Cisco Catalyst Center vs Genian NAC
Cisco Catalyst Center
cisco.comGenian NAC
en.genians.comSide by side
| Figure | Cisco Catalyst Center | Genian NAC |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 3 |
| Spec score · Network Access Control Software | 7.8 (#10) | 7.8 (#11) |
| Founded | 1984 | 2005 |
| Headquarters | San Jose, California, United States | South Korea |
| Integrations | Cisco documents integrations with ISE, ThousandEyes, Webex, Microsoft Teams, ServiceNow, Infoblox, and BlueCat, plus generic APIs for other ITSM and IPAM systems. | Genian NAC describes integrations with firewalls, VPN, IDS/IPS, vulnerability management, MDM, SIEM, APT, DLP, CRM, and ERP products, with custom integration through Webhook, REST API, and Syslog. |
| Purpose | Cisco Catalyst Center is a centralized network controller and management dashboard for enterprise network operations. | Genian NAC evaluates device identity, posture, and access context when devices connect, then enforces access decisions. |
| Support | Cisco says Catalyst and Cisco DNA software subscriptions include embedded software support and downloads; opening a support case requires a Cisco Service Contract. | Genians lists regional support contacts for North America and LATAM, EMEA, and APAC. |
Plans
Cisco Catalyst Center
- Cisco DNA AdvantagePriced on request
- Cisco DNA EssentialsPriced on request
Genian NAC
- Cloud NACPriced on request
- NAC as a ServicePriced on request
- On-Premises NACPriced on request
In their own words
Cisco Catalyst Center
Cisco Catalyst Center has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
Genian NAC
Genian NAC evaluates device identity, posture, and connection context to decide what network access a device receives. Its Layer 2 Network Sensor detects IP-enabled devices in real time without requiring changes to existing network configuration. Device Platform Intelligence adds identity, business context, and vulnerability details, including CVEs. Access controls include 802.1X RADIUS and DHCP, ARP enforcement, TCP reset, inline enforcement, and actions through firewalls or switch ports. Policies can group devices using more than 500 predefined conditions and quarantine or remediate devices that fail requirements. BYOD and guest tools include a captive portal, self-service compliance guidance, role-based access, and approval workflows. The optional agent can manage desktop settings, applications, OS updates, peripherals, wireless connections, and scripts. Genian NAC supports wired, wireless, VPN, and 802.1X access control, and offers cloud-managed, on-premises, and service options. It runs on API, Linux, macOS, self-hosted, web, and Windows platforms. The listed offer includes a 30-day trial, but no free plan.