Aruba ClearPass Reviews

Name: Aruba ClearPass
Brand: HPE Aruba Networking
Rating: 4.3 (80 reviews)

Vendor: HPE Aruba Networking

4.3 out of 5

80 reviews
95% willing to recommend

3,222 followers

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What is Aruba ClearPass?

Aruba ClearPass is a network access control (NAC) solution that provides a range of security and access management capabilities for wired, wireless, and VPN networks. ClearPass enables organizations to secure their networks and devices, enforce security policies, and provide secure access to network resources.

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Aruba ClearPass is the #2 ranked solution in top Network Access Control (NAC) solutions. PeerSpot users give Aruba ClearPass an average rating of 8.6 out of 10. Based on the analysis of the 80 most recent Aruba ClearPass reviews, the overall sentiment is positive, with a sentiment score of 6.7. (Among the lowest in the category). Aruba ClearPass is most commonly compared to Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE): Aruba ClearPass vs Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE). Aruba ClearPass is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 58% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 17% of all views.

Helped 816,406 peers since 2012

Featured reviews

SvenVenables

Senior Technical Engineer at EOH

The only area that really needs improvement in Aruba ClearPass is the onboarding for doing TLS authentication. The biggest problem we've seen in our environment is Huawei not being able to get onto Google Play. No Huawei device can be onboarded via Aruba ClearPass easily. An additional feature we'd like to see in the next release of Aruba ClearPass is for its OnGuard function, its health check function. We'd like it to have the functionality for installing or copying files that are required for remediation on health checks. For example: if you're using Aruba ClearPass and you do a health check, if the client is missing a file or a particular product such as an antivirus product, we would like the opportunity to have the files copied or installed in the platform, because currently there are some limitations when you want to do remediation. If the client is missing a file and you want them to install a specific application, we have to provide an HTTP download so they can download the file for the remediation to work. What I would like to see is a bigger storage area in Aruba ClearPass so we can upload those files in the platform, rather than having those files in an external server for downloading, because we've had huge problems with doing remediation to locations that require an HTTP download. What we'd like is having the ability to put the applications on Aruba ClearPass directly, to make the remediation steps for clients when they're missing software, to get those directly from the platform, because currently, you can't put a big file onto Aruba ClearPass as there are size limitations.

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Dheni Prasetyo

Network & Security Department Head at Hypernet Indonesia

The solution was easy to set up. There was a feature that needed 15 to 30 minutes to load. This is a concern when there are hundreds of projects because it wastes time. The onboarding time still needs to be considered. When deploying the solution, we do the pre-configuration at our office, so every device should be configured. Afterward, we send the devices to many customers' locations. That's why we need onboarding time to be reduced because we are not dealing directly with the deployment. We are using panels.

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ShivaPrasad

Senior Technical Lead at HCL Technologies

Before implementing the solution, it is important to understand the system, develop plans, and determine what needs to be integrated. Learn what the solution does and how it will work with your use case. For example, some people choose the work kit without knowing what they need. Some require only the resource manager. Some don't know their gradual requirements for monitoring or management. Some don't understand that the solution is also provides network security. I rate the solution an eight out of ten.

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Aruba ClearPass mindshare

As of November 2024, the mindshare of Aruba ClearPass in the Network Access Control (NAC) category stands at 25.2%, down from 26.2% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Network Access Control (NAC)

Key learnings from peers

Last updated Nov 8, 2024

Valuable Features

Aruba ClearPass is valued for its robust networking security, guest onboarding, and policy management. It integrates seamlessly with multiple vendors and supports various authentication methods like 802.1X and RADIUS. Users appreciate the ease of use, comprehensive NAC features, and the ability to manage access and segmentation. Its modularity, API integration, and ease of deployment offer flexibility and control, making it a preferred choice for managing diverse network environments efficiently.

"The ClearPass solution includes role and role-based user and machine access, and they handle network segmentation using wired and wireless access methods."
"The most valuable feature of Aruba ClearPass is its ease of use."
"It provides a single access point and is highly available."

Room for Improvement

Aruba ClearPass could benefit from a simplified interface, enhanced user training, and improved documentation. Users suggest better integration with SIEM and firewalls, a more flexible licensing model, and expanded cloud capabilities. They seek enhancements to the setup process, customization options, and technical support. There's a desire for streamlined reporting and monitoring features as well as improved scalability and pricing structures. More vendor independence and compatibility with diverse devices are also important considerations.

"We cannot onboard IoT devices such as printers, cameras, and some smaller devices."
"We cannot onboard IoT devices such as printers, cameras, and some smaller devices."
"In my opinion, the price of Aruba ClearPass could be better."

ROI

Aruba ClearPass provides ROI through securing critical data and ease of management. Licensing complexities, especially with unique devices exceeding expectations, have posed challenges. Some found ROI solid, while others did not perceive returns. Investment aims to boost customer numbers, with costs potentially recouped over years. Security benefits are significant though hard to quantify. ROI varies by vertical, with features like splash pages enhancing sales. Performance stability leads to ROI, though Cisco might offer a different return.

Pricing

Enterprise users find Aruba ClearPass licensing and pricing to be expensive, particularly for small clients and during initial deployment. The pricing model, which can be complex, is competitive with Cisco but remains high, with licensing based on endpoints. Buyers recommend understanding licensing needs beforehand to avoid under-purchasing. Options include perpetual and yearly subscriptions, with a yearly license costing about $125,000. Despite the cost, ClearPass is seen as cost-effective over time, especially against Cisco.

