Our IT Help Desk was also dealing with a corresponding increase in their number of calls, with more than 50 percent related to problems logging on to the wireless network.
We approached wireless vendors, but soon realized that we needed a wireless and network-independent NAC solution that was actually designed for BYOD. We evaluated about ten different products, and Bradford Networks’ Network Sentry jumped to the top. It uses technology that automatically identifies every device trying to access the network, the software configuration, and the user.
Another key feature is policy-based access control, which offers the ability to define flexible, highly granular access rules and enforce those rules automatically.
Together, this visibility and control allows tens of thousands of varied users to come to campus with their personal devices and get the network resources they are authorized for, all without jeopardizing security or overwhelming IT staff.
How it works
Network Sentry provides automated network access control that enables UVU students, faculty, and guests to connect their Windows, Mac, or Linux based devices on campus.
The solution is very easy to use and very easy to manage — two essential qualities when you have thousands of users trying to access the campus network via personal devices.
Students and faculty registering for the first time enter their login credentials. Network Sentry then scans their machine, checking for the latest operating system patches and anti-malware software.
Some devices are inevitably infected with malware, so the software ensures they’re bug-free before allowing them on.
If everything is up to date, Network Sentry logs them on to the network and provides access to network resources for which they are authorized. If required software is missing or out of date, the user is instructed to click on a link to self-remediate.
Once they’re compliant, they can access the network (at least their part of it). Subsequent connections are automatic, with Network Sentry identifying the machine, the user, and whether the device continues to comply with access requirements.
The solution is also easy for our IT staff. By clicking or unclicking checkboxes, we can quickly create flexible access policies for each group type based on user role, device status, location, and time.
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