DNS (Domain Name System) is a distributed system that translates domain names into IP addresses and vice versa. It is used to route internet traffic and resolve human-readable domain names into machine-readable IP addresses.
Network access control (NAC) - Agent and agentless
Network Access Control (NAC) is a security solution that helps organizations control who has access to their networks and what actions they can perform. There are two main types of NAC solutions:
1. Agent-based NAC: This type of NAC requires software to be installed on each endpoint, such as laptops and desktops, that needs to access the network. The agent communicates with a central NAC server to determine if the endpoint meets security policies before granting network access.
2. Agentless NAC: This type of NAC does not require software to be installed on endpoints. Instead, it uses network-based technologies such as DHCP, 802.1x, or VPN to assess and control access to the network.
Both agent-based and agentless NAC solutions can help organizations secure their networks by enforcing security policies, detecting and mitigating threats, and providing detailed reporting on network activity. However, agentless NAC may be simpler to deploy and manage as it does not require software to be installed on endpoints.
Out-of-band management
Out-of-band management refers to the management of IT systems and equipment using a dedicated network or channel that is separate from the primary data communication network. The purpose of out-of-band management is to provide a secure and reliable way to manage IT systems, even if the primary network is unavailable or compromised.
Out-of-band management is often used in data centers, network infrastructure devices, and other IT systems where uptime is critical. It can provide a way for IT administrators to access and control devices remotely, diagnose and resolve issues, and perform maintenance and upgrades without affecting the normal operation of the systems.
There are several different methods for implementing out-of-band management, including:
1. Serial console ports: These are physical serial ports on a device that can be used to access the device’s command-line interface (CLI) and perform management tasks.
2. Dedicated management networks: A separate network is set up specifically for management purposes, allowing administrators to access and control devices without interfering with normal data communication.
3. Remote power management: Allows administrators to control the power state of IT systems, such as turning them on, off, or resetting them, over a dedicated network connection.
4. Out-of-band management devices: These are dedicated devices that provide remote management capabilities, such as KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) over IP or serial-to-Ethernet converters.
Out-of-band management provides a secure and reliable way to manage IT systems and can help ensure the availability and security of critical systems.
