Best Network Mapping Software

Network mapping software is a network visualization tool that helps you create a visual representation of your network’s components, including computers, routers, switches, virtual machines, and other network devices. It shows how these network components interact and connect within the network.

Network mapping software is important for businesses because it provides a clear visual layout of your network. It can help you monitor network performance, check the status of connected devices, troubleshoot network issues, and scale your network.

Geekflare has researched and listed the best network mapping software based on features such as automatic network discovery, faulty device detection, cost-effectiveness, and managing custom virtual objects.

• Paessler PRTG – Best for Live Diagram of Physical Network Elements
• ManageEngine OpManager – Best for Automatic Discovery
• SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor – Best for Orion Map Time Travel
• NetBrain – Best for Live Digital Twin
• N‑able N-Central – Best for Scheduled Scans
• Site24x7 – Best for Faulty Device Detection
• UVexplorer – Best Cost-Effective Solution
• Network Olympus – Best for Managing Custom Virtual Objects
• Fortra Intermapper – Best for Exporting to Microsoft Visio and SVG
• Domotz – Best Simple Solution
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Paessler PRTG

Paessler PRTG is a popular network monitoring software that includes a network mapping feature for creating live diagrams of physical network elements, making it easier for management and staff to read network maps. It offers a map editor to create both high-level status dashboards and detailed dashboards with more in-depth information.

Paessler PRTG maps and dashboards show device connections and provide actionable information on their status. All the maps are interactive and clickable, which speeds up troubleshooting.

Paessler PRTG supports essential protocols such as Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI), Packet Sniffing, and Cisco NetFlow, providing detailed insights into network performance and health.

Paessler PRTG enables monitoring of LAN, WAN, WLAN, and VPNs, as well as physical or virtual web, mail, file servers, routers, Windows clients, and other devices.

You can install the Paessler PRTG on your premises to fully control network data, configurations, and updates. It allows users to choose from various notification channels, including Email, SMS, Microsoft Teams, and Slack.

Paessler PRTG Pricing

Paessler PRTG Network Monitor’s pricing starts at $2149 per server license, with a 30-day free trial. It also offers a freeware edition with limited functions.

ManageEngine OpManager

ManageEngine OpManager is an advanced network monitoring and mapping software that provides deep visibility into the performance of your routers, switches, firewalls, wireless LAN controllers, printers, servers, virtual machines, and storage devices.

ManageEngine OpManager is the best tool for automatic device discovery. It includes features such as discovery schedules, topology discovery, discovery rules engines, device templates, and discovery profiles to help efficiently discover connected devices on a network.

ManageEngine OpManager network topology mapper allows users to easily create detailed network topology maps. Users can select the seed device and preferred layout type for the network and create specific diagrams for applications or locations. By exporting the diagrams to Microsoft Visio, they can easily share them with their team.

ManageEngine OpManager helps you quickly identify devices needing attention and allows you to back up network configurations for security purposes.

ManageEngine OpManager Pricing

OpManager pricing starts at $245 for 25 devices. It also offers a free plan with basic monitoring functionality for three devices and two users.

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM) is the leading network monitoring software, allowing you to create network maps and visual packet paths. Its Orion Maps Time Travel feature makes it stand out from other network mapping solutions.

SolarWinds NPM Orion Maps creates a detailed, customizable network diagram to visualize and organize complex network data. It helps review past layouts for troubleshooting intermittent network issues.

NetPath is a key feature offered by SolarWinds NPM that enables detailed network mapping at the packet level. It creates dynamic maps of packet pathways in various environments, including on-premises, cloud, and hybrid setups.

SolarWinds NPM includes a network diagnostic tool that monitors network device performance and availability. It notifies you promptly if any performance metrics exceed set thresholds, helping you quickly address any performance issues that may occur.

SolarWinds NPM network packet analyzer feature helps you determine whether network availability interruptions are on the application or network side, aiding you in speedy issue resolution.

SolarWinds NPM Pricing

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor pricing starts at $1,856. You can download a full-functional 30-day free trial. 

NetBrain

NetBrain is a widely used network automation solution that automatically discovers connected devices, configurations, and protocols in your network. As a result, it creates an exact digital twin of your entire network, showcasing all devices, platforms, and firmware versions. The digital twins include detailed topology data, baseline configurations, and performance analysis for thorough network insight.

NetBrain provides real-time network dynamic maps that discover and map your entire hybrid network, allowing you to export them into editable Microsoft Visio. It also allows you to visualize, analyze, and interact with dynamic traffic paths across networks, offering visibility into SDN, SD-WAN, and public cloud networks.

NetBrain Pricing

NetBrain offers personalized pricing information through custom quotes based on specific needs and requirements.

N‑able N-Central

N-able N-central is an innovative network mapping and management software that automates the process of mapping network topology. It helps users understand their network by creating detailed visual topology visualization and automatically discovering connected and disconnected devices. If it finds any change to your topology, it will update the visuals automatically.

N‑able N-Central allows you to schedule scans to keep network maps updated and automatically assign service templates to new devices according to customized rules and filters.

N-able N-central helps visualize and understand a network’s layout and connections, making it easier to identify and resolve any network issues quickly.

N-able N-central Pricing

For custom pricing for N-able N-central, please request a quote. You can also try N-able N-central for free to evaluate its features.

