Auconet BICS vs Cloudi-Fi Cloud NAC

Auconet BICS is an IT operations, systems management, network access control, and service management platform for large and multi-tenant networks. It provides real-time discovery, monitoring, management, and control for mixed device environments, including servers, desktops, ATMs, kiosks, retail POS systems, mobile devices, cameras, pumps, and sensors. BICS consolidates device and endpoint information into a real-time configuration management database and supports shared commands and workflows across vendors. One central console can manage hundreds of thousands of network elements. Access security includes MAC Layer-2 authentication and IEEE 802.1X, separately or together, with policies for wired and wireless endpoints. BICS can discover and monitor SCADA infrastructure, while Data Centers and Security variants add data-center automation and IT or industrial access controls. Deployment options include cloud, on-premises appliance, virtual on-premises, and multi-tenant implementations. Agentless discovery is available through Auconet ESF, and open APIs can connect visibility data with security systems such as SIEMs, vulnerability tools, and firewalls. Auconet says implementation can take hours, with discovery and visualization beginning immediately.

Cloudi-Fi Cloud NAC runs network access control from the cloud for wired and Wi-Fi environments. Switches and access points remain enforcement points while the service handles 802.1X authentication and policy enforcement. It uses 802.1X, RADIUS, and EAP-TLS with one policy set across wired and wireless sites. Authentication can use EAP-TLS certificates, directory credentials, or MAC authentication bypass for endpoints without a supplicant. Policies support dynamic VLAN assignment, role-based access, and isolation or quarantine of unknown or unmanaged endpoints. Identity checks can use Microsoft Entra ID, LDAP, Active Directory, client certificates, or approved MAC addresses. Managed endpoints can receive certificates through an MDM such as Microsoft Intune. A cloud captive portal supports self-registration or sponsored access for visitors, contractors, and personal devices. Authentication results and session data remain available for audits across sites. Cloudi-Fi identifies multi-site organizations, IoT-heavy networks, SASE or Zero Trust programs, post-merger environments, and sites replacing end-of-life NAC appliances as intended use cases. Pricing is by request, with no displayed price.