Cisco Meraki Access Manager: The Next Generation of Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and NAC
Remote work, BYOD, and IoT devices everywhere, organisations must embrace Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and Network Access Control (NAC) that go beyond traditional security.
Cisco Access Manager, powered by Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) and delivered via the Meraki Cloud, provides a modern, scalable, and easy-to-manage solution for identity-based access control.
If you’re exploring Zero Trust, Cisco ISE, or modern NAC, it’s probably worth taking 5 minutes to read through the rest of this post about how Cisco Access Manager is the next evolution of network security.
What Is Cisco Access Manager?
Cisco Access Manager is a cloud-native NAC solution that enforces Zero Trust principles by verifying every user and device before granting access.
It integrates directly with the Meraki Dashboard, removing the need for physical NAC appliances or complex rollout processes.
By combining Cisco ISE’s proven security intelligence with Meraki’s simplicity, Access Manager provides advanced identity-based access control that can be deployed across wired, wireless, and remote networks in minutes.
Why Businesses Are Moving to Zero Trust NAC
Traditional NAC systems rely on outdated trust assumptions and static controls. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) replaces this with continuous verification, ensuring only the right users, devices, and applications gain access.
Cisco Access Manager operationalises this Zero Trust model by combining:
- Real-time device authentication
- Context-aware access policies
- Automated enforcement and segmentation
It allows organisations to secure remote workers, IoT devices, and hybrid networks from a single cloud dashboard.
Key Advantages of Cisco Access Manager
Zero Trust Security, Deployed in Minutes
Cisco Access Manager makes Zero Trust access control fast and frictionless.
- Cloud-native deployment – no NAC appliances required.
- 802.1X, EAP-TLS, iPSK, and MAC-based authentication support.
- Managed via the Meraki Dashboard for full visibility.
Deep Integration with Microsoft Entra ID
Cisco Access Manager integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), aligning access policies with user identity and group membership.
- Dynamic, role-based policy enforcement.
- Flexible authentication for both managed and unmanaged devices.
- Context-based controls for devices, location, or security posture.
Simplified Cloud Management
Traditional NAC systems are often complex and siloed. Cisco Access Manager eliminates this.
- All access control and monitoring live inside the Meraki Cloud Dashboard.
- Simplified troubleshooting with endpoint and session visibility.
- Reduced total cost of ownership and fewer IT resources required.
Built for Scale Across Any Organisation
From small businesses to global enterprises, Cisco Access Manager scales without complexity.
- Centralised cloud control across branches and campuses.
- Consistent security for wired and wireless networks.
- Flexible authentication options for any endpoint type.
Improved Security, Compliance, and Reporting
Cisco Access Manager supports Zero Trust compliance frameworks such as Cyber Essentials Plus, ISO 27001, and NCSC guidelines.
- Automated access enforcement limits lateral movement.
- Full audit logs and reporting simplify compliance.
- Real-time visibility supports fast incident response.
Cisco Access Manager vs Cisco ISE
| Feature | Cisco Access Manager | Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | Cloud (Meraki Dashboard) | On-prem or virtual appliance |
| Ease of Use | Simple, plug-and-play | Requires specialist expertise |
| Ideal For | SMBs & distributed networks | Large enterprises with complex needs |
| Authentication | EAP-TLS, iPSK, MAC-based | 802.1X, RADIUS, SGTs, posture |
| Cost | Lower (SaaS) | Higher (licences + hardware) |
Summary:
- Use Cisco Access Manager for cloud simplicity and fast rollout.
- Choose Cisco ISE if you need deep policy customisation and posture checks.
Common Use Cases
- Branch Office Security – Deploy Zero Trust access across remote sites with no on-prem hardware.
- BYOD and IoT Security – Protect all endpoints, managed or unmanaged.
- Compliance and Governance – Automate policy enforcement and maintain audit trails for regulatory frameworks.
Why Cisco Access Manager Is the Future of Network Access Control
By merging Cisco ISE’s intelligence with Meraki’s cloud efficiency, Cisco Access Manager redefines NAC. It brings Zero Trust access to every organisation without hardware, without hassle, and without compromise.
With simplified deployment, real-time policy enforcement, and scalable Zero Trust security, Cisco Access Manager represents the next chapter in Network Access Control (NAC).
Key Takeaways
- Cloud-delivered Zero Trust NAC for all environments.
- Seamless Meraki and Entra ID integration.
- Simplified operations and lower costs.
- Scalable for SMBs and enterprises alike.
- Ideal for securing hybrid and IoT-driven networks.
Can we help?
Both Meraki Access Control and Cisco ISE are powerful solutions, but they serve different use cases. If you need a cloud-based, easy-to-deploy NAC, Meraki Access Control is a great fit. However, if your organisation requires advanced security enforcement, posture assessment, and threat integration, Cisco ISE is the superior choice.
If you are unsure which solution is right for you or need help with NAC audits, deployments, or managed services, our experts can assist.
Re-solution.co.uk is a Cisco Meraki Partner specialising in secure network design, deployment, and management for UK organisations.
Get in touch to discover how Cisco Access Manager can help your business adopt Zero Trust Network Access with simplicity and confidence.
