Network Access Control Management with NetSymphony
NetSymphony is an innovative orchestration and automation platform that is transforming the landscape of networking and network security. By providing unparalleled visibility, contextual device management, and streamlined workflows, NetSymphony empowers IT teams to optimize their Network Access Control (NAC) strategies. This document explores NetSymphony's advanced capabilities, including its unique approach to managing MAC Address Bypass (MAB) endpoints in wired 802.1X deployments, and how it addresses key challenges faced by network administrators, IT managers, and security professionals. For enterprises facing the growing complexity of network security and access management, NetSymphony serves as a crucial tool in maintaining robust security postures while ensuring operational efficiency.
Key Benefits and Challenges Addressed
NetSymphony offers a comprehensive suite of benefits that address critical challenges in network access control management. By simplifying complex processes and providing enhanced visibility, the platform enables organizations to streamline their operations and improve overall network security.
Simplified Management
NetSymphony empowers junior IT staff to handle MAC Address Bypass (MAB) tasks, freeing up senior personnel for more strategic initiatives. This delegation of responsibilities not only improves operational efficiency but also contributes to skill development within the IT team. The platform's intuitive interface simplifies the management of non-802.1X endpoints, reducing the complexity often associated with these devices.
Accelerated Deployment
By simplifying endpoint management, NetSymphony enables rapid 802.1X rollouts across organizations of all sizes. This significantly reduces manual effort, allowing IT teams to deploy secure network access controls more quickly and efficiently. The platform's ability to streamline deployments and reduces the time and resources typically required for large-scale implementations.
Enhanced Network Agility
NetSymphony enables the use of "colorless ports," providing uniform configuration across the network. This approach minimizes risks associated with port-specific configurations and enables true plug-and-play functionality. Network administrators can easily move devices between ports without worrying about complex reconfiguration processes, enhancing overall network flexibility and responsiveness to changing business needs.
Comprehensive Visibility
The interface displays the currently connected endpoints, paired with contextual data about the networks and sites they are connected to. This enhanced visibility allows IT teams to quickly identify and resolve issues, reducing risk of segmentation breaches. The ability to see authentication outcomes in context significantly speeds up troubleshooting processes, enabling faster resolution of access-related problems.
Core Workflows
NetSymphony's core workflows are designed to streamline network access control management:
NAC Endpoints Management
Access the contextual "NAC Endpoints" views to manage endpoints by Organizational Unit or site, add new devices, and assign them to network segments with ease.
Staging Endpoint Management
Utilize the "Endpoints in Staging" view for centralized management of devices awaiting deployment. Assign segments and update details to easily onboard unknown devices.
Integration Capabilities
NetSymphony integrates seamlessly with top-tier NAC platforms, offering dynamic VLAN assignments and real-time switch port role configuration based on security policies.
Real-world Success and Conclusion
Success Story: Transforming Operations in the Construction Industry
NetSymphony's capabilities have been proven in real-world deployments, as exemplified by its implementation in a leading construction firm operating across the Nordic region. This case study showcases the platform's ability to deliver tangible benefits in diverse and challenging environments.
500+
Sites Managed
NetSymphony successfully supported the management of over 500 sites, demonstrating its scalability and effectiveness in handling large, distributed networks.
20 000+
Endpoints
The platform significantly streamlined the device onboarding process, cutting the time required and improving operational efficiency.
30%
Sites replaced yearly
Due to the nature of the business, many sites are replaced each year, requiring efficient processes to handle site deployments and endpoint onboarding.
This success story illustrates NetSymphony's ability to transform operations across diverse environments, including offices, factories, and construction sites. The platform's adaptability to various settings underscores its value in complex, multi-site deployments.
Conclusion: Empowering Network Security and Efficiency
NetSymphony makes complex 802.1X deployments not just feasible but highly efficient. By empowering IT teams with advanced tools and insights, the platform significantly enhances network security while simplifying management processes. The combination of network data and contextual information sets NetSymphony apart and lets businesses confidently manage their network access control.
As networks continue to grow in complexity and importance, solutions like NetSymphony become increasingly vital. By addressing key challenges such as non-802.1X endpoint management and contextual device onboarding, NetSymphony provides a comprehensive solution that meets the evolving needs of modern enterprises.
By combining NetSymhony's Network Access Control and Network Segmentation features (see our Network Segmentation solution brief), the barrier to deploy segments on site and assigning endpoints to them is drastically lowered.