Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) vs Ruckus Cloudpath comparison

Cisco and Ruckus are both solutions in the Network Access Control (NAC) category. Cisco is ranked #2 with an average rating of 7.9, while Ruckus is ranked #8 with an average rating of 7.3. Cisco holds a 22.4% mindshare in NAC, compared to Ruckus’s 2.0% mindshare. Additionally, 87% of Cisco users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 87% of Ruckus users who would recommend it.

Cisco Identity Services Eng...

Read 145 Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) reviews

15,135 Views
9,838 Comparison Views

87% willing to recommend

Ruckus Cloudpath

Read 12 Ruckus Cloudpath reviews

964 Views
964 Comparison Views

87% willing to recommend

Cisco Identity Services Eng...

Ruckus Cloudpath

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Nov 5, 2024

Cisco Identity Services Engine and Ruckus Cloudpath are both identity and access management platforms competing in the network security sector. Ruckus Cloudpath holds an advantage in simplicity and scalability, especially for environments prioritizing ease of management.

Features: Cisco ISE provides profiling, posture assessment, and dynamic VLAN assignment, compatible with 802.1X and TrustSec, and offers integration within the Cisco ecosystem. Ruckus Cloudpath is recognized for its BYOD management, ease of use, and straightforward deployment, which makes it appealing for environments needing simple management.

Room for Improvement: Cisco ISE is often seen as complex due to its initial setup process, steep learning curve, and troubleshooting difficulties. Users suggest simplified upgrades, improved user interface, and enhanced stability. Ruckus Cloudpath users note the need for better multi-vendor support and enhanced integration options.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Cisco ISE is mainly deployed on-premises and benefits from Cisco's support network, despite mixed reviews on response times. Ruckus Cloudpath offers flexibility in hybrid and private cloud installations, praised for simple deployment and good customer service, but some seek quicker support responses.

Pricing and ROI: Cisco ISE is perceived as expensive with a complex licensing structure, yet users feel the cost is justified if all features are utilized. Ruckus Cloudpath's user-based licensing is considered more cost-effective, yielding good ROI, particularly in straightforward deployments.

To learn more, read our detailed Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) vs. Ruckus Cloudpath Report (Updated: December 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) vs. Ruckus Cloudpath

December 2025

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

Cisco Identity Services Eng...

Ranking in Network Access Control (NAC)

2nd

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

6.6

Number of Reviews

145

Ranking in other categories

Cisco Security Portfolio (4th)

Ruckus Cloudpath

Ranking in Network Access Control (NAC)

8th

Average Rating

7.6

Reviews Sentiment

5.8

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of January 2026, in the Network Access Control (NAC) category, the mindshare of Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) is 22.4%, down from 28.3% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Ruckus Cloudpath is 2.0%, up from 1.7% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Network Access Control (NAC) Market Share Distribution
Product	Market Share (%)
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)	22.4%
Ruckus Cloudpath	2.0%
Other	75.6%

Network Access Control (NAC)

Featured Reviews

NicolasFigaro

Network and Technology Information Manager at Akkodis

Has improved authentication management and simplified visitor network access

The log capacity in Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) could be enhanced because today natively on the ISE can only have a look at the logs from the day before. You cannot search into the oldest logs; you have to use another tool for that. This can be blocking if you don't have any log consolidation solution. To do a search for an issue or something that happened two days ago, you cannot search directly in there. The capacity of Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) could be enhanced. Something between one week and one month for the log capacity would be nice.

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Gary Koh

Area Manager at Alpha Media Pte Ltd

Has improved network monitoring through intelligent features and simplified onboarding

I am using the certificate-based security feature in the product. The certificate-based security feature helps clients understand what Ruckus Cloudpath can do. Whether cloud or on-premises is used is defined by the clients. They are knowledgeable about the products, so minimal explanation is required. Policy management tools in Ruckus Cloudpath are performing adequately. The integration of Ruckus Cloudpath with our infrastructure is very user-friendly, as the software is becoming more intelligent. It is becoming more intelligent because it is easier to install and implement. Managing IoT devices within a network environment has improved compared to previous versions. The software is more intelligent now, with AI features integrated into their management system. The MMS portion is the best feature in Ruckus Cloudpath, as they can monitor the entire network intelligently with AI features that simplify the troubleshooting processes.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"The product is stable."

"Authentication is the most valuable feature because it puts our company at another level of security."

"For customers, it's great. It has a GUI, so the customers themselves can edit ACLs or even modify the policies. It's also an all-in-one solution with RADIUS and TACACS."

