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Network Access Control: 802.1X & NAC Policies

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Network Access Control: identity before connectivity

Network Access Control (NAC) enforces a policy: prove who you are before getting network access. The 802.1X standard provides the mechanism — the switch (authenticator) blocks all traffic except EAP authentication frames until the RADIUS server authorizes the endpoint.

Modern NAC adds posture checking: even authenticated users get restricted access if their device is missing patches or running disallowed software.

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