Belden NAC vs Cloudi-Fi Cloud NAC

Belden NAC is network access control software for critical IT and OT networks, providing network visibility, device authentication, and granular access control. Its overview shows graphical reports and topology, identifies endpoints, and detects deviations from expected status. Authentication uses 802.1X through an integrated RADIUS server with MAC addresses, credentials, or certificates, and can connect to existing identity stores. VLAN Manager supports static and dynamic segmentation. Guest Service grants external devices temporary, time-limited access to defined LAN and Wi-Fi resources. Advanced Security gathers endpoint details and network measurements to detect devices and incidents such as ARP or MAC spoofing. The software is available as a physical or virtual appliance for VMware, Nutanix AHV, Proxmox, and Hyper-V; Belden says no customer-provided operating system is required. Switches and routers must be manageable through SNMP V1, V2c, or V3 with read and write access, or through SSH or Telnet. Pricing is on request. Packages combine core NAC features, with individually added add-ons and special tiers for smaller companies. A managed service option is also available.

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.