🚀 Elevating Cloud NAC, Guest WiFi, and Sponsored Access
We are thrilled to announce a major release that brings powerful new capabilities to our Guest WiFi and Cloud NAC solutions. This update is designed to streamline secure network access, simplify IT management, and deliver a frictionless onboarding experience for both your employees and visitors.
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Here is what is new in this release:
Seamless Integration with Microsoft Entra ID
We have launched a robust, native integration with Microsoft Entra ID. This allows you to leverage your existing corporate directory for secure user authentication across all onboarding portals (both BYOD and captive portals).
- Automatic Synchronization: Keep your access controls reliably up-to-date with automated, daily syncing that maps your Entra ID Groups directly to Cloud4Wi Group Policies.
- Secure by Default: Adhering to zero-trust principles, all newly initialized Entra ID users are automatically assigned to a default Group Policy with blocked network access until explicitly authorized.
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Next-Generation Group Policies
We have completely revamped "User Groups," renaming them to Group Policies and supercharging them with granular control capabilities:
- Strict Access Control: Define exactly how a policy behaves. Choose to completely deny access, or allow access bound by specific network rules and limits.
- Flexible Time Restrictions: Our legacy "Internet Plan" concept has been evolved into a highly flexible time restriction policy. You can now offer unrestricted session times, mandate a specific Internet Plan (or inherit one from a Location), or completely block access until a user obtains a plan via PIN code.
- Tailored Rulesets: We have separated the logic for Guest and Trusted Users, allowing you to build highly specific policy assignments based on user type.
- Dynamic IdP Group Mapping: Automate your access control. You can now assign a Cloud4Wi Group Policy (e.g., "Administration") based on a user's Entra ID Group. If a user's role changes within Entra ID, our daily sync automatically reevaluates the rules and updates their Cloud4Wi access permissions accordingly.
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 Universal BYOD Onboarding Portal
Say goodbye to helpdesk tickets for network access. We have released a brand-new, dedicated BYOD portal that empowers your Trusted Users to securely connect their personal devices.
- Corporate Authentication: Users simply log in with their corporate credentials (currently supporting Microsoft Entra ID).
- Universal Compatibility & Visual Guides: The portal supports Passpoint profiles across all device types. To ensure a flawless user experience, the portal provides intuitive, device-specific visual step-by-step instructions for every user.
- Self-Service Management: The portal is fully customizable with your branding. Once enrolled, users can independently manage their accounts, view connection history, re-enroll devices, or delete their accounts entirely.
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Revamped Sponsored Access Workflow
We have substantially enhanced the sponsored access flow to make bringing visitors onto your network smoother and more intuitive for both guests and hosts:
- Streamlined Two-Step Onboarding: We decluttered the user interface! The sponsor request is no longer crammed into the initial registration form. It now lives on a dedicated second screen. Even better, this screen can be automatically bypassed if specific conditions are met (e.g., a recognized domain match), creating a lightning-fast experience for trusted visitors.
- Simplified Host Approvals: We have completely removed the need to set up clumsy "One-time Internet Plans." Now, hosts can simply grant network access by selecting a specific allowance period (e.g., 1 day, 3 days, or a custom date). System admins retain full control by configuring the maximum allowable time a host can grant within the login profile.
- Learn More: Dive deeper into this update in our dedicated guide: Streamlining Sponsored Access for Guests and Visitors
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Streamlined Dashboard & Cloud NAC Onboarding Wizard
We have reorganized our dashboard navigation to better support both traditional Guest WiFi scenarios and identity-based Cloud NAC use cases, making it easier than ever to find exactly what you need.
- New Cloud NAC Wizard: Getting started is now effortless. Our new step-by-step onboarding wizard will guide you through configuring and launching your Cloud NAC solution in just a few minutes.
- (Coming Soon: Keep an eye out for a dedicated onboarding wizard for Guest WiFi!)