NACVIEW vs PacketFence

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.

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.