Cloudi-Fi Cloud NAC vs ExtremeControl

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.

ExtremeControl centralizes network access control, visibility, and policy management for users, endpoints, and IoT devices. It supports wired, wireless, and VPN access control, including role-based access, guest access, BYOD onboarding, 802.1X, and secure IoT access through third-party networking devices. Administrators can build policies around user, time, location, vulnerability, or access type, then apply VLAN, ACL, and QoS rules. The product can share user, IP address, and location context with perimeter firewalls and coordinate endpoint isolation and remediation after alerts. Reports and alerts cover authentication, guest access, onboarding, device profiles, and endpoint health. Listed integrations include NGFW, SIEM, CMDB, internet security, and EMM/MDM tools; an open northbound API supports custom integrations. Virtual engines are documented for VMware ESX/ESXi and Microsoft Hyper-V. ExtremeControl is paid, with pricing on request based on unique MAC addresses connected within the past 24 hours; there is no free plan. An initial ExtremeCloud IQ Site Engine installation does not include an end-system license, though its generated evaluation license includes unlimited end-systems.