Belden NAC vs NACVIEW

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.

NACVIEW controls which users and devices can access wired, wireless, and VPN networks. It detects connected devices in real time and can retrieve endpoint information from Active Directory, SQL databases, LDAP, and RADIUS servers. Access controls include 802.1X authentication, VLAN segmentation, captive portals, and guest and BYOD access. The system can identify unknown or misconfigured devices and quarantine infected devices. Device profiling uses DHCP Fingerprinting, HTTP/S, NMAP, DNS, and RADIUS. NACVIEW can exchange information with Firewall, UTM, MDM, SIEM, and other cybersecurity solutions; NV3 includes an API for automation and integration. Deployment is available as software for a virtual appliance or as a hardware appliance, with VMware and Hyper-V listed as virtual machine options. The 60-day trial provides full software functionality on a user's own network. The free NV-20 lifetime license is limited to 20 simultaneously authorized endpoint devices. Deployment requires at least one managed switch. Annual subscriptions include support; perpetual licenses require first-year support.