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Network Engineer at a outsourcing company with 11-50 employees
MSP
Enables efficient network segmentation with enhanced device identification and role-based user access
Pros and Cons
  • "The ClearPass solution includes role and role-based user and machine access, and they handle network segmentation using wired and wireless access methods."
  • "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."

What is our primary use case?

Three passes work better than other NAC products on identifying the VoIP devices and IoT devices with built-in features. On Guard and agent-based On Guard features are included under the use case.

What is most valuable?

The ClearPass solution includes role and role-based user and machine access, and they handle network segmentation using wired and wireless access methods.

What needs improvement?

We cannot onboard IoT devices such as printers, cameras, and some smaller devices. Although we can onboard larger devices such as Android, iOS, Apple, Mac, Windows, and Linux, this limitation is noted. It is also better to improve threat intelligence for built-in threat detection and prevention.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working with ClearPass for no more than two years.

Buyer's Guide
Aruba ClearPass
November 2024
Learn what your peers think about Aruba ClearPass. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: November 2024.
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I have not noticed any stability or performance issues with ClearPass. It is better than other NAC solutions.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

In our environment, ClearPass handles up to 100,000 users, which is better than some other NAC solutions like Fortinox that scale up to 25,000.

How are customer service and support?

We have escalated questions to tech support, and I would rate the technical support an eight out of ten.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

How was the initial setup?

We deployed the solution under a VM-based ClearPass appliance in a cluster mode, adding devices such as wireless and switches.

What about the implementation team?

I was involved in the deployment process. We followed a strategy where we deployed in cluster mode, adding devices such as wireless switches.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

I don't compare pricing with other products. That said, it is moderate.

What other advice do I have?

I recommend ClearPass for other users because it is a stable and consistent solution.

I'd rate the solution nine out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Network Administrator at a government with 5,001-10,000 employees
Real User
Top 10
Good stability and offers seamless integration with other systems
Pros and Cons
  • "Authentication capabilities are one of the most valuable features."
  • "One area for improvement would be the possibility of using social media providers for user authentication."

What is our primary use case?

We use ClearPass to authenticate users and have a product in development that will use NAC solutions. In addition to these, we also use ClearPass for network access control and guest management.

How has it helped my organization?

We have flexible and detailed options to implement our security policy using ClearPass Policy Manager engine.

What is most valuable?

The authentication capabilities are one of the most valuable features, including the ability to build rules within the system to anticipate users. We also have maximum or onboard margins, and a new product is coming soon that can be used onboard. Additionally, the integration with other systems is a great value and a standout feature of the product.

What needs improvement?

One area for improvement would be the possibility of using social media providers for user authentication. In Brazil, we have a government-sponsored service that indicates users who would like to see this feature supported. I have made a formal request for this feature, but I am unsure if it will be considered for the next release. However, it would be a valuable addition for us.

For how long have I used the solution?

We use ClearPass with Aruba controllers for our wireless LAN. We have the 7220 gateway/controller model and wireless APs, specifically the 510 series.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It is a stable product. We've never experienced any downtime with ClearPass. We have a cluster of ClearPass servers, and we've never had any problems with stability or downtime.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The scalability is good. You can scale very well.

How are customer service and support?

I had to call customer support once because I needed to reset the license for an upgrade, and I needed guidance on how to use the new license model. That was the only time I had to call support. They responded to me quickly and it was a good experience.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

How was the initial setup?

I would rate it an eight out of ten, where ten is the easiest and zero is the most difficult.

What about the implementation team?

It took a few months to deploy the solution. I was the main technician involved in the deployment.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The pricing is a little bit more expensive than other options, but it's worth the value.

What other advice do I have?

Overall, I would rate the solution a nine out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Buyer's Guide
Aruba ClearPass
November 2024
Learn what your peers think about Aruba ClearPass. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: November 2024.
816,406 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Unit Nos at Orange
Real User
Great authentication and monitoring features
Pros and Cons
  • "ClearPass' best features are authentication, support for multiple devices, and monitoring."
  • "ClearPass' GUI could be more user-friendly."

What is our primary use case?

I mainly use ClearPass to issue and authenticate certificates.

How has it helped my organization?

ClearPass has simplified our security as an automatic email is now sent to concerned users when something goes down. For example, if your AP or controller is down, a log is immediately generated stating what's happened, and we can use that to work with local engineers or OEM to resolve it. This reduces the impact on business and has simplified around 70% of our work.

What is most valuable?

ClearPass' best features are authentication, support for multiple devices, and monitoring.

What needs improvement?

ClearPass' GUI could be more user-friendly.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using Aruba ClearPass for almost three years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

ClearPass is stable - we haven't had any issues since deployment.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

ClearPass' scalability is up to the mark.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was a bit complex and took a couple of days.

What about the implementation team?

I implemented ClearPass myself.

What other advice do I have?

