Aruba ClearPass Licensing Explained

Aruba ClearPass is a network access control (NAC) solution that provides a range of security for wireless, wired, and VPN networks. ClearPass enables organizations to secure their networks and devices, enforce security policies, and provide secure access to network resources[5]. The licensing model for Aruba ClearPass is quite flexible, offering different types of licenses to cater to various needs.

Types of Licenses

There are several types of licenses available for Aruba ClearPass:

1. Entry License: This is a basic application license that provides fundamental features of the ClearPass Policy Manager[1][7].

2. Access License: This license type allows you to manage network access and ensure security for a specific number of concurrent endpoints. It is available in different quantities, such as 100, 500, 1000, and up to 50,000 concurrent endpoints[8][13][15].

3. AccessUpgrade License: Introduced in ClearPass 6.8, this license type expands the features available in the Entry license[2].

4. Onboard License: This license type was available in previous versions of ClearPass and allowed for device onboarding[10].

5. OnGuard License: This license type was also available in previous versions of ClearPass and provided advanced security features[10].

6. Guest License: This license type was available in previous versions of ClearPass but is no longer available in ClearPass 6.7 and later[10].

7. Enterprise License: This license type was available in previous versions of ClearPass but is no longer available in ClearPass 6.7 and later. An Enterprise license could be converted into a certain number of Access, Onboard, and OnGuard licenses[10].

Note that the availability of some license types may depend on the specific version of ClearPass you are using.

License Models

Aruba ClearPass licenses are available in two models:

1. Perpetual License: This type of license is purchased once and does not expire. It allows you to manage a specific number of concurrent endpoints indefinitely[12].

2. Subscription License: This type of license is valid for a specific period (e.g., 1 year, 3 years) and allows you to manage a specific number of concurrent endpoints during that period[8][14].

License Activation

Licenses can be activated online through the ClearPass Policy Manager. If you do not want to activate a license online, you can activate it offline by submitting a case through the My Networking portal[7].

Conclusion

Aruba ClearPass licensing offers flexibility to cater to different needs and sizes of organizations. Whether you need basic features or advanced security capabilities, there's a license type that fits your requirements. And with the choice between perpetual and subscription licenses, you can choose the model that best aligns with your budget and operational needs.

Citations:
[1] https://www.arubanetworks.com/techdocs/ClearPass/6.9/CPPM_GettingStarted/Content/CPPM_UserGuide/Admin/License-types.htm
[2] https://community.arubanetworks.com/discussion/comparison-beetween-clearpass-67-and-68-license-types
[3] https://www.insight.com/en_US/shop/product/R1U35AAE/HEWLETT+PACKARD+ENTERPRISE/R1U35AAE/HPE-Aruba-ClearPass-New-Licensing-Entry---perpetual-license---100-concurrent-endpoints/
[4] https://youtube.com/watch?v=n3xktj7tajo
[5] https://www.peerspot.com/products/comparisons/aruba-clearpass_vs_extremecontrol
[6] https://www.de.shi.com/Product/37156478/HPE-Aruba-ClearPass-New-Licensing-Entry
[7] https://www.arubanetworks.com/techdocs/ClearPass/6.9/PolicyManager/Content/CPPM_UserGuide/Admin/License-types.htm
[8] https://www.networkhardwares.com/products/aruba-jz416aae-aruba-clearpass-nl-ac-50-estock-e-ltu-gr-jz416aae
[9] https://eu.shi.com/Product/34685847/HPE-Aruba-ClearPass-New-Licensing-Access
[10] https://www.orangecyberdefense.com/be/blog/aruba-networks-clearpass-67-new-license-model-whats-new
[11] https://www.capterra.com/p/172424/Aruba-ClearPass/
[12] https://www.hummingbirdnetworks.com/hpe-aruba-jz401aae/
[13] https://www.cdw.com/product/hpe-aruba-clearpass-new-licensing-access-license-100-concurrent-endpoin/4905113
[14] https://www.insight.com/en_US/shop/product/JZ418AAE/HEWLETT+PACKARD+ENTERPRISE/JZ418AAE/HPE-Aruba-ClearPass-New-Licensing-Access---subscription-license--3-years----100-concurrent-endpoints/
[15] https://www.cdw.com/product/hpe-aruba-clearpass-new-licensing-access-license-1000-concurrent-endpoi/4925643