HPE Aruba Networking ClearPass Policy Manager review
A comprehensive enterprise NAC platform for identity, device, guest, and endpoint policy control.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
HPE Aruba Networking ClearPass Policy Manager is a multi-vendor network access control platform for enterprises managing wired, wireless, and VPN environments. It centralizes authentication, authorization, accounting, profiling, posture assessment, guest registration, device onboarding, and policy enforcement. Role- and device-based policies, 802.1X, MAC Authentication Bypass, RADIUS access control, and captive portal access support varied endpoint and user requirements. Deployment options include a dedicated hardware appliance, virtual machine, or public-cloud instance.
ClearPass is a paid product with Access or Entry licensing based on concurrent endpoints. Reseller prices may vary by location, so buyers should evaluate the licensing model alongside endpoint volume and deployment requirements. Multi-instance clustering with Publisher and Subscriber nodes supports distributed deployments, while ClearPass OnGuard provides posture assessment and ClearPass Onboard supports device onboarding and certificate provisioning. The platform is suited to organizations that need centralized controls across several network access scenarios rather than a narrow 802.1X-only tool.
Its ecosystem includes Microsoft Active Directory, RADIUS, REST APIs, Palo Alto Networks, Duo, and Carbon Black. These integrations can connect identity, authentication, endpoint, and security workflows across an existing environment. The main trade-off is scope: ClearPass covers many access-control functions, but organizations seeking a smaller deployment or a free starting tier should consider a more limited alternative. Enterprises needing wired, wireless, VPN, guest, profiling, posture, and onboarding controls in one platform should shortlist ClearPass.
HPE Aruba Networking ClearPass Policy Manager pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Controls wired, wireless, VPN, guest, and non-802.1X access
- Adds profiling, posture assessment, onboarding, and certificate provisioning
- Supports clustering, REST APIs, and security integrations
- Where it doesn't
- No free plan is offered
- Reseller pricing varies by location
- Its broad enterprise scope may exceed smaller deployments
HPE Aruba Networking ClearPass Policy Manager fact sheet, pricing and score →
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