Network Access Control Implementation

Network Access Control Implementation

NAC Overview

Network Access Control (NAC) enforces security policy before granting network access. NAC validates device identity, security posture, and compliance before allowing network connectivity, preventing unauthorized and non-compliant devices.

Network Access Control

802.1X Authentication

Implement 802.1X port-based authentication using RADIUS servers, EAP methods (EAP-TLS for certificates, PEAP for passwords), supplicants on endpoints, and authenticators on network devices. 802.1X provides strong pre-admission authentication.

Posture Assessment

Assess device security posture checking antivirus status, patch levels, personal firewall, encryption, and configuration compliance. Non-compliant devices receive restricted access or remediation network access until compliance achieved.

Guest Access

Implement secure guest access through captive portals, sponsored access requiring approval, self-registration with terms acceptance, VLAN segregation, bandwidth limiting, and session timeouts for temporary guest connectivity.

NAC Deployment

Deploy NAC inline for enforcement, out-of-band for monitoring, or hybrid combining both. Consider scalability, redundancy, integration with existing infrastructure, and phased rollout starting with wired then wireless networks.

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