About Me
Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr)
1 **Foundation**
1-1 **Networking Fundamentals**
1-1 1 OSI and TCPIP Models
1-1 2 Network Devices and Their Functions
1-1 3 IP Addressing and Subnetting
1-1 4 Routing and Switching Basics
1-1 5 Network Security Fundamentals
1-2 **Enterprise Architecture**
1-2 1 Enterprise Network Design Principles
1-2 2 Network Segmentation and Zoning
1-2 3 Network Services and Protocols
1-2 4 Network Management and Monitoring
1-2 5 Network Automation and Programmability
2 **Design**
2-1 **Network Design Methodologies**
2-1 1 Design Life Cycle
2-1 2 Requirements Gathering and Analysis
2-1 3 Design Documentation and Validation
2-1 4 Design Implementation and Testing
2-1 5 Design Maintenance and Optimization
2-2 **Enterprise Network Design**
2-2 1 Campus Network Design
2-2 2 Data Center Network Design
2-2 3 WAN Design
2-2 4 Wireless Network Design
2-2 5 Security Architecture Design
3 **Implementation**
3-1 **Network Implementation Planning**
3-1 1 Implementation Strategies
3-1 2 Resource Allocation and Scheduling
3-1 3 Risk Management and Mitigation
3-1 4 Change Management
3-1 5 Post-Implementation Review
3-2 **Network Services Implementation**
3-2 1 IP Address Management (IPAM)
3-2 2 DNS and DHCP Implementation
3-2 3 Network Access Control (NAC)
3-2 4 VPN and Remote Access Implementation
3-2 5 Network Security Services Implementation
4 **Operation**
4-1 **Network Operations Management**
4-1 1 Network Monitoring and Performance Management
4-1 2 Fault Management and Troubleshooting
4-1 3 Capacity Planning and Management
4-1 4 Network Change and Configuration Management
4-1 5 Network Compliance and Auditing
4-2 **Network Security Operations**
4-2 1 Incident Response and Management
4-2 2 Threat Detection and Mitigation
4-2 3 Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
4-2 4 Vulnerability Management
4-2 5 Security Policy Enforcement and Monitoring
5 **Optimization**
5-1 **Network Optimization Techniques**
5-1 1 Traffic Engineering and Load Balancing
5-1 2 Quality of Service (QoS) Implementation
5-1 3 Network Performance Tuning
5-1 4 Energy Efficiency and Green Networking
5-1 5 Network Optimization Tools and Technologies
5-2 **Network Automation and Orchestration**
5-2 1 Network Programmability and Automation
5-2 2 Software-Defined Networking (SDN)
5-2 3 Network Function Virtualization (NFV)
5-2 4 Automation Tools and Frameworks
5-2 5 Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CICD) for Networks
6 **Leadership**
6-1 **Leadership and Management Skills**
6-1 1 Strategic Planning and Vision
6-1 2 Team Leadership and Development
6-1 3 Communication and Stakeholder Management
6-1 4 Financial Management and Budgeting
6-1 5 Project Management and Execution
6-2 **Professional Ethics and Standards**
6-2 1 Ethical Decision-Making
6-2 2 Industry Standards and Compliance
6-2 3 Intellectual Property and Licensing
6-2 4 Professional Development and Continuous Learning
6-2 5 Global and Cultural Awareness
3.2.3 Network Access Control (NAC) Explained

3.2.3 Network Access Control (NAC) Explained

Key Concepts

Network Access Control (NAC) is a security framework designed to enforce security policies on network devices. Key concepts include:

Policy Enforcement

Policy Enforcement involves defining and enforcing security policies that govern how devices can access the network. These policies ensure that only compliant and authorized devices can connect to the network. Tools like Cisco ISE (Identity Services Engine) are used to enforce these policies.

An analogy for Policy Enforcement is a security guard at a gated community. Just as the guard ensures only authorized residents enter, NAC ensures only compliant devices access the network.

Endpoint Compliance

Endpoint Compliance involves verifying that devices attempting to connect to the network meet predefined security requirements. This includes checking for antivirus software, operating system updates, and other security measures. Non-compliant devices are either denied access or placed in a quarantine network.

Think of Endpoint Compliance as a health check-up before entering a hospital. Just as patients must meet health standards, devices must meet security standards to access the network.

Authentication

Authentication involves verifying the identity of users and devices before granting network access. Common methods include passwords, biometrics, and digital certificates. Authentication ensures that only legitimate users and devices can connect to the network.

An analogy for Authentication is a passport check at an airport. Just as travelers must prove their identity, users and devices must authenticate to access the network.

Authorization

Authorization involves granting or denying access to network resources based on the authenticated identity. This includes defining user roles and permissions. Authorization ensures that users can only access the resources they are permitted to use.

Think of Authorization as a keycard access system in a building. Just as keycards grant access to specific areas, Authorization grants access to specific network resources.

Continuous Monitoring

Continuous Monitoring involves continuously assessing the security posture of devices on the network. This includes detecting and responding to policy violations and security threats in real-time. Continuous monitoring ensures that the network remains secure and compliant.

An analogy for Continuous Monitoring is a surveillance system in a store. Just as cameras monitor the store for suspicious activities, NAC continuously monitors the network for security threats.

Understanding and effectively implementing Network Access Control (NAC) is crucial for ensuring the security and compliance of a network. By mastering these concepts, network architects can create secure and resilient network environments.

© 2024 Ahmed Baheeg Khorshid. All rights reserved.