Network Security

What is context-aware access? Context-aware network access is a security mechanism that dynamically enforces access policies based on the specific context of a user or device trying to access a system. It enhances traditional access control methods by adapting to additional real-time variables beyond static credentials or user roles. Key Components of Context-Aware Access User…

What is RADIUS and how does it work? What is RADIUS? RADIUS stands for Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service. It is a protocol that provides centralized Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) for users who connect and use a network service. It was originally developed for dial-up networks but is now widely used for managing access…

What are Portnox Cloud RADIUS and FreeRADIUS? Portnox Cloud RADIUS is a cloud-native, fully managed RADIUS-as-a-service offering. It’s part of the broader Portnox Cloud platform, purpose-built to support modern authentication use cases like passwordless login, device trust, and Zero Trust access policies—without on-prem infrastructure. FreeRADIUS, on the other hand, is a powerful, open-source RADIUS server…

How well does Ivanti Policy Secure work in diverse infrastructure environments? It supports multi-vendor environments—if you’re willing to work for it. Ivanti Policy Secure can integrate with a wide range of switches, firewalls, and wireless infrastructure using standard protocols (RADIUS, SNMP, 802.1X). However, many of its advanced features require detailed, time-consuming configuration, and full policy…

Does NordLayer provide full network access control across any environment? Not really. NordLayer’s access control focuses on endpoint-device compliance and secure remote tunneling, not true network enforcement. It allows admins to define basic access policies based on device posture (e.g., OS version, AV status) and restrict traffic through its hosted gateways. However, it does not…

Does Meraki cloud RADIUS provide full network access control? Not really—it’s authentication without enforcement. Meraki’s RADIUS integration enables basic user authentication (via 802.1X) for Wi-Fi and wired ports, but once a device connects, there’s no native support for posture checks, continuous compliance, or dynamic policy enforcement. The access decision is binary: allow or deny. Beyond…

Is Juniper MIST Access Assurance effective in mixed-vendor environments? Only to a limited degree. Juniper MIST Access Assurance is primarily optimized for use with Juniper EX switches, MIST APs, and Marvis AI. While it does support RADIUS-based authentication and some third-party integration via standards like 802.1X and SAML, enforcement is tightly coupled to Juniper infrastructure.…

Does Foxpass support access control across diverse infrastructure environments? To a limited extent. Foxpass provides a hosted RADIUS and LDAP service that can authenticate users across different network hardware—primarily for Wi-Fi and VPN access. It supports integration with some third-party infrastructure through basic configuration, but it lacks true enforcement capabilities such as CoA (Change of…

Does Forescout support third-party infrastructure and complex environments? Yes—almost to a fault. Forescout is known for its deep device discovery and control capabilities across heterogeneous, multi-vendor environments. It integrates with a wide array of network devices, endpoints, and infrastructure using SNMP, SSH, WMI, and more. But this power comes at a price: complex integration requirements,…

Does Cloudpath work in truly heterogeneous, multi-vendor environments? To a limited extent. Cloudpath focuses primarily on Wi-Fi onboarding and certificate-based authentication, often in conjunction with Ruckus wireless controllers and infrastructure. While it can technically integrate with third-party RADIUS servers and non-Ruckus switches, most of its native capabilities—especially related to enforcement—assume you’re using Ruckus gear. It…

Can Aruba Central’s NAC features be used in truly multi-vendor environments? Technically yes, but practically limited. Aruba Central with ClearPass offers some level of third-party integration through RADIUS and SNMP, but advanced features like dynamic segmentation, CoA, and context-aware policy enforcement often require Aruba-specific infrastructure to function properly. Many of the automated actions and deep…

Does Extreme Networks’ NAC work with non-Extreme hardware? Yes, but organizations should temper expectations. While ExtremeControl claims to support third-party network hardware, that support is often conditional, inconsistent, or incomplete. In real-world environments, especially those with switches and access points from vendors like Cisco, HPE Aruba, or Juniper, many of the advanced NAC features become…