ISE : Node Types , Deployment Types & Personas

ISE (Identity Services Engine) is a crucial component of modern network security architecture. It provides a centralized authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) solution that helps secure the network by enforcing policy-based access control. In this blog post, we will explore the different node types and personas in ISE, as well as how ISE is used with TACACS and RADIUS.

Node Types in ISE

ISE consists of several node types, each with a specific function in the network. The following are the four main node types in ISE:

1. Policy Administration Node (PAN): The PAN is the central management node that provides the administrator with a single console for configuring and managing policies. The PAN acts as the central repository for all configuration data, including network access policies, authentication and authorization rules, device administration policies, and security posture assessments.

2. Policy Service Node (PSN): The PSN acts as a policy enforcement point and provides the necessary services for policy enforcement. The PSN acts as an AAA server, handling all authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) requests from the network devices.

3. Policy Exchange Grid (PxGrid): PxGrid is a technology that enables communication and data sharing between ISE nodes and other network security devices. It provides a secure, scalable, and highly available communication platform that enables real-time sharing of policy and event data between ISE nodes and other network security devices.

4. Monitoring Node (Mnt): The Mnt node provides real-time monitoring and reporting capabilities. It enables network administrators to monitor network activity, view security events, and generate reports.

Personas in ISE

ISE also has three main personas that are used to enforce different security policies:

1. Endpoint: The Endpoint persona is used to enforce policy-based access control for endpoints such as laptops, smartphones, and other network-connected devices. This persona can also be used to perform security posture assessments and enforce endpoint security policies.

2. Network Access: The Network Access persona is used to enforce policy-based access control for network devices such as switches, routers, and wireless access points. This persona can also be used to enforce network security policies and monitor network activity.

3. Device Administration: The Device Administration persona is used to enforce policy-based access control for device administration tasks, such as configuration changes, software upgrades, and monitoring.

Deployment Types in ISE

ISE can be deployed in several ways to meet the needs of different organizations. The following are the three main deployment types in ISE:

1. Standalone Deployment: A standalone deployment is a single-node deployment that is ideal for small to medium-sized organizations. In a standalone deployment, all ISE functions are performed by a single node.

2. Distributed Deployment: A distributed deployment is a multi-node deployment that is ideal for large organizations. In a distributed deployment, ISE nodes are deployed across multiple geographic locations to provide redundancy and scalability.

3. High Availability Deployment: A high availability deployment is a multi-node deployment that provides high availability and redundancy. In a high availability deployment, two or more ISE nodes are deployed in an active/standby configuration, ensuring that the ISE service is always available in the event of a node failure.

Using ISE with TACACS and RADIUS

ISE can be integrated with TACACS and RADIUS to provide a complete AAA solution for the network. TACACS and RADIUS are both protocols that are used for authentication, authorization