"In terms of your fixed cost, it is much less than a lot of other solutions in the market. The initial cost is very high."
"The product is quite expensive. I rate its pricing a seven out of ten."
"The product is very costly."

Popular Use Cases

Aruba ClearPass is primarily utilized for network access control, offering authentication, authorization, and policy enforcement. It is employed across wireless and wired networks, enabling 802.1X authentication and BYOD management. Users leverage ClearPass for IoT services, security policy enforcement, guest management, and device identification. It integrates with active directories and third-party systems, allowing dynamic policy adjustments and network segmentation, catering to environments with diverse security needs.

Service and Support

Aruba ClearPass receives mixed feedback regarding customer service and technical support. Many highlight excellent, responsive, and knowledgeable support, with a strong inclination to resolve issues efficiently. However, some mention room for improvement, noting occasional delays, reluctance for in-depth help, and escalation challenges. Airheads online forum often serves as an alternative resource. Technical Assistance Center generally handles basic and common queries well but may struggle with complex or unique cases.

Deployment

Initial setup experiences for Aruba ClearPass vary widely. Some users find it straightforward, especially with proper preparation and training, while others encounter complexity due to intricate configurations, lack of documentation, or specific requirements. The setup can be swift, taking just days or weeks, but can extend to months if extensive customization is needed. The complexity tends to increase with network size and specific use case demands, although a streamlined process is possible with the right expertise.

Scalability

Aruba ClearPass is regarded as highly scalable. Users report that it accommodates thousands of users and devices effectively. It adapts well to expanding environments by allowing easy upgrades and resource additions. Customers frequently highlight its capability to integrate with various network components and its compatibility with diverse user groups. Some feedback suggests room for improvement, but generally, it is rated positively for scalability and flexibility across different use cases.

Stability

Aruba ClearPass is considered highly stable by many users. Most report no stability issues, even in environments requiring over 500,000 authentications daily. Some mention minor issues during upgrades or configuration changes, but these were not typically impactful. Users consistently rate ClearPass's stability between eight and ten out of ten, noting it as reliable and robust. Any problems encountered were often due to external factors rather than inherent stability issues with ClearPass itself.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Aruba ClearPass Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

17%

Government

Manufacturing Company

Educational Organization

Financial Services Firm

University

Healthcare Company

Comms Service Provider

Retailer

Energy/Utilities Company

Construction Company

Non Profit

Insurance Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Wholesaler/Distributor

Media Company

Transportation Company

Hospitality Company

Legal Firm

Outsourcing Company

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Performing Arts

Logistics Company

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Consumer Goods Company

Pharma/Biotech Company

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Learn more about Aruba ClearPass

Aruba ClearPass Features

Aruba ClearPass has many valuable key features. Some of the most useful ones include:

Device profiling: Aruba ClearPass automatically profiles and classifies network devices based on type, manufacturer, operating system, and more, to help organizations secure their networks.

Guest management: The solution provides a secure and easy-to-use guest management system for organizations to provide guest access to their networks.

User-friendly interface: The Aruba ClearPass includes a user-friendly interface, enabling administrators to easily manage and enforce security policies, monitor network activity, and respond to security threats.

Policy enforcement: Users can enforce security policies based on device type, user role, and other factors, to help secure their networks and devices.

Threat detection and response: With its real-time monitoring and threat detection capabilities, organizations are able to quickly identify and respond to security threats.

Authentication and authorization: Aruba ClearPass offers a range of authentication and authorization methods, including certificate-based authentication and 802.1X, to provide secure access to network resources.

Reporting and analytics: The solution Includes real-time reporting and analytics capabilities, enabling administrators to monitor network activity, track security incidents, and improve security over time.

Aruba ClearPass Benefits

There are many benefits to implementing Aruba ClearPass. Some of the biggest advantages the solution offers include:

Comprehensive solution: Aruba ClearPass integrates with a range of network security technologies, including firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and VPN gateways, to provide a comprehensive security solution.

Scalability: Designed to scale from small to large organizations, ClearPass provides a solution that can grow with an organization's needs.

Increased visibility: By implementing Aruba ClearPass, administrators can monitor network activity, track security incidents, and improve security over time.

Improved user productivity: The solution’s secure and seamless access to network resources helps users be more productive and access the resources they need, when they need them.

Better business agility: With the solution, organizations can quickly respond to security threats and enforce security policies, improving overall business agility.

Reviews from Real Users

Aruba ClearPass is a solution that stands out when compared to many of its competitors. Some of its major advantages are that it’s easy to use, has a valuable Guest Captive Portal and virtual security enforcement, and has a good web dashboard and policy manager.

“It is easy to use and more integrated with the Aruba wireless networks,” says Muhammad N., Network & Information Security Engineer at a healthcare company.

Ammar F., Head of IT at Hubtech, explains, “What I like most about Aruba ClearPass is that it has the best enforcement feature for the network. I also like its Guest Captive Portal and virtual security enforcement features, but the virtual security enforcement feature is still under testing by my company. Aruba ClearPass also has a wonderful UI which I find valuable."

Another PeerSpot reviewer mentions, "The web dashboard and the policy manager are very intuitive and very easy for the engineers to use."

Aruba ClearPass was previously known as Avenda eTIPS.

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Aruba ClearPass customers

Consulate Health Care, Los Angeles Unified School District, Science Applications International Corp (SAIC), San Diego State University, KFC, ACTS Retirement-Life Communities