Cisco ISE vs PRTG: What are the differences?

# Key Differences between Cisco ISE and PRTG

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) and Paessler PRTG Network Monitor (PRTG) are two essential tools in the realm of network management. Here are the key differences between Cisco ISE and PRTG:

1. **Functionality**: Cisco ISE is primarily focused on network access control and enforcing security policies, while PRTG is more geared towards monitoring network performance and availability. Cisco ISE provides features for authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA), while PRTG offers a comprehensive set of sensors for monitoring various network parameters such as bandwidth, traffic, and device health.

2. **Deployment and Scalability**: Cisco ISE is typically deployed in larger enterprise environments to manage network access and enforce security policies across the organization. On the other hand, PRTG is suitable for organizations of all sizes and can be easily scaled to monitor networks of varying complexities. PRTG offers a flexible licensing model that allows users to add more sensors as their network grows.

3. **Integration Capabilities**: Cisco ISE integrates seamlessly with other Cisco security products and networking devices, enabling centralized management and enforcement of security policies across the network infrastructure. PRTG, on the other hand, offers a wide range of third-party integrations with various systems and applications, making it a versatile tool for monitoring diverse IT environments.

4. **Alerting and Reporting**: Cisco ISE provides real-time alerts and notifications for security incidents and policy violations, allowing administrators to respond promptly to potential threats. PRTG also offers robust alerting capabilities but is more focused on monitoring network performance metrics and generating detailed reports for analysis and troubleshooting.

5. **User Interface**: Cisco ISE has a user-friendly interface designed for security administrators to easily configure and manage network access policies. In comparison, PRTG features a customizable dashboard that allows users to create personalized views of network data and performance metrics, making it easier to track and analyze critical network information.

6. **Cost**: Cisco ISE is typically a more expensive solution, tailored for enterprise security needs and compliance requirements. PRTG, on the other hand, offers a cost-effective approach to network monitoring with flexible licensing options and a straightforward pricing model based on the number of sensors deployed.

In Summary, Cisco ISE focuses on network access control and security enforcement, while PRTG specializes in network monitoring and performance management, offering scalability, integration capabilities, alerting, reporting, user interface, and cost advantages.