I would rate ClearPass nine out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
PeerSpot user
Network Team Leader at a retailer with 10,001+ employees
Real User
A flexible solution with automatic onboarding and a vast amount of features
Pros and Cons
  • "It is beneficial from a security perspective because not everyone can connect to our wifi without going through an authentication process."
  • "It would be good if ClearPass made it a SaaS solution."

What is our primary use case?

It is a network access control solution used to authenticate users. We use it for wifi certificate-based authentication. It is also good for automatic onboarding and fingerprinting, like automatic device classification. This allows us to control devices automatically and have role-based authentication. For example, for Windows and Mac, we can define a specific role, and it will automatically go to that role. We can also enable free wifi guest authentication.

There are so many features in Aruba ClearPass that our company hasn't even utilized all of them. It is beneficial from a security perspective because not everyone can connect to our wifi without going through an authentication process using a corporate device or a corporate email ID. The solution confirms the credentials before they can connect to the wifi.

What is most valuable?

Aruba ClearPass has a feature called ClearPass OnGuard, like an agent installed on all devices. It ensures your device complies with corporate policies, like antivirus or firewall settings. In addition, it verifies before allowing users to connect properly to our networks.

What needs improvement?

It would be good if ClearPass made it a SaaS solution. The only difficulty is that it's a security solution, and if you put a security solution on a SaaS, there could be certain challenges. That may be why ClearPass hasn't done it.

For how long have I used the solution?

We have been using this solution for about seven years. We initially used it on-premises but have been using it on a private cloud for the last four years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It is a stable solution.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It is a scalable solution, and we have almost 2000 high-end users.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We did not use any solution before Aruba ClearPass. This is the first NAC solution we deployed, and we are still using it.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was okay for us. A partner managed it, and we had no troubles. The deployment took about six months because we had a lot of user migration and needed to change device authentication.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

There are different licenses, like onboarding, OnGuard and access licenses. We purchase a yearly license that includes all features.

What other advice do I have?

I rate this solution a ten out of ten. I would recommend Aruba ClearPass because it has all the features. It is very flexible, and you can implement any complex solution. For example, if you want to allow only Android or any complex situation, you can with Aruba ClearPass. Therefore, I can say that this is the best solution on the market.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
ShiraazSingh - PeerSpot reviewer
Network Architect at iOCO
Real User
Easy to use, simple to scale, but lacking full Android support
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable features of Aruba ClearPass are its ease of use and the general network access controls."
  • "A specific component is part of the solution called ClearPass Onboard, which can sometimes be complex and challenging to set up. If they could simplify the process and make it easier, that would be a benefit."

What is our primary use case?

We use Aruba ClearPass for customers to ensure that whatever devices are entering the network have the correct posture. For example, they have the correct operating system and antivirus, and the firewalls turned on.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable features of Aruba ClearPass are its ease of use and the general network access controls.

What needs improvement?

A specific component is part of the solution called ClearPass Onboard, which can sometimes be complex and challenging to set up. If they could simplify the process and make it easier, that would be a benefit.

In an upcoming release, they need to include support for Android devices. Android devices are not fully supported at this time.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Aruba ClearPass for approximately five years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The stability of Aruba ClearPass is good.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Aruba ClearPass is scalable. It's very good to scale because you can add additional units and integrate them.

How are customer service and support?

I have used the support many times and they can help remotely which is helpful.

I rate the support from Aruba ClearPass an eight out of ten.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

How was the initial setup?

Aruba ClearPass is very easy to set up.

The time it takes to deploy the solution entirely depends on the customer's needs. Installing the software is very quick which can take about an hour. However, customizing and configuring it with all the different options can take from one day to a week or two depending on what the customer wants.

What about the implementation team?

I do the implementation and configuration of the solution for customers.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

You can get Aruba ClearPass either where you purchase it outright or you can be subscription-based. The cost will vary according to what is selected, but it's licensed per device. For example, for a hundred users or a hundred device license, it would cost approximately $2,000.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

I have evaluated Fortinet and is good. It is simple and easy to use.

What other advice do I have?

The maintenance could be more user-friendly. If you don't attend a course or if you don't have any technical knowledge of it. If a customer is going to maintain it themselves, they should attend some training.

My advice to others is to make sure they have the skill. Once they have the skills and have done the training, it's fairly simple to use the solution. If they try and do it on their own and try to figure things out, they are going to hate the solution because it's not built for them to figure things out on their own.

The second piece of advice is to make sure they understand what devices are supported and to what level because with smartphones, not all smartphones are supported and you can end up buying the solution to find that certain versions or certain models of smartphones are not supported.

I rate Aruba ClearPass a seven out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
reviewer1328712 - PeerSpot reviewer
Cisco Network Engineer at a pharma/biotech company with 1,001-5,000 employees
Real User
Intuitive, easy to manage, and offers great monitoring capabilities
Pros and Cons
  • "The web dashboard and the policy manager are very intuitive and very easy for the engineers to use."
  • "I can't think of an area where the solution is lacking a feature or a capability."

