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Security · Cisco / Network Engineer What is 802.1X and how does it integrate with NAC?
802.1X — port-based network access control. Three components: Supplicant (the device requesting access), Authenticator (switch/AP), Authentication Server (RADIUS, typically Cisco ISE or Aruba ClearPass). User/device must authenticate before getting network access. NAC (Network Access Control) extends 802.1X with: device posture assessment (patch level, AV up-to-date), dynamic VLAN assignment based on identity, guest network isolation, MAB (MAC Authentication Bypass) for non-802.1X devices like printers.
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