Network access control (NAC) is a way to embed access control and endpoint security policies within an organization's network infrastructure. Typically adopted by large enterprises, NAC offers substantial benefits to companies with large workforces and device populations. However, traditional NAC solutions have been less accessible to small and mid-sized organizations due to their hardware dependence. The modern workforce and bring your own device (BYOD) policies push NAC solutions to their limits, making it challenging for smaller organizations to implement and manage. Modern approaches to network access control, such as software-defined perimeters and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), are being adopted to address the evolving cybersecurity threats. To select the right NAC product, organizations need to assess their workforce, devices, and resources, and consider factors like scalability and deployment. Traditional NAC solutions use physical networks to automatically provide access to authenticated users, but these solutions are less effective in today's cybersecurity environment. Modern approaches offer a way to protect individual resources without expensive investments in brittle hardware infrastructure.