
Enhancing Security and Streamlining Network Operations in the Life Science Industry with ISE and DNAC
The life science industry has recently taken a significant step towards enhancing security and streamlining network operations. The industry deployed the Identity Services Engine (ISE) and Cisco DNA Center (DNAC). The primary goal of this deployment was to enable wired device authentication using a combination of 802.1X for dot1x capable devices and MAC Authentication Bypass (MAB) for non-dot1x devices. DNAC was leveraged to automate switch configuration using device templates, which reduced configuration efforts and ensured consistency across device models.
The industry faced several challenges during this deployment. The first challenge was the diverse device landscape. The industry has a mix of laptops, desktops, medical devices, and non-medical devices, each requiring different authentication methods. The second challenge was ensuring that all devices accessing the network comply with security policies and are authenticated correctly. The third challenge was streamlining the process of configuring switches for different device types and reducing the potential for errors during deployment.
The solution to these challenges was two-fold. First, the Identity Services Engine (ISE) was implemented as the central authentication and authorization platform. Dot1x authentication using certificates was used for dot1x capable devices. MAB authentication was used for non-dot1x devices, providing a fallback mechanism. Policies were configured in ISE to enforce security and compliance requirements based on device type and user identity.
Second, Cisco DNA Center (DNAC) was utilized for automating switch configuration using device templates. Device templates were created for different device models, ensuring consistent configurations and reducing manual efforts. DNAC’s automation capabilities helped in replicating tested configurations from the lab environment to production, minimizing deployment issues.
The implementation process was carried out in three steps. A lab environment was set up to test and demonstrate various use cases, including dot1x and MAB authentication for different device types. Configuration templates were developed and tested in the lab to ensure functionality and compatibility.
All use cases, including dot1x authentication with certificates and MAB authentication, were thoroughly tested in the lab environment. Demonstration sessions were conducted to showcase the seamless authentication process for different devices.
After successful testing and demonstration, the same configurations and policies were replicated to the production environment. DNAC’s automation capabilities were leveraged to ensure consistent and error-free configuration deployment across switches.
The deployment of ISE and DNAC at the life science industry has brought several benefits. The secure authentication mechanisms (dot1x and MAB) ensure that only authorized devices gain access to the network, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and potential security breaches. Automation through DNAC and the use of device templates significantly reduced the effort required for switch configuration and ensured consistent settings across devices. Testing and demonstration in the lab environment helped identify and resolve issues before deployment to production, minimizing disruptions and downtime during rollout.
The deployment of ISE and DNAC at the life science industry has significantly improved network security, streamlined configuration management, and reduced deployment risks. By leveraging advanced authentication mechanisms and automation capabilities, the industry can effectively manage its diverse device landscape while ensuring compliance with security policies. This deployment is a testament to the power of technology in enhancing security and streamlining operations in a complex environment like a life science industry.
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