Guide on Network Access Control (NAC)
Network Access Control (NAC) is an integral part of the CompTIA Network+ certification. It involves understanding how to control access to a network and securing this access. This guide will provide an overview of the concept and tips to answer questions related to NAC in the exam.
Why is NAC important?
It's crucial due to its role in securing a network. It ensures that every device attempting to connect to a network meets predefined security standards. Without proper NAC, a network is susceptible to attacks and unwanted intrusions.
What is NAC?
Network Access Control is an approach to computer security that attempts to unify endpoint security technology (such as antivirus, host intrusion prevention, vulnerability assessment), user or system authentication and network security enforcement.
How does NAC work?
NAC functions by setting policies for network access. When a device tries to connect to the network, NAC checks the device to ensure it meets the predefined criteria. If the device fails this check, it can be blocked from accessing the network, placed into a restricted access area, or granted limited access.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Network Access Control (NAC)
1. Understand How NAC Works: Make sure you understand its underlying principle. Having a clear understanding helps in answering applied questions.
2. Know the Types of Policies: Understanding the types of NAC policies is important as questions often focus on policy types and their implementation.
3. Be aware of NAC drawbacks: Being aware of the limitations or disadvantages of NAC, like compatibility issues or potential for false positives, can help in objective type questions.
4. Practice: As with all exam topics, practicing with sample questions significantly helps understanding and retention.