Cisco access control welcomes guest server

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Cisco has launched a new Network Admission Control (NAC) Guest Server, easing the administrative and IT security burdens associated with wireless networks for early adopter Numis Securities.

The new server adds secure guest network control to several existing Cisco NAC services that include roles-based posture assessment and profiling. The new Secure Guest service is designed to simplify the process of managing guest network access.

Andrew Stephenson, IT architect for London-based financial management services provider Numis Securities, told IT PRO how recent office relocation offered a greenfield opportunity to install the latest network technology.

"Prior to our move in March earlier this year, we had home-grown networking capabilities, which were difficult to maintain and manage, he said, explaining why Numis became a NAC platform user.

Numis now uses the Cisco NAC Guest Server, which can operate with the Cisco NAC appliance or the Cisco wireless large area network (LAN) controller, to streamline wireless access for end users.

Stephenson said: "The NAC Guest Server helps our department from being a bottleneck and facilitates a seamless, highly secure experience for our clients and employees."

Numis-own wired and wireless compatible PCs or laptops, signed with the necessary security certificates, are automatically signed onto the network, presenting users with the access to the company portal, "so users can practically take their desktop wherever they go," added Stephenson.

While guests no longer have to wait for a guest account to be provisioned and activated for them.

"And, because of the sensitivity associated with protecting information and the assets of our customers, employees, and business overall, our addition of the Cisco NAC Guest Server evolves the strength of our Cisco NAC solution because it enables us to manage security more efficiently with customer service remaining top-of-mind," he said.

In addition, the Cisco NAC Guest Server records the entire provisioning and login process, including a detailed history of guests accessing the corporate network. The server stores this information and can deliver reports to further enhance security management on an ongoing basis and for audits.

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