Automated network mapping software

There is no doubt that networks are becoming more complex. As more devices and IoT systems are attached to a network, the more difficult it becomes to understand exactly how a network is set-up and how devices are attached to each other. Networks are also becoming more distributed too, a single network can span across continents and even countries. In addition, devices on the same network are very often segmented across multiple VLANs to allow segregation of data flow or for security purposes.

The best starting point to understand how to secure and manage a network, is by using automated network mapping tools to understand all the devices on a network and how they are interconnected. Yet only a select few of these softwares automatically create and keep a network topology map updated with real-time data.

Network mapping is the first step in managing and securing a network. Most of these network mapping tools are not automated.

Here is a quick overview of some of the free and paid manual and automated network mapping tools available today. To automatically create a network map, devices are usually primarily identified by MAC address and different methodologies are used to locate where devices are and how they are connected to each other. Regardless, of the methodology adopted to collect raw data out of the networking devices, the information is sent back to the network mapping software.

The tool is designed so that it can elaborate this data, create inferred relationships such as devices routed through WiFi Access Point , and present the devices and how they are connected to each other in the form of a topology map.

Here is an example of a network topology map using the Domotz remote network monitoring software. What the network mapping tool does is show you exactly what is on the network and how it is interconnected in real-time. This means that you will know if something goes offline and where the issue has occurred. Additionally, if someone decides to move something on the network, you will also see this reflected on the network topology map in real-time. Information such as the exact port of the switch where the device is connected is very important.

This is an automated network documentation system that will compile a hardware inventory and generate network topology maps by probing the network.

The netTerrain tool supports capacity planning and network reorganization. Extra features help you identify and shut down security weaknesses on your network. This topology tool is Visio-compatible, which gives you the opportunity to exchange data from netTerrain Logical to a range of other Visio-aligned tools.

The tool installs on Windows Server and higher. You can get a free demo of the system to try it out before you buy. D3M caters to a unique niche market — IT sales professionals.

If you set up a product library with prices, the inventory will also copy to a bid with a total equipment cost calculated on it automatically. Icons used in the map are provided by equipment manufacturers , so customers will be able to see exactly which make and model of device goes where. The concept of providing a service for workers in the field means that the tool was designed for collaboration and presentation.

Plans can be stored on the Cloud and mobile apps make design and retrieval possible from anywhere. The tool is pricey, but you can get your first project completed for free. There is no limit on the number of projects you can use the tool for after that first free trial.

There are three charging bands for the system, which work on the number of users that you want to access the tool.

The service is charged on a subscription basis with a monthly fee. LANTopoLog is a free enthusiast-created network mapper. However, the information displayed in the map gives you a very straightforward representation of all the network data that you need quickly. The tool includes a network discovery facility, which is based on SNMP.

The resulting map, which is drawn automatically, shows each of the devices in your network and the devices that it connects to. The result of this schematic is a tree structure that gives the IP addresses, port numbers, and hostnames of each device and its connections. This is a rudimentary network monitoring system. Its use as a network mapping tool lies in the list of discovered devices, which you could use as an inventory.

This provides you with the current connections between your devices, which you could use as a guide when replanning your network in a graphics tool, such as Visio. This software runs on Windows environments.

Creately is a neat chart-creating tool that has specialized templates and icons for network mapping. However, you could use this designer in conjunction with a basic network explorer, such as LANTopoLog to get the best of both worlds. The package includes a large selection of templates , which each come with a set of icons. The layouts available include WAN views that feature city and cloud icons. You also get the standard LAN layout option and you can even create rack views. The Creately system allows you to set up accounts for members of your team and there is a collaboration feature built into the tool, which enables you to grant editing or viewing access to other users.

The software can be installed on Windows , Linux , and macOS and access can be granted to users of mobile devices that run iOS or Android. You can also opt to get Creately as a Cloud service. You can try the package by accessing a demo account. The Strike Network Diagram tool is a dedicated network map creator with autodiscovery capabilities.

