Belden NAC vs NACIO

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.

NACIO is network access control software for 802.1X RADIUS authentication, device profiling, compliance enforcement, and captive portals. It supports wired, wireless, and VPN access control and is currently in pre-release, with early access available by request. NACIO can be self-hosted on customer infrastructure or used as a cloud-hosted service. Its built-in RADIUS supports EAP-TLS, PEAP-MSCHAPv2, EAP-TTLS, EAP-FAST, and CHAP. Identity sources include Active Directory, Azure AD/Entra ID, Okta, Google Workspace, SAML 2.0, LDAP/LDAPS, RADIUS proxy, and a local user database. Windows and macOS agents check patch level, antivirus, disk encryption, firewall status, and custom rules before access. NACIO also provides an internal certificate authority, endpoint profiling from DHCP, HTTP user-agent data and network behavior, and guest portals with sponsor approval, verification, social login, and time limits. Licensing uses perpetual per-device licenses tied to a major version, with optional upgrades. Pricing is available on request.