Cisco ISE (Identity Services Engine)

1. Policy-Based Access Control: Cisco ISE enables organizations to define and enforce granular access policies based on user roles, device types, time of day, and other contextual attributes.

2. Network Visibility: It provides real-time visibility into the network, including user and device identities, endpoints, applications, and security posture.

3. Authentication and Authorization: Cisco ISE supports a wide range of authentication methods, including 802.1X, MAC authentication bypass (MAB), web authentication, and guest access. It also allows for role-based authorization to control access privileges.

4. Endpoint Compliance: Cisco ISE can assess the security posture of endpoints connecting to the network and enforce compliance policies, such as requiring antivirus software, operating system patches, or specific security configurations.

5. Profiling and Device Onboarding: It automatically profiles and categorizes connected devices based on their characteristics, facilitating seamless onboarding and provisioning of new devices onto the network.

Before learning Cisco ISE (Identity Services Engine), it's beneficial to have skills in:

1. Networking Fundamentals: Understanding of TCP/IP, subnetting, VLANs, routing, and switching concepts.

2. Network Security: Knowledge of security principles, protocols, and technologies, including firewalls, VPNs, authentication methods, and encryption.

3. Active Directory and LDAP: Familiarity with directory services such as Active Directory (AD) and Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) for user authentication and identity management.

4. Cisco Networking: Experience with Cisco networking devices, command-line interface (CLI), and network management tools.

5. AAA (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting): Understanding of AAA protocols and concepts for controlling access to network resources.

By learning Cisco ISE (Identity Services Engine), you gain skills in:

1. Network Access Control (NAC): Implementing and managing NAC solutions to control and secure network access based on user identity, device type, and security posture.

2. Policy-Based Access Control: Designing and enforcing granular access policies to regulate network access and protect against unauthorized entry.

3. Authentication and Authorization: Configuring authentication mechanisms and authorization policies to verify user identities and grant appropriate access privileges.

4. Endpoint Compliance: Assessing and enforcing security compliance for endpoints connecting to the network, ensuring adherence to security policies and standards.

5. Network Visibility: Utilizing monitoring and reporting features to gain insights into network activity, user behavior, and device posture.