Access Control and Identity Management, 3rd Edition



Network Access Control

Network access control (NAC), sometimes called network admission control, is the use of policies within a network infrastructure to limit access to resources until the system proves that it has complied with the policy. Policies are defined by the network administrator and can apply to antivirus software, software versions, software updates, and other aspects of the computer system that might affect the security of the system and/or the network.

The components involved with NAC include computer systems, routers, switches, servers, and network firewalls. For example, a router might not allow you network access if you do not have the correct IP address associated with your computer ...