Cisco ISE
Cisco Identity Services Engine is a network administration product that enables you to create and enforce security policies for users and devices connecting to your organization's network infrastructure.
NordLayer
NordLayer provides a flexible and easy-to-implement network security solution for modern businesses, offering secure remote access and data protection through a dedicated cloud-based virtual private gateway and zero-trust principles.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Cisco ISE | NordLayer |
|---|---|---|
| Website | cisco.com | nordlayer.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | $10/month |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 90 days free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1984 | 2019 |
| Headquarters | San Jose, USA | New York, USA |
Overview
Cisco ISE
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) gives you a centralized way to manage security across your entire network. You can see exactly who and what is connecting to your environment, whether they are using a wired, wireless, or VPN connection. By gathering real-time data from users and devices, you can make informed decisions about who gets access to specific resources and under what conditions.
You can automate your network security by creating granular policies that adapt based on the user's role, device type, and location. This helps you stop threats before they spread by automatically isolating suspicious devices. Whether you are managing a corporate office or a distributed workforce, it provides the visibility you need to maintain a zero-trust security posture without slowing down your team.
NordLayer
NordLayer is a cloud-native network security platform designed to protect your business data and provide secure remote access for your entire team. You can move away from bulky hardware and complex manual configurations by deploying a scalable, software-defined perimeter that grows with your organization. It helps you implement zero-trust principles by verifying every connection attempt to your private resources.
You can manage your entire network from a single centralized control panel, where you assign user permissions, monitor activity, and set up dedicated servers with fixed IP addresses. Whether your team works from home, a coffee shop, or the office, you ensure their internet traffic remains encrypted and your internal systems stay shielded from unauthorized access. It is built for businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises needing robust compliance tools.
Overview
Cisco ISE Features
- AI Endpoint Analytics Identify and profile every device on your network automatically using AI-driven behavioral modeling to eliminate blind spots.
- Zero Trust Access Enforce software-defined segmentation to ensure you only grant users access to the specific applications they need for work.
- Automated Containment Block or quarantine compromised devices instantly through integrations with your security tools to prevent lateral movement of threats.
- Guest Access Management Create custom web portals for your visitors to provide secure, time-limited internet access without compromising your internal data.
- Compliance Monitoring Check the security posture of every device before it connects to ensure they meet your corporate encryption and antivirus standards.
- Centralized Policy Management Define your security rules once and push them across your entire global network from a single, unified management console.
NordLayer Features
- Dedicated IP Addresses. Assign fixed IP addresses to your private gateways so you can whitelist access to your sensitive internal systems and cloud resources.
- Smart Remote Access. Connect your remote employees to the company network securely with encrypted tunnels that protect data even on public Wi-Fi networks.
- Centralized Control Panel. Manage all your users, gateways, and security settings from one intuitive dashboard without needing advanced technical expertise.
- Two-Factor Authentication. Add an extra layer of protection to your accounts by requiring a second form of verification during the login process.
- Auto-Connect VPN. Ensure your team is always protected by setting the application to connect automatically whenever an internet connection is detected.
- Network Segmentation. Divide your network into smaller segments to control exactly which users can access specific internal servers or sensitive data.
Pricing Comparison
Cisco ISE Pricing
NordLayer Pricing
- Shared gateways in 30+ locations
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Two-factor authentication
- Auto-connect functionality
- Centralized member management
- 24/7 support
- Everything in Lite, plus:
- Dedicated server options
- Fixed IP address support
- Custom DNS settings
- Smart Remote Access
- Network segmentation capabilities
Pros & Cons
Cisco ISE
Pros
- Unmatched visibility into every device connected to your network
- Granular policy control for complex enterprise environments
- Seamless integration with the broader Cisco security ecosystem
- Powerful automation for isolating and remediating infected endpoints
- Highly scalable for global organizations with thousands of users
Cons
- Significant learning curve for initial setup and configuration
- Requires substantial hardware resources for on-premise deployments
- Licensing structure can be complex to navigate and manage
NordLayer
Pros
- Extremely simple setup process for non-technical users
- Fast connection speeds across global server locations
- Clean and intuitive management dashboard interface
- Responsive customer support available around the clock
- Easy integration with existing identity providers
Cons
- No forever-free plan for very small teams
- Dedicated IP addresses require an additional monthly fee
- Occasional minor bugs in the desktop application