Fortinet FortiNAC (Network Access Control)

Overview

FortinortiNAet FC is a network access control solution that helps organisations control, monitor, and secure devices connected to their networks. It gives IT teams better visibility across users, endpoints, IoT devices, and network infrastructure.

FortiNAC can identify connected devices and assess their access requirements. It can then apply network access policies based on the device, user, location, and security status. As a result, organisations can reduce unauthorised access and improve network security.

In addition, FortiNAC can work with existing network infrastructure and Fortinet security products. This approach helps businesses create a more coordinated security environment across wired and wireless networks.

For UK businesses, FortiNAC can support access control across offices, branch locations, campuses, healthcare environments, education networks, and enterprise data centres. Moreover, its centralised approach can help security teams manage growing numbers of connected devices.

Businesses comparing network security technologies can also review Fortinet Firewall Buying Guide for Business and Zero Trust Security Architecture with Cisco: A Practical Guide for Enterprises when planning wider network protection strategies.

What Is Fortinet FortiNAC?

FortiNAC is Fortinet’s Network Access Control platform. It helps organisations discover devices, control network access, enforce security policies, and respond to changes in endpoint behaviour.

Unlike a traditional firewall, FortiNAC focuses on controlling which devices and users can access network resources. Therefore, it can add another security layer alongside firewalls, switches, wireless access points, endpoint security, and other network controls.

Furthermore, FortiNAC can help organisations apply different access policies to managed computers, guest devices, IoT equipment, contractors, and other endpoints. This makes it useful for networks with many different device types.

Key Features

• Network Access Control
• Device discovery and identification
• Endpoint visibility
• Network access policy enforcement
• Guest access control
• IoT device visibility
• Endpoint profiling
• Device authentication support
• Automated network segmentation
• Security policy enforcement
• Centralised network visibility
• Integration with Fortinet security solutions
• Support for wired and wireless environments
• Network security automation
• Device quarantine and remediation workflows

Benefits of FortiNAC

• Improve network visibility: Identify devices connected to the network.
• Control network access: Apply access policies according to users and devices.
• Reduce unauthorised access: Limit access from unknown or non-compliant endpoints.
• Protect IoT environments: Improve visibility across connected devices.
• Support network segmentation: Place devices into suitable network segments.
• Automate security actions: Respond to changes in endpoint status and network activity.
• Strengthen Zero Trust strategies: Apply access controls based on identity, device status, and security requirements.

How FortiNAC Works

FortiNAC first discovers devices connected to the network. Next, it identifies and profiles those devices using available network information. The platform can then compare devices against defined security and access policies.

If a device meets the required conditions, FortiNAC can allow the appropriate level of network access. However, if a device does not meet the policy, administrators can apply a more restricted access level or trigger a suitable response.

As a result, businesses can move from basic network connectivity toward more controlled and policy-based access.

FortiNAC for Enterprise Networks

Large organisations often manage thousands of endpoints across offices, branches, campuses, and remote locations. Therefore, manual access control can become difficult to maintain.

FortiNAC helps centralise network access policies and device visibility. It can support security teams as they manage computers, phones, printers, cameras, IoT equipment, wireless devices, and other connected endpoints.

In addition, organisations can use network access control as part of a broader security architecture. FortiNAC can complement firewalls, endpoint security, secure access technologies, and network monitoring tools.

FortiNAC for IoT Security

IoT devices can create additional security challenges because many devices connect to networks without the same controls used on business computers.

FortiNAC can help identify and classify connected IoT devices. Consequently, security teams can apply suitable access policies and limit unnecessary access to sensitive network resources.

This approach can benefit organisations using security cameras, printers, sensors, medical devices, building systems, and other connected equipment.

Network Access Control Applications

• Corporate offices
• Enterprise networks
• Branch offices
• Universities and schools
• Healthcare facilities
• Government organisations
• Financial institutions
• Retail networks
• Manufacturing environments
• Data centres
• IoT deployments
• Guest networks

FortiNAC and Zero Trust

Network Access Control can support a Zero Trust security model by helping organisations make access decisions based on identity, device status, and security policy.

Instead of allowing every connected device the same level of access, businesses can create rules for different users and endpoints. Therefore, FortiNAC can help reduce unnecessary network exposure and support more controlled access.

Buyer Considerations

Before purchasing FortiNAC, organisations should review their network size, number of endpoints, authentication requirements, wired and wireless infrastructure, IoT requirements, and existing Fortinet products.

They should also consider deployment design, licensing, integration, support, and long-term scalability. In addition, buyers should confirm compatibility with their existing switches, wireless infrastructure, authentication systems, and security platforms.

Why Choose Fortinet FortiNAC?

FortiNAC can provide a central way to discover devices and control network access. Furthermore, it can complement a wider Fortinet security architecture.

For organisations that already use Fortinet firewalls, switches, wireless products, or other security technologies, integration can help create a more consistent approach to network protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fortinet FortiNAC?

FortiNAC is a Network Access Control solution that helps organisations discover devices, control network access, enforce policies, and improve endpoint visibility.

What does FortiNAC stand for?

FortiNAC refers to Fortinet Network Access Control. It focuses on controlling and securing access to network resources.

What is FortiNAC used for?

FortiNAC is used for device discovery, endpoint profiling, network access control, IoT visibility, policy enforcement, segmentation, and security automation.

Can FortiNAC control IoT devices?

Yes. FortiNAC can help organisations identify and manage connected IoT devices. It can also apply suitable network access policies to those devices.

Can FortiNAC work with wired and wireless networks?

Yes. FortiNAC can support access control across wired and wireless network environments when the required infrastructure and integrations are available.

Is FortiNAC a firewall?

No. FortiNAC is a Network Access Control solution. A Fortinet firewall provides different security functions, including traffic inspection and network security enforcement.

Does FortiNAC support Zero Trust?

Yes. FortiNAC can support Zero Trust strategies by helping organisations make access decisions based on users, devices, security status, and defined policies.

Is FortiNAC suitable for large businesses?

Yes. FortiNAC can support enterprise environments where organisations need centralised device visibility and controlled network access across multiple locations.

What should businesses check before buying FortiNAC?

Businesses should check endpoint numbers, network infrastructure, authentication requirements, IoT requirements, integrations, licensing, deployment options, support, and future growth.

Related Products

• Fortinet Firewalls
• FortiGate Next-Generation Firewalls
• Fortinet Switches
• Fortinet Wireless Access Points
• FortiGuard Security Services
• Fortinet Security Solutions
• Network Access Control Solutions

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