"The feature that I found most valuable is profiling. We use that to profile certain types of devices, and then depending on the manufacturer, drop them into the appropriate VLAN without us having to go in and manually add the devices."

"The ability to integrate our Cisco AnyConnect connections to the active directory has been great."

"Since migrating towards doing wired ports over ISE with 802.1X and MAB authentication, our organization's security risk has been better. We have been able to establish better layouts, so devices can move and we don't have to worry about where they need to go."

"The RADIUS Server holds the most value."

"We have multiple metal devices from different places that use management, so we need to know who would be accessing all those devices and what changes are being done to those metal devices. With Cisco ISE we have visibility of all the changes happening on those devices."

More Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) pros

"The most valuable features of Ruckus Cloudpath include its long-range capabilities, smooth and uninterrupted service, and reliability."

"The best features of Ruckus Cloudpath include the deep integration with the education system, the Eduroam, and the ease of creating workflows to manage each authentication process separately, allowing me to create a separate workflow for employees, guests, and students while being flexible in adjusting the policy."

"Ruckus Cloudpath is effective for network security since it points out errors, especially when working with APIs."

"The MMS portion is the best feature in Ruckus Cloudpath, as they can monitor the entire network intelligently with AI features that simplify the troubleshooting processes."

"The solution is easy to use, well designed, robust, and has good traffic capacity."

"I have found it easy to use with no significant issues once the small initial problems were resolved."

"Ruckus Cloudpath is very stable."

"The solution has good features for authentication, policies, and allowing users to self-provision devices for network access via their logins."

More Ruckus Cloudpath pros

Cons

"I would like to see integration with other vendors, and the RADIUS integration needs to be improved a little bit."

"Migration could be better. Right now, we back up with the new version, and it requires a lot of licensing and other things. Whenever we choose a product, it's very difficult because we have to meet the requirements of each feature. There is no standard feature, so the best system that we bought may not fit the solution. We have to look at every feature that the customer uses. If you compare it with other products like Aruba, it's not the same. With Cisco, I have to read all about the features on this version and the licensing required for the product. In Aruba, that thing is covered when you get one license because it covers almost everything. It could also be more scalable."

"It should be virtualized because many people have begun migrating to the cloud. They should offer a hybrid version."

"There should be more visibility into TrustSec policy actions. When TrustSec blocks something or makes any kind of changes to the network, we don't always see that. We have to log into the switch itself, or we have to get some type of Syslog parsing to do that."

"Cisco ISE is very complex and not very easy to deploy."

"The one main thing that it can improve on is the GUI. As the newest addition to the team, I struggle a little bit to get around it just because it has so many features."

"Cisco ISE integration with Cisco ACI is something that can be done in a less complex way. And the simplification in that area may help us do better."

"The Guest Network verification needs to add a QR code option."

More Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) cons

"The setup had a few initial small problems, however, everything was resolved and it is very good now."

"The main disadvantage is the price, as it is primarily a cost issue."

"The solution could improve by adding more detailed information that customers have available on the dashboards."

"The scalability could be better."

"The hardest part we've had to deal with is trying to find some physical product recently as everything is going like hotcakes."

"Ruckus Cloudpath needs more API features and enhanced automation capabilities."

"There is room for improvement in deployment."

"The setup process is a bit complex."

More Ruckus Cloudpath cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Standard licensing gives backup access and very few features, and then there's VM licensing - each VM we use needs to be licensed."

"It has a fair price. It is better than it was before."

"The solution is not that cheap."

"If you consider money only, Cisco ISE is not a cheap solution."

"It is fairly expensive and that's part of why we have implemented it in the type of 'hack' that we did, to service multiple clients."

"Being fully honest, the Cisco licensing model right now is really confusing. We don't know what licenses we have where. We have Smart licensing, but the different levels are way confusing."

"ISE has always been expensive compared to other products in terms of what it does on a user level."

"The price is okay."

More Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) pricing and cost advice

"The licensing of the solution is user-based and the price is good."

"The cost was somewhere around $700 for the access points, however, there was a discount."

"The pricing is a little bit high."

"I would rate the tool's pricing as a seven on a scale of one to ten. Compared to others, it's not overly expensive, but it does come with a cost. Since it's a licensed-based product, it can become expensive, especially if there is a need for additional licenses."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

12%

Manufacturing Company

11%

Government

Financial Services Firm

Comms Service Provider

15%

Computer Software Company

Financial Services Firm

Construction Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	44
Midsize Enterprise	32
Large Enterprise	91

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	7
Midsize Enterprise	3
Large Enterprise	2

Questions from the Community

Which is better - Aruba Clearpass or Cisco ISE?

