Portnox NAC vs RUCKUS Cloudpath Enrollment System

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.

RUCKUS Cloudpath Enrollment System manages secure access to wired and wireless networks for users and devices. It is available as a cloud service or as virtualized on-premises software for VMware or Hyper-V. Customizable self-service workflows let BYOD and guest users onboard without IT intervention; device checks can direct noncompliant devices to remediation before access is granted. Cloudpath supports WPA2/WPA3-Enterprise with 802.1X authentication and encrypts data in transit between devices and access points. Administrators can define per-user and per-device rules for roles, bandwidth, applications, and private networks using VLANs or VXLANs. The system includes a certificate authority and supports digital certificates and revocable, user-specific Dynamic PSKs. Guest credentials can be sent by email or SMS, or printed as vouchers, and portals can offer social login. Identity sources include Active Directory, LDAP-compatible directories, RADIUS via PAP, Novell, and Google. Subscriptions run for one, three, or five years, with support included; pricing is available on request.