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Aruba ClearPass is primarily a software-based Network Access Control (NAC) and Policy Management solution, but it can be deployed in multiple ways—including software, virtual appliances, and hardware appliances—depending on an organization’s infrastructure needs.
At its core, ClearPass is a policy management software platform. It provides:
User and device authentication across wired, wireless, and VPN connections
Context-aware access control based on role, device type, and security posture
Guest and BYOD management portals
Integration with firewalls, SIEMs, and endpoint security tools for automated response
This software-centric design allows ClearPass to run in virtual environments (VMware, Hyper-V, KVM) or in cloud deployments, giving enterprises flexibility and scalability.
For organizations that prefer on-premises dedicated appliances, Aruba offers ClearPass in hardware form as well. These are purpose-built appliances that come pre-installed with ClearPass software, optimized for performance, reliability, and large-scale deployments.
Aruba ClearPass can be implemented in three main forms:
Software-only – Installed in virtualized environments.
Hardware appliances – Physical devices running ClearPass software.
Cloud/virtual appliances – Flexible deployment in hybrid or cloud-first infrastructures.
? Aruba ClearPass is both software and hardware, depending on how you deploy it. The core functionality lies in its software platform, while Aruba also provides hardware appliances for enterprises that need dedicated, high-performance on-premise solutions.
This flexibility ensures that ClearPass can adapt to different IT environments—cloud, hybrid, or on-premises—while delivering consistent network access control, policy enforcement, and security automation.
At Microtek Learning, we provide Aruba ClearPass training programs that guide IT professionals in choosing the right deployment model and mastering both software-based and hardware appliance implementations for enterprise networks.