ExtremeCloud IQ vs Portnox NAC

ExtremeCloud IQ provides machine-learning-driven unified management for access points, switches and SD-WAN. It offers real-time and historical views of client and device health with built-in remediation tools. Automatic configuration policies, near zero-touch deployment workflows and Instant operations support onboarding and provisioning. Enhanced WiFi Maps help with network planning and optimization. The product supports OpenAPI-standard APIs for provisioning, management and customization. It can manage Cisco and HPE Aruba switches, while other third-party devices receive basic setup and monitoring. Deployment options include public cloud, private cloud and ExtremeCloud Edge; the product page describes 21 global points of presence across AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform. Licenses are pooled and portable across devices, locations and users, covering wired and wireless devices. Pilot includes guest management, wireless intrusion prevention and location services; CoPilot adds anomaly detection and experience monitoring. Pricing is on request, with a 90-day trial and no free plan.

Portnox NAC is a cloud-delivered network access control service for hybrid and distributed networks. It provides device visibility, risk-based access controls, and automated compliance enforcement across wired, wireless, and VPN connections. Administrators can define policies by role, location, device type, and network layer. Authentication options include 802.1X, MAC Authentication Bypass, and passwordless certificates; Portnox can act as a certificate authority or integrate with a third party. The service continuously assesses endpoint risk and can use agentless assessment integrations such as Microsoft Intune. Noncompliant devices can be quarantined or moved to a remediation VLAN, with automated policies able to return endpoints to compliance. Portnox lists integrations including Active Directory, Entra ID, Intune, Jamf, CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, Okta, and a REST API. The service supports RDP, SSH, VNC, and Telnet, along with SIEM log export and session recording. Portnox says its controls can help organizations address HIPAA, GLBA, PCI DSS, and GDPR. A 30-day trial is advertised, but no plan price is listed; subscription terms are 12, 24, or 36 months.