Cradlepoint NetCloud Manager vs PacketFence

Cradlepoint NetCloud Manager is a cloud platform for configuring, deploying, monitoring, operating and troubleshooting LTE and 5G router and adapter endpoints used for wireless WAN. Dashboards and reports show live LAN and WAN statistics, cellular health and data-plan usage. Deployment tools include preconfigured setup, bulk policy management, automatic carrier selection and cellular geolocation mapping. The service monitors connection health, provides network-health dashboards and deeper insights, and sends immediate alerts when issues arise. Security controls include optional multifactor authentication, Federated ID single sign-on, enhanced login security, granular permissions and security alerts. Data is encrypted at rest and in transit. Cradlepoint says its cloud services run on Amazon Web Services across multiple availability zones with offsite backups; device connections are client initiated, certificate based and encrypted with current TLS. The REST API offers programmatic access to many interface functions through v2 and v3 endpoints. A mobile app lets authorized users inspect alerts, endpoint status, signal and usage data, run tests and reboot endpoints. Essentials and Advanced plans include enterprise-level support, updates and global 24x7 assistance.

PacketFence is an enterprise network access control platform for organizations managing wired, wireless, and VPN access. It can enforce policy through SNMP or RADIUS, inline Layer 2 or Layer 3 deployment, VLAN assignment, and quarantine isolation. Authentication options include 802.1X/EAP, directory services, external RADIUS, OAuth2 social login, SAML 2.0, and PKI certificates. Guest workflows include self-registration, sponsored access, email or SMS confirmation, and CSV imports. Self-service provisioning can configure 802.1X profiles for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS. The platform checks antivirus, operating system patch level, and security-agent presence, and can quarantine devices that fail policy. Administrators get a web interface, command-line tools, REST API, customizable captive portals, and Perl extension points. The self-hosted Community Edition is GPL v2+ with unlimited devices and full source code. Its listed minimum requirements include Debian 12.x or RHEL 8.x, four CPU cores, 16 GB RAM, 200 GB disk, and a network interface. Paid plans include Starter at $5,000 /year for up to 250 registered devices.