Cisco Identity Services Engine offers robust authentication, posture profiling, guest and secure access, and dynamic policy management. Known for its seamless integration with Cisco tools and network access control features, it ensures secure device and user authentication across networks.


| Product | Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) | 22.4% |
| Aruba ClearPass | 21.6% |
| Fortinet FortiNAC | 16.1% |
| Other | 39.9% |
| Type | Title | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Network Access Control (NAC) | Jan 26, 2026 | Download |
| Product | Reviews, tips, and advice from real users | Jan 26, 2026 | Download |
| Comparison | Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) vs Aruba ClearPass | Jan 26, 2026 | Download |
| Comparison | Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) vs Fortinet FortiNAC | Jan 26, 2026 | Download |
| Comparison | Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) vs ThreatLocker Zero Trust Endpoint Protection Platform | Jan 26, 2026 | Download |
| Title | Rating | Mindshare | Recommending | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cisco Secure Firewall | 4.1 | N/A | 83% | 429 interviewsAdd to research |
| Cisco Umbrella | 4.4 | N/A | 97% | 122 interviewsAdd to research |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 34 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 24 |
| Large Enterprise | 70 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 670 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 432 |
| Large Enterprise | 1446 |
Cisco Identity Services Engine is renowned for its capabilities in managing authentication, guest access, and policy management through segmentation. Its TrustSec functionality, alongside RADIUS and TACACS+ support, provides enhanced security, further augmented by its ability to operate in diverse environments. Its scalability and integration with Cisco solutions aid in maintaining network visibility and access control. Challenges include the complexity of initial deployments, somewhat cumbersome documentation, and limited integration in multi-vendor environments. While encountering issues in stability and updates, the demand for better analytics and straightforward troubleshooting alongside cost-effective licensing is notable.
What are the key features of Cisco Identity Services Engine?Industries implement Cisco Identity Services Engine primarily for network access control, ensuring secure authentication and segmentation in both wired and wireless environments. Supporting policies like bring-your-own-device and compliance standards, ISE manages identity-based access control, especially beneficial for entities that require detailed user rights management and integration within enterprise networks.
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) was previously known as Cisco ISE.
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| Author info | Rating | Review Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Network and Technology Information Manager at Akkodis | 4.5 | I find Cisco ISE reliable and easy to use for RADIUS authentication and guest access, though log capacity and stability during upgrades could improve; overall, it integrates well with our Cisco environment and meets our needs effectively. |
| Cybersecurity Team Leader at EMAK For Integrated Solutions | 5.0 | I've used Cisco ISE for six months to enforce Zero Trust via network admission control and posture assessment, valuing its usability, integration, and stability, though I find the new licensing model more complex than the legacy version. |
| Ag Systems & Networks Head at UNBS | 4.0 | We use Cisco Identity Services Engine for network access control to isolate devices and enforce rules, enhancing visibility and security. However, integration with other vendors can be restrictive, needing workarounds. I've considered Juniper and D-Link switches. |
| Service Line Manager (Service Operations Expert) - Network Access Control at a pharma/biotech company with 10,001+ employees | 2.0 | I use Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) mainly for wireless authentication and device administration. While it excels in device administration, it falls short in network access control. It offers cost savings compared to Forescout but needs improvements in threat detection and profiling. |
| Technical Services Lead at Telenet Solutions | 4.5 | We use Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) for network access control, including LAN, WAN, and Wi-Fi. It enhances security through RADIUS authentication. However, hardware compatibility is limited outside Cisco products. The solution provides ROI by improving security and reducing downtime. |
| Manager Network Operations at RAND Corporation | 5.0 | We use Cisco ISE for various authentication tasks, benefiting from its unified interface and policy management. While its documentation needs improvement, it significantly saves us money. Alternatives, like Microsoft, lacked maturity, and Linux required sysadmin expertise. |
| Network Engineer at a financial services firm with 10,001+ employees | 4.5 | I use Cisco Identity Services Engine for AAA authentication, enabling AD login with a single username. While the solution simplifies management and access, the web UI requires improvement for better navigation, specifically in the left pane after updating to version 3.1. |
| Network Architect at Great Canadian Gaming Corp | 4.5 | We primarily use Cisco ISE for device authentication and are integrating 802.1X for enhanced security. It efficiently authenticates wired users and separates guest networks, although policy implementation could be streamlined. We've experienced a positive ROI through improved protection. |