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ExtremeControl vs Fortinet FortiNAC comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive SummaryUpdated on Nov 5, 2024

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

ExtremeControl
Ranking in Network Access Control (NAC)
14th
Average Rating
7.8
Reviews Sentiment
6.0
Number of Reviews
7
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
Fortinet FortiNAC
Ranking in Network Access Control (NAC)
3rd
Average Rating
7.6
Reviews Sentiment
7.0
Number of Reviews
55
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of April 2025, in the Network Access Control (NAC) category, the mindshare of ExtremeControl is 1.9%, up from 1.8% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Fortinet FortiNAC is 18.8%, up from 15.8% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Network Access Control (NAC)
 

Featured Reviews

Jose Mota - PeerSpot reviewer
Has a simple setup process, but it could be affordable
We have noticed similarities between Extreme and Ubiquiti, particularly in their functionality, like how they operate wirelessly and can be managed from the cloud or locally. Based on our experience, Ubiquiti's system may be more user-friendly and capable of handling heavy loads. Still, Extreme could be more reliable, although you have yet to compare them side by side directly. For instance, we have observed Extreme performing well in a warehouse environment, which might have a different level of network traffic than a convention center.
Boaz Katabazi - PeerSpot reviewer
Seamless device discovery with integration and discovery capabilities
FortiNAC is very good in terms of device discovery and integration. I appreciate the feature where it can connect with different vendor equipment, regardless of the network devices from other vendors. That's something I appreciate about it, particularly in terms of adaptability. Despite the complexity of its interface, its discovery capabilities are commendable.

Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"It has effectively enhanced network security and integrated with other security tools to streamline operations."
"I can know which end users are using which features."
"There is information on migrating most of the cloud system's features."
"Overall, I would rate ExtremeControl nine out of ten."
"The company also uses Cisco ISE in other places. I have been told that ExtremeControl is easier to use than ISE. The other reason we prefer ExtremeControl is stability. That's why they chose it for this big hospital in Oslo."
"The solution is easy to use."
"It's a very good solution and one thing I have noted is its simplicity and the ease of the set-up process."
"The FortiNAC features I found the most valuable are security and the ability to consolidate wireless networks."
"FortiNAC's end-to-end solution and AAA features are highly viable."
"The users say that FortiNAC is configurable and easy to use."
"The solution is generally stable."
"The initial setup was easy and straightforward."
"The most valuable features are usability and security."
"Compliance checks are a good feature. Compliance check is for windows updates and for antivirus updates, etc."
 

Cons

"One improvement could be better clarification, namely that the system only works optimally with all components purchased together."
"I would rate their technical support five out of ten. They have strict upgrade policies."
"There isn't enough development for the on-premises controller."
"The initial setup was not easy. It requires an experienced person to deploy ExtremeControl, and deployment can take from days to weeks depending on the complexity of the network."
"I'd like to have access to more information on the traffic passing through."
"The installation is easy, it can take between five minutes to four hours depending on the complexity of the environment. The speed of the installation could improve for more complex environments."
"Keeping the hard disk on the one series will be easier for the distributor and will keep the prices lower for the customer."
"The graphical user interface (GUI) of Fortinet FortiNAC is very poor compared to competitors like Forcepoint and Cisco ISE. Sometimes, it even gets stuck, leading to user complaints."
"I hope that Fortinet can add a feature with a remediation mechanism when you find a broken piece so that you can click on something and download the needed update or resolve the firewall issue more easily. Currently, we have to use an external remediation server to download updates."
"The platform must enable troubleshooting."
"The dashboard needs to improve."
"Admin UI could be better matched and easier to use; it cannot work as a RADIUS server."
"FortiNAC could improve integration with other vendors."
"The product must make its UI similar to other Fortinet products."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"ExtremeControl can be expensive compared to other options in the market."
"It's a subscription-based license, which is based on the usage and number of concurrent users."
"The product cost is moderate."
"The product itself is inexpensive, but the licensing is expensive."
"Fortinet FortiNAC is reasonably priced."
"The price is fair and reasonable for our clients."
"The licensing fees are a little bit high."
"The product pricing is reasonable."
"I rate Fortinet FortiNAC's pricing an eight out of ten."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
13%
Government
9%
Retailer
8%
Healthcare Company
8%
Educational Organization
32%
Computer Software Company
11%
Manufacturing Company
7%
Financial Services Firm
6%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about ExtremeControl?
It has effectively enhanced network security and integrated with other security tools to streamline operations.
What needs improvement with ExtremeControl?
Sometimes the performance with a high number of devices can be an area of concern. We rely more on the cloud for analytics rather than on-premise, and some customers prefer relying on an on-premise...
What is your primary use case for ExtremeControl?
I have already installed ExtremeControl for some of my clients. My clients use ExtremeControl for BYOD, device authentication, network security and control, and network automation.
What is the biggest difference between Aruba ClearPass and FortiNAC?
I've done quite a lot of work with ClearPass, and not a lot with FortiNAC/Bradford. ClearPass incorporates a number of different functions including ClearPass Guest for creating complex wireless g...
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...
What do you like most about Fortinet FortiNAC?
The support responds to our queries within two to four hours.
 

Also Known As

Extreme Access Control, Enterasys NAC
FortiNAC, Bradford Networks, Bradford Networks Sentry, Network Sentry Family
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

Street Crane, Robert Bosch, Molex Chengdu, Weir Valves & Controls UK, Renault, AESSEAL, Ducati, Alexander Dennis, UK Ministry of Defence, Manz
Isavia, Pepperdine University, Medical University of South Carolina, Columbia University Medical Center, Utah Valley University
Find out what your peers are saying about ExtremeControl vs. Fortinet FortiNAC and other solutions. Updated: April 2025.
847,862 professionals have used our research since 2012.