Network security vendor AEP Networks today  announced AEP NACpoint, a new network access control (NAC) appliance to protect firms’ networks from attacks and from compromised systems used by staff and home users.

AEP’s NACpoint appliance controls network access by carrying out user and system identity validation at both local and wide area network (LAN and WAN) boundaries. The appliance authenticates users and then performs a node posture validation scan to ensure that patches, and any installed antivirus and anti-spyware are up to date.

NACpoint performs out-of-band managed switch control and virtual LAN (VLAN)-based creation of production remediation and isolation zones. This allows systems and clients failing a scan to be quarantined awaiting remediation. AEP said the system works seamlessly with Cisco, Enterasys, Extreme, HP and 3Com managed network switches.

NACpoint Release 1.0 will be available to customers in mid-November.