The package features a graphics editor, which is the main utility of the software. The editor includes a library of IT icons that you can drag and drop onto the design pad. Views available within the package include a real-world map , which is based on Google maps. The autodiscovery feature will even trace your connections across the internet, plotting the location of each router as it passes through the real-world map.

This software runs on Windows environments and you can get it on a day trial. Related post: Network Magic Alternatives. As you can see from our list, there is a wide range of mapping tools available to you. The best tool for your project will depend on whether you are creating a new network or adapting an existing one.

Sometimes, you would be better off being able to create your own topology maps through a graphics tool. This is particularly the case if you are designing a new network or planning to extend an existing one.

You could just create your own drawing in any graphics package, including the free Paint that is integrated into Windows. However, to be considered as a specific network design support tool, a graphics package needs to have the following attributes:. In our related post on network topologies , we get into a lot of detail on each of the common network topologies and their appropriateness for each situation.

We also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type. These are the most common network topologies:.

Network mapping is a visual record of the layout of all devices in the network. It shows how those devices connect together. Topology mapping is often partnered by an autodiscovery feature that discovers all of the devices to be mapped and records their connections.

Network mapping gives you an easy-to-recognize look at the layout of the network. It is easier to digest than a dry list of devices and their connections. With a topology map, you can trace paths end-to-end from one device to another. Our research indicates that the SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper is the best software to draw network diagrams because this creates the network topology diagrams automatically while letting you make manual adjustments. For most purposes, you will also be served well by using Microsoft Visio , Intermapper , Lucidchart , and ConceptDraw Pro along with most other tools mentioned in this post.

The best topology for networks is the star topology. All devices are linked to a switch with a cable plugging into a separate socket for each device. Switches themselves are then linked together in order to cover the entire enterprise. Wireless networks model the star topology. A logical network diagram shows the links between all devices in a schematic style.

A physical network diagram adjusts the links between devices to accurately depict distances. Some network topology mappers will show the real network with actual device locations plotted onto floor plans and real-world maps. The easiest way to get a full map of all devices on your network is to use a network topology mapper. Do you have a favorite network mapping tool? Do you use any of the topology tools on our list? Leave a message in the comments section and share your experience with the community.

Related: Guide to Network Topologies. Spiceworks Network Mapping Tool website is borked. And i found a post in their community forums from a potential user that suggests it relies on Flash for operation. I understand. Spiceworks seems to have given up the fight. It was really, really good a while back and I put it in my top 10 for a lot of articles but recently, I have been going back through my work and toning down my enthusiasm for Spiceworks. Thanks, Stephen. Thanks for the tip. However, we periodically review each of our recommendations and when we cycle through this list, we will consider your suggestion.

We appreciate your engagement. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Comparitech uses cookies. More info. We believe monitoring plays a vital part in reducing humankind's consumption of resources. Our products help our customers optimize their IT, OT and IoT infrastructures, and reduce their energy consumption or emissions — for our future and our environment.

Customer Login. Search Search. Learn more. Network mapping with PRTG. Network scanner and network mapping tools Pure network scanners detect the network with all its components and deliver results in the form of a list.

Create individual maps in PRTG. Network monitoring software like PRTG PRTG and other network monitoring tools with the mapping option, as opposed to pure network mapping solutions, or the combination of network scanners and mapping tools, deliver information on the availability and condition of detected components.

Network mapping tools In addition to the combination of scanners and mapping tools, there also exists complete network mapping solutions. Free Download Fully functional day trial version. Talk to an expert Get more information, a demo, or a quote. Adding a building plan as wallpaper shows each device's location. Trusted by , users and recognized by industry analysts as a leader.

Network Diagrams Another advantage of the PRTG-map editor is the ability to create custom network diagrams for different audiences: For example, one map that shows all network devices for the network administrator, while the IT manager's 'overall' map uses the sunburst-view to show the entire network at a glance - including the state of all components.

You want to know more about other network-related monitoring topics? PRTG as network speed monitor. PRTG as network activity monitor. Network utilities in PRTG. Real time monitoring with PRTG. Back to top. About Paessler AG Since , we offer monitoring solutions for businesses across all industries and all sizes, from SMB to large enterprises.