What is our primary use case?

I'm not the one who deployed this solution. However, there are many use cases.

What is most valuable?

I've had no problems with it at all. It's been a breeze. Our other guy who left taught me everything, including the basics in order to implement it. 

The dashboard, the monitoring tabs, and the configuration tabs, the admin tabs is all pretty self-explanatory.

The WiFi solution, the ease of use, and the scalability are excellent. We have Infoblox for all that stuff; however, as far as authentication and stuff like that, it is very easy to use. 

The web dashboard and the policy manager are very intuitive and very easy for engineers to use. Finding what you need is pretty simple. 

What needs improvement?

ClearPass is not something that I have to get into every day, as I do with Aruba Wireless Solution or Central. The only time I really need to get into ClearPass is to troubleshoot, handle authentication problems, or add a device for SNMP access. I can't think of an area where the solution is lacking a feature or a capability. It's fine right now. 

For how long have I used the solution?

We've used the solution for two and a half to three years or so now. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is stable and reliable. We haven't had any issues. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution can scale well. It's great. 

How are customer service and support?

I've never had to open up a tech support case on ClearPass. I can't speak to how helpful they would be if you reached out. 

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We've used Aruba and Cisco. As opposed to Cisco ISE and their tech act solution, hands down, Aruba is far better. It was far easier to manage. I know that the Cisco ISE solutions that we had before this was a pain. It was just difficult to manage. We had to reboot it three, four times a year just to get it going. And we've had several Cisco tech cases open on it. Cisco never knew how to fix it. That's why we looked at ClearPass. Finally, we convinced the person in charge of everything. We put together a POC and afterward, everyone was like "Wow, this is great. Yeah. Let us do this, please." We switched and we love it. It was no problem at all.

How was the initial setup?

I was not a part of the initial setup, however, Aruba is typically simple to set up. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

I do not deal with the licensing aspect of the solution. 

What other advice do I have?

We have a VMware server that hosts this solution. It is not on the cloud. I'm not sure which exact version we're using. 

I don't know about any other tech act applications out there. That said, I know that this is a breeze if you're working with Cisco ISE. I highly recommend a swap over to ClearPass Policy Manager. It is very, very, very, very easy. That's compared to Cisco ISE. I don't know about any other managers out there or if there may be better ones out there. We like Aruba. That's all I can say.

I'd rate the solution ten out of ten. 

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Anjan Basu Chowdhury - PeerSpot reviewer
Pre-Sales Manager at a tech services company with 501-1,000 employees
Reseller
Top 10
Robust product that supports multiple integrations
Pros and Cons
  • "It is a robust product."
  • "The pricing policy could be more flexible."

What is most valuable?

ClearPass has been the best NAC product and market leader for a decade. It is a robust product.

What needs improvement?

The pricing policy could be more flexible. Additionally, ClearPass can be integrated with the Aruba cloud solution because many companies are moving to the cloud.

For how long have I used the solution?

We use Aruba ClearPass for authentication purposes.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I rate the product's stability an eight out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It is a very high-end product. Its scalability is an eight or nine out of ten.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I used Cisco before. ClearPass supports multi-vendor products. On the other hand, Cisco is limited to being designed, configured, and managed for a specific device. ClearPass configures any products for authentication, device sharing, security, etc.

How was the initial setup?

The configuration was very complex. It is not a product that normal users can use. A bunch of technologies are involved. There are a lot of other policies, which also include device posturing and management. There are many features involved in this product, best used by experts.

If you implement all of the modules, deployment will be perfect. Otherwise, it is not possible because it is very complex. You need to understand the entire system. Since we are just starting with this product, we need to redirect our switching and wireless traffic to the NAC solution. We need to know the network controller features and infrastructure.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The product is very costly, starting at a minimum of 500 users. No small or medium-sized business can go with it as a standard organization has more than 500 users.

What other advice do I have?

Overall, I rate Aruba ClearPass a nine out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Reseller
PeerSpot user
RaviVerma2 - PeerSpot reviewer
Group Head - IT at Medusind Solutions India Pvt. Ltd.
Real User
Top 20
High availability and simple implmentaion
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution has been working well."
  • "The scalability could improve."

What is our primary use case?

We are using Aruba ClearPass for authentication purposes.

What is most valuable?

The solution has been working well.

What needs improvement?

The scalability could improve.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have used Aruba ClearPass within the last 12 months.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Aruba ClearPass is a stable solution.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I rate the scalability of Aruba ClearPass a nine out of ten.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup of Aruba ClearPass was simple.

What about the implementation team?

We did the deployment of the solution in-house.

What other advice do I have?

I rate Aruba ClearPass an eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Aruba ClearPass Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
Updated: November 2024
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Aruba ClearPass Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.