Site24x7

Site24x7 is a cloud-based network mapping tool that provides detailed visibility into your network performance. It allows users to quickly identify faulty devices and network faults. It automatically discovers all connected devices using the simple network management protocol (SNMP). 

Site24x7 supports major protocols, such as Forwarding Database (FDB), Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP), Address Resolution Protocol (ARP), IP route, and Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) to help you determine your network’s physical interconnections. 

When creating a network topology diagram in Site24x7, you have the option to choose a predefined background or use a custom background. By analyzing your network hierarchy and device connections, you can identify how the performance of one device may impact another. It allows you to locate performance bottlenecks and resource outages efficiently.

Site24x7 also offers a health dashboard that provides a quick view of top devices and interfaces, allowing you to stay on top of any potential issues. It offers multi-vendor support, including HP, Canon, D-Link, Dell, and others.

Site24x7 Pricing

Site24x7 pricing starts at $35 per month if paid annually. It offers a 30-day trial to assess its features. It also offers a forever free version to monitor up to 5 devices.

UVexplorer

UVexplorer is a cost-effective network mapping software that creates static and dynamic maps to help users understand, document, and monitor networks. It automatically organizes devices on a map and keeps maps up to date through scheduled discoveries.

UVexplorer generates network maps for wired, wireless, and virtual devices. Alternatively, you can manually place devices on a map. The network maps can be exported to Lucidchart, Microsoft Visio, and other file formats such as PDF, HTML, and SVG.

UVexplorer displays device monitoring status on network maps to help identify potential network problems. It can be integrated with PRTG Network or Enterprise Monitor to enhance network monitoring capabilities such as automatic device sensor configuration, network devices, and more.

UVexplorer Pricing

To obtain a custom price for UVexplorer, please submit a quote request. Alternatively, you can experience the trial version at no cost.

Network Olympus

Network Olympus is the advanced network monitoring and mapping tool for visualizing your network using different virtual objects to mark real and virtual devices. It supports common network protocols and offers detailed information about individual network nodes and assemblies.

Network Olympus allows you to visually display your network elements in the form of a network tree or network map. The network tree illustrates the hierarchy of monitoring devices, while the network map visually represents your environment. You can add network nodes, links, and geometric primitives to your map to showcase your network setup. The map also shows the status of all connected device sensors.

Network Olympus allows for the creation of multiple maps, including separate maps for each floor plan, allowing different network administrators or network engineers to monitor and access connected devices they manage.

Network Olympus Pricing

Network Olympus pricing for a lifetime license starts at $90 for 25 devices. A trial plan entitled you to try Network Olympus for 60 days for unlimited devices.

Fortra Intermapper

Fortra Intermapper is a network mapping tool that helps you visualize your network through live network maps. It is the best tool to export network maps to Microsoft Visio or Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG). It automatically identifies any device (physical or virtual) with an IP address and places it on a network map.

With Fortra Intermapper, you capture real-time network performance with animated visuals that make it easy to identify traffic congestion. It offers network map personalization options to tailor the layout to your specific needs.

Fortra Intermapper offers dynamic maps for easy sharing of network performance data with colleagues. It enables quick updates to map layouts and icons, streamlining the analysis of data like uptime, packet loss rate, and response time.

Fortra Intermapper Pricing

To obtain a custom price for Fortra Intermapper, please submit a quote request. It also offers a 30-day free trial.

Domotz

Domotz is a comprehensive network monitoring and management platform that includes features like network topology mapping, which provides a visual representation of network devices and their connections. This helps users identify potential issues in their network architecture and take proactive steps to address them.

Domotz offers an asset inventory feature for tracking all devices connected to a network, providing complete visibility and management. Its new device security event alert feature notifies users in real-time when a new device connects to their network, helping to identify potential security threats.

Domotz monitors a wide range of connected devices, including operational technology (OT) and the Internet of Things (IoT), Wi-Fi access points, virtual machines, containers, network-attached storage (NAS), servers, and workstations. 

Domotz Pricing

Domotz pricing starts at £35/month per site. It also offers a free trial.

Benefits of Network Mapping

Network mapping offers multiple benefits, including improved network visibility, enhanced security and risk management, optimized network performance, and simplified troubleshooting. It also provides a complete view of your network infrastructure, allowing you to better plan network expansion. 

What are the other types of network software?

The below are other types of network software used by businesses of all sizes to monitor, optimize and secure network infrastructure.

#1. Network Monitoring Software

Network monitoring software monitors the performance and health of computer networks by tracking network traffic, detecting issues or security threats, and ensuring proper device functionality.

Auvik and ManageEngine OpManager are popular network monitoring software. If you like open-source software, check these open-source network monitoring tools. 

#2. Network Security Software

Network security software is designed to protect computer networks from unauthorized access and cyberattacks. It includes tools like firewalls, antivirus programs, and encryption systems to prevent security breaches.

Leading examples of network security software include AlienVault USM and ManageEngine Log360. 

#3. Network Optimization Software

Network optimization software identifies critical issues, finds the root cause of performance lag, and automates network optimization to maximize efficiency.

Popular examples of network optimization tools are SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor and Paessler PRTG.

#4. Network Virtualization Software 

Network virtualization software tools help network administrators combine hardware and software network resources and functionality into a single virtual network. 

VMware NSX and Lumen Cloud Connect are leading examples of network virtualization software. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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