Limiting network access by MAC address and what else?

Question

How can I limit the network access to a physical network from outside computers being plugged in? I know MAC filtering is one way, VPN is another - but it's not going to be used, so what else?

Answer 1

MAC filtering only works for people who don't know how to sniff the network for a valid MAC and spoof it; so almost no security at all.

802.1x works pretty well if your switches support it and you setup the infrastructure for it.

Answer 2

if your physical network is using a CISCO router or switch you can use the Port Security feature to fulfill your task. But the underlying feature will still be filtering based on MAC addresses.

Answer 3

If you're in a windows environment you can look into NAP (Network Access Protection).