For years, network access control was a simple question: Can this device connect or not? But in today’s enterprise networks—filled with BYOD, IoT devices, contractors, and hybrid work—that question is no longer enough.
IT teams now face a harder problem: Who is this device, who owns it, is it compliant right now, and what exactly should it be allowed to access? This shift is why HPE Aruba Networking ClearPass Policy Manager has moved beyond traditional NAC and become a core component of modern identity governance.
Table of Contents
- Part 1: What Is ClearPass Policy Manager and Why It Matters
- Part 2: Is ClearPass Only for Aruba Networks?
- Part 3: ClearPass Policy Manager Deployment Models and Sizing
- Part 4: Understanding ClearPass Licensing (Access, Onboard, OnGuard)
- Part 5: ClearPass vs Cisco ISE – Practical Differences
- Part 6: ClearPass in a Zero Trust and SASE World
- Part 7: Conclusion
- Part 8: FAQ
Part 1: What Is ClearPass Policy Manager and Why It Matters
Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager (CPPM) is a centralized policy engine that controls network access across wired, wireless, and VPN environments. Instead of relying on static VLANs or basic allow/deny rules, ClearPass evaluates identity in real time—user role, device type, posture, location, and context.
What makes ClearPass different is not just security, but consistency. Every device—corporate laptops, personal phones, printers, cameras, or badge readers—is evaluated against the same policy logic, regardless of how or where it connects.
In practice, ClearPass becomes the decision brain of the network, while switches, access points, and firewalls simply enforce those decisions.
Part 2: Is ClearPass Only for Aruba Networks?
This is one of the most common misconceptions.
Although developed by HPE Aruba Networking, ClearPass is vendor-agnostic. It integrates with multi-vendor switches, wireless controllers, and firewalls—including Cisco, Juniper, and Fortinet—using open standards such as RADIUS, TACACS+, SNMP, and syslog.
For enterprises operating mixed infrastructures across regions, ClearPass enables one identity policy framework without forcing a single-vendor network redesign.
Many organizations also reassess their switching and wireless lifecycle when deploying ClearPass, since consistent policy enforcement depends on how well the underlying network hardware supports open standards and dynamic authorization.
Part 3: ClearPass Policy Manager Deployment Models and Sizing
ClearPass is deployed as an appliance-based solution, available as both physical hardware and virtual appliances. Sizing is based on device count rather than users, which is a critical planning difference.
A commonly used baseline is 2.5 devices per user, accounting for laptops, phones, and secondary endpoints. ClearPass appliances are typically available in 500, 5K, and 25K device tiers and can be clustered for high availability and scale.
Virtual ClearPass appliances support VMware ESXi, Hyper-V, KVM, and public cloud environments. Licenses are pooled at the cluster level and shared across publisher and subscriber nodes.
Part 4: Understanding ClearPass Licensing (Access, Onboard, OnGuard)
ClearPass licensing is often misunderstood, but the underlying model is straightforward.
- Access vs Entry: Entry licenses cover essential NAC functions such as 802.1X authentication. Access licenses unlock advanced integrations, dynamic enforcement, and deeper context sharing.
- Onboard: Used for BYOD environments, Onboard automates certificate provisioning and is licensed per user with an active certificate.
- OnGuard: Focuses on endpoint posture assessment, validating device compliance before granting access.
Licenses are consumed based on concurrent active sessions rather than total registered devices, making accurate peak planning essential.
Part 5: ClearPass vs Cisco ISE – Practical Differences
ClearPass and Cisco ISE are frequently compared as enterprise NAC platforms. While both are capable, many administrators highlight usability differences in daily operations.
ClearPass’s Access Tracker and policy workflows are often viewed as more intuitive, enabling faster troubleshooting and quicker initial deployments. Cisco ISE offers deep capabilities but can require more tuning and operational overhead.
For teams prioritizing visibility and faster rollout without deep platform specialization, ClearPass is often perceived as easier to operationalize.
Part 6: ClearPass in a Zero Trust and SASE World
Cloud-based SASE and ZTNA solutions primarily manage north-south traffic to the internet. ClearPass addresses a different layer: internal east-west access at the campus and branch edge.
ClearPass enforces Zero Trust principles locally. No device is trusted by default, and access privileges can change dynamically based on posture, role, or security events.
This makes ClearPass a natural complement to cloud security architectures rather than a competing technology.
Part 7: Conclusion
ClearPass Policy Manager is less about adding another security tool and more about regaining control over identity in complex enterprise networks. It centralizes decision-making, reduces manual exceptions, and creates a scalable foundation for Zero Trust.
In practice, organizations often find that ClearPass works best when paired with network infrastructure that supports standards-based enforcement. Experienced partners such as Router-switch can quietly reduce deployment friction by helping teams source and standardize Aruba and multi-vendor networking equipment.
Ultimately, ClearPass is not just a NAC solution. It is an identity governance platform designed for networks where devices, users, and access requirements are constantly changing.
Part 8: FAQ
Q1.What is HPE Aruba Networking ClearPass Policy Manager?
It is a centralized identity and policy platform that provides role-based network access control across wired, wireless, and VPN environments.
Q2.Is ClearPass only for Aruba switches and access points?
No. ClearPass is vendor-agnostic and supports multi-vendor infrastructure using open networking standards.
Q3.How is ClearPass licensed?
Licensing is generally based on concurrent active sessions, with additional modules such as Onboard and OnGuard licensed separately.
Q4.Is ClearPass still relevant with SASE and Zero Trust?
Yes. ClearPass complements cloud security by enforcing Zero Trust principles at the campus and branch network edge.