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When organizations look for Network Access Control (NAC) and policy management solutions, two platforms often come into discussion—Aruba ClearPass and Cisco Identity Services Engine (Cisco ISE). Both are enterprise-grade security solutions, but they have unique strengths depending on business needs.
Aruba ClearPass is a comprehensive NAC platform that provides:
Identity-based access control for users and devices
Role- and context-aware policies (based on user, device type, location, and posture)
Secure guest access and BYOD onboarding
Integration with third-party security tools for automated threat response
Strong focus on multi-vendor network support, not just Aruba infrastructure
Cisco ISE is another leading NAC solution designed to:
Authenticate and authorize users and endpoints
Enforce policy-driven access control
Provide visibility into connected devices across Cisco-driven environments
Integrate seamlessly with Cisco networking and security ecosystem
Support Zero Trust frameworks with advanced security posture checks
Both enforce secure network access policies across wired, wireless, and VPN connections.
Both provide device profiling, guest management, and BYOD capabilities.
Both integrate with SIEM, firewalls, and endpoint security systems for automated threat mitigation.
Both support Zero Trust security models, aligning with modern cybersecurity frameworks.
Vendor Ecosystem: Cisco ISE works best in Cisco-heavy environments, while Aruba ClearPass is more vendor-agnostic and flexible in multi-vendor deployments.
Licensing & Complexity: Cisco ISE can be more complex in licensing and deployment. ClearPass is often praised for its simpler licensing model and easier integration with diverse infrastructures.
Guest & BYOD Experience: ClearPass provides a highly customizable guest portal and self-service onboarding, which many enterprises consider more user-friendly.
Integration Depth: Cisco ISE integrates deeply with the Cisco ecosystem (DNA Center, Firepower, etc.), while ClearPass offers broader third-party integrations.
? Yes, Aruba ClearPass is similar to Cisco ISE in purpose, as both provide network access control, device visibility, and policy enforcement. However, they differ in ecosystem alignment, deployment approach, and integration strategy.
For organizations in multi-vendor network environments, Aruba ClearPass may offer greater flexibility. For enterprises heavily invested in Cisco infrastructure, Cisco ISE can provide tighter integration.
At Microtek Learning, we offer Aruba ClearPass training and related security solutions to help IT professionals gain practical expertise and understand how these technologies compare in real-world deployments.