Configure and Verify Profiling Using Cisco ISE Probes Lab

If you are looking for a powerful network access control (NAC) solution that ensures the security of your network, Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) should be your top choice. ISE is a comprehensive NAC solution that provides authentication, authorization, and accounting services. Profiling is one of the key features of Cisco ISE, which allows it to detect and classify endpoints on the network based on their operating systems, applications, and other attributes. In this article, we will discuss how to configure and verify profiling using Cisco ISE probes lab.

Introduction to Profiling

Profiling is the process of identifying and classifying endpoints on the network based on their attributes. Cisco ISE uses various methods to collect endpoint attributes, including Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) queries, Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) queries, and Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) queries. The collected attributes are then compared with the preconfigured profiling policies to determine the endpoint type.

Preparing the Lab Environment

Before we start configuring profiling using Cisco ISE probes lab, we need to prepare the lab environment. We will need the following equipment and software:

• Cisco ISE appliance (physical or virtual)

• Cisco switches and routers (physical or virtual)

• Windows or Linux endpoints (physical or virtual)

• Cisco AnyConnect client software (for testing)

Configuring Cisco ISE Probes

To configure profiling using Cisco ISE probes, we need to perform the following steps:

1. Create a new profiling policy in Cisco ISE.

2. Configure the profiling probes to collect endpoint attributes.

3. Assign the profiling policy to the appropriate network devices.

Step 1: Create a new profiling policy in Cisco ISE

To create a new profiling policy in Cisco ISE, follow these steps:

1. Log in to the Cisco ISE web interface.

2. Navigate to Administration > Policy > Policy Elements > Results > Profiling > Profiling Policies.

3. Click the Add button to create a new profiling policy.

4. Enter a name for the profiling policy.

5. Select the profiling probes you want to use to collect endpoint attributes.

6. Configure the conditions and actions for the profiling policy.

Step 2: Configure the profiling probes to collect endpoint attributes

To configure the profiling probes in Cisco ISE, follow these steps:

1. Log in to the Cisco ISE web interface.

2. Navigate to Administration > System > Settings > Profiling.

3. Click the Probes tab.

4. Click the Add button to add a new profiling probe.

5. Enter a name for the profiling probe.

6. Select the type of probe you want to use (SNMP, WMI, LDAP, or DHCP).

7. Configure the probe settings and credentials.

8. Click the Save button to save the profiling probe.

Step 3: Assign the profiling policy to the appropriate network devices

To assign the profiling policy to the appropriate network devices in Cisco ISE, follow these steps:

1. Log in to the Cisco ISE web interface.

2. Navigate to Administration > Network Resources > Network Devices.

3. Select the network device you want to configure.

4. Click the Edit button to edit the network device settings.

5. Click the Profiling tab.

6. Select the profiling policy you want to assign to the network device.

7. Click the Save button to save the network device settings.

Verifying Profiling Results

To verify that profiling is working correctly in Cisco ISE, we can use the following methods:

• Viewing endpoint attributes in the Cisco ISE web interface.

• Using the Cisco AnyConnect client software to connect to the network and view the endpoint attributes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, configuring and verifying profiling using Cisco ISE probes lab is a crucial aspect of network security. Profiling allows organizations to identify and classify endpoints on their network based on their attributes, which helps in enforcing security policies and preventing unauthorized access. Cisco ISE is a powerful NAC solution that provides robust profiling capabilities, and mastering these capabilities can greatly enhance the security of your network.

If you are interested in learning more about Cisco ISE and its features, including profiling, we recommend checking out the Cisco ISE course page. This course provides comprehensive training on Cisco ISE, including hands-on lab exercises, and can help you become proficient in using this powerful NAC solution. Enroll now and take the first step towards securing your network with Cisco ISE!