutions, hardware-based NAC solutions can operate between the network and the access layer. They can also be configured as a virtual customs agent, allowing or denying network access to users. This feature makes it more flexible to control network access.
Hardware-based
In the past, NAC solutions have relied on a scan-and-block mechanism to provide network security and compliance. Today’s NAC solutions address more complex security challenges such as guest access management, device configuration standardization, and enterprise-grade security. The right NAC solution can ensure that all devices connected to your corporate network have the proper controls and comply with your security policies. In addition, using automated policy enforcement, NAC solutions can reduce administrative overhead and improve overall network security.
However, there are drawbacks to their d NAC. First, these systems require server configuration changes. This makes them less suitable, making enviun suitable are highly segmented and geographically dispersed. Additionally, they offer less work traffic than other approaches. Therefore, organizations should consider using software-based NAC instead. However, despite the benefits of hardware-based NAC, it is not the best choice for every organization.
Dynamic
Using a dynamic network access control solution, organizations can monitor and manage network traffic. This solution enables businesses to monitor and control network traffic while balancing security and user experience. It processes access requests and automates remediation. In addition, IT can set policy parameters to limit network access and manage users. It can also be deployed on-premise or as a SaaS platform.
Several factors are considered when selecting a dynamic network access control solution. One of the first is security. A dynamic NAC solution requires periodic updates to its infrastructure and server configuration. On the other hand, a centralized solution provides automated responsiveness and security. The most common security concerns associated with dynamic NAC solutions are the security and manageability of the solution. An active network access control solution can be installed on a local network and works on trusted computers to restrict access.