Aruba ClearPass is a Network Access Control tool that gives secure network access to multiple device types. You can adapt the policies to VPN access, wired, or wireless access. You can securely ...

See all answers

What are the main differences between Cisco ISE and Forescout Platform?

OK, so Cisco ISE uses 802.1X to secure switchports against unauthorized access. The drawback of this is that ISE cannot secure the port if a device does not support 802.1x. Cameras, badge readers, ...

See all answers

How does Cisco ISE compare with Fortinet FortiNAC?

Cisco ISE uses AI endpoint analytics to identify new devices based on their behavior. It will also notify you if someone plugs in with a device that is not allowed and will block it. The user exper...

See all answers

What do you like most about Ruckus Cloudpath?

The tool's most valuable features include the phenomenal functionality of DPSK. The ease of use, particularly when it is correctly set up, is remarkably simple. Tracking users is straightforward an...

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Ruckus Cloudpath?

The pricing of Ruckus Cloudpath is on the expensive side. I would rate the pricing as an eight out of ten, with ten being very expensive.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Ruckus Cloudpath?

The main disadvantage is the price, as it is primarily a cost issue. The new version coming out, R1, is yet to be seen, though currently, it is running very efficiently. The biggest challenges are ...

See all answers

Comparisons

Aruba ClearPass vs Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)

Compared 23% of the time

Fortinet FortiNAC vs Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)

Compared 20% of the time

Forescout Platform vs Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)

Compared 8% of the time

CyberArk Privileged Access Manager vs Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)

Compared 3% of the time

More Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) Competitors

Aruba ClearPass vs Ruckus Cloudpath

Compared 43% of the time

Fortinet FortiNAC vs Ruckus Cloudpath

Compared 16% of the time

Portnox vs Ruckus Cloudpath

Compared 11% of the time

More Ruckus Cloudpath Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)

January 2026

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) report

Download Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) product report

Buyer's Guide

Ruckus Cloudpath

December 2025

Download Ruckus Cloudpath product report

Also Known As

Cisco ISE

No data available

Overview

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) offers comprehensive network access control and visibility, supporting features like 802.1X authentication, profiling, and posturing. It integrates with Microsoft and other Cisco products, facilitating robust security policies across distributed networks.

Cisco Identity Services Engine is a key player in network access control, offering centralized management and a user-friendly interface. It supports zero trust principles and provides strong authentication for wired and wireless networks. ISE's capabilities include granular security policies, enhanced device posturing, and seamless integration, bolstering security infrastructure. Users benefit from its dual authentication through EAP, simplifying access management across networks.

What are the key features of Cisco ISE?

802.1X Authentication: Supports network security for authorized device access.
Profiling: Identifies devices for accurate policy enforcement.
Posturing: Evaluates device compliance for access decisions.
TACACS: Streamlines network device authentication and authorization.
Guest Access: Provides secure access to visitors.
Microsoft Compatibility: Seamlessly integrates with Microsoft environments.

What benefits and ROI should be considered?

Security Enhancement: Offers strong network security policies.
Operational Efficiency: Centralized management improves operational aspects.
Improved Compliance: Ensures adherence to industry standards.
Scalability: Supports growing network demands effectively.

In industries like finance, healthcare, and education, Cisco ISE is pivotal for securing wired and wireless networks, implementing BYOD policies, and managing user access. Organizations leverage ISE for effective authentication and authorization, while maintaining compliance with industry security standards.

Cisco

Cloudpath Enrollment System is a software/SaaS platform that delivers secure wired and wireless network access for BYOD, guest users and IT-owned devices. It streamlines getting devices on the network and secures every connection with powerful encryption. Cloudpath software gives you granular policy control over what network resources users can access. It lets you deliver a great end-user experience and virtually eliminates helpdesk tickets related to network access. Choose from cloud-based or virtualized on-premises deployment. Cloudpath software supports any user, any device, and any network infrastructure.

Ruckus

Sample Customers

Aegean Motorway, BC Hydro, Beachbody, Bucks County Intermediate Unit , Cisco IT, Derby City Council, Global Banking Customer, Gobierno de Castilla-La Mancha, Houston Methodist, Linz AG, London Hydro, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Molina Healthcare, MST Systems, New South Wales Rural Fire Service, Reykjavik University, Wildau University

Information Not Available

Buyer's Guide

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) vs. Ruckus Cloudpath

December 2025

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