How to Replace Traditional NAC: A Modern Guide for Enterprise IT Leaders

For years, Network Access Control (NAC) solutions like Cisco ISE, Aruba ClearPass, and Forescout were considered the gold standard for enforcing device authentication and network segmentation. But as organizations shift toward hybrid workforces, cloud-first operations, and BYOD environments, traditional NAC is increasingly seen as a roadblock rather than a solution.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to replace traditional NAC—the steps, strategies, and technologies needed to move away from legacy, on-premises infrastructure toward a more agile, cloud-native model that aligns with today’s zero trust security expectations.

Why Replace Traditional NAC?

Understanding why enterprises are making the switch is the first step in learning how to replace traditional NAC successfully.

Common Drivers:

• Operational Complexity: Traditional NAC often requires dedicated engineering resources and complex integrations.

• Limited Remote Coverage: These systems were built for the perimeter; they falter in remote, hybrid, or SaaS-heavy environments.

• Hidden Costs: Beyond licensing, traditional NAC brings hefty CapEx, professional services, and patching overhead.

• Innovation Stagnation: Many traditional NAC vendors are slow to update features—or have begun phasing out support.

The result? A growing number of security leaders are actively researching how to replace traditional NAC with modern, cloud-native alternatives.

What Is a Cloud-Native NAC?

Before diving into how to replace your existing system, it’s important to define its successor.

Cloud-native NAC solutions—like Portnox Cloud—are built to operate entirely in the cloud. They support:

• Agentless or lightweight posture assessments

• Cloud RADIUS authentication

• Device risk-based policy enforcement

• Zero infrastructure deployment

• Seamless integration with identity providers like Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD)

This architecture enables security teams to enforce access controls across any location or device—including remote employees, contractors, IoT devices, and guest users.

How to Replace Traditional NAC: Step-by-Step

Here’s a structured approach to replacing your legacy NAC solution.

1. Audit Your Current NAC Footprint

• What network segments is it protecting?

• How many managed vs. unmanaged devices are connected?

• What integrations exist (e.g., directory services, ticketing, EDR tools)?

Understanding these elements will help determine which parts of your environment can move first.

2. Choose a Phased Replacement Strategy

Rather than a “rip and replace,” many enterprises transition gradually:

• Start with Wi-Fi and VPN users: These are typically the easiest to migrate.

• Expand to remote and guest users: Replace legacy guest management portals with cloud-based onboarding.

• Integrate device posture checks and enforcement: Apply cloud-native policy controls to ensure device health.

3. Enable Conditional Access for Apps

Replacing traditional NAC isn’t just about networks—it’s about access as a whole. Cloud NAC solutions like Portnox can:

• Assess device posture at the time of login to SaaS apps

• Enforce real-time logout (via Change of Authorization)

• Restrict app access to compliant, corporate-managed devices

4. Decommission Legacy Hardware

Once core enforcement and reporting is live in the cloud, begin deprecating old NAC appliances. You’ll recover:

• Data center space

• Licensing and maintenance costs

• Engineering time previously spent on upkeep

Key Differences: Traditional NAC vs Cloud-Native NAC

Hybrid Use Cases: You Don’t Have to Go All-In Day One

If you’re not ready for a full migration, consider hybrid NAC deployment as part of your traditional NAC replacement strategy:

• Retain traditional NAC for OT or legacy VLANs

• Use cloud NAC for remote workers and cloud app access

• Phase out on-prem NAC as hardware reaches EOL

This staged approach makes it easier to demonstrate value without disruption.

Real-World Outcomes

Organizations that have successfully replaced traditional NAC report:

• Deployment timelines reduced from months to days

• Improved visibility into unmanaged and remote endpoints

• Simplified security operations without constant upkeep

Portnox customers, for example, have migrated from Cisco ISE and ClearPass in under 30 days—often without deploying any agents or appliances.