Best Network Mapping Tools 2022

A network mapping tool automatically discovers a network’s components and topology, creating a visual map of the network architecture. This enables users to view the correlations between different components. This article discusses the key features enterprises should look for when selecting a network mapping tool. It also shares recommendations for the best solutions in this segment in 2022. 

Top 5 Must-Have Features of Network Mapping Tools

A network mapping tool automatically discovers a network’s components and topology to create a visual map of the network architecture and the correlations between its different components. 

Key Features of Network Mapping Tools

Network mapping tools can be deployed by IT managers as standalone applications to conduct a detailed inventory of their network landscape. Alternatively, network mapping could be a component feature in a multi-functional network management solution that first creates a network map and then aids in other tasks like network monitoring, troubleshooting, and security. 

The key features of a network mapping tool include: 

1. Automated network discovery

Enterprises can choose between two types of network mapping software solutions – the ones with auto-discovery or without. Tools without auto-discovery are legacy options requiring more manual effort. In contrast, automated network discovery remotely scans the enterprise environment to detect network components and connected devices. It also supports customization so that IT managers can create their maps and diagrams to plan network implementations. 

2. Visual topology maps

The tool should be able to provide detailed maps, plotting all interdependencies and correlations between different network components. It’s ideal to have a multi-layer mapping feature that allows users to gain from a bird’s eye view to inspect and visualize sub-components. Some tools offer multiple visualization options such as heat maps, interactive charts, etc. The tool should also have diagramming features for custom map creation. 

3. Support for diverse network components

Modern enterprises rely on components from various network software providers and hardware manufacturers. The tool should be able to detect all of these components without any blind spots. It must recognize the component’s location and role in the context of the larger network landscape and then list its granular details. Users can set up network scanning intervals, based on which the tool will perform auto-discovery and update any changes to the network components. 

4. Graphical user interfaces

Traditional network mapping tools used to offer a command-line interface (CLI), which enabled control but deterred user experience. One had to memorize different CLI commands to operate the tool. Most network mapping solutions come with graphical user interfaces (GUI), with point-and-click and drag-and-drop functionalities. Advanced network analysis, automations, and report generation happen through the GUI interface. Keep in mind that some organizations may want an optional CLI add-on for greater control. 

5. Inventory reports

Network mapping tools help conduct IT inventories, as they evaluate the connected landscape to check for new devices, configuration changes, and other modifications. Users should be able to set the tool up for both on-demand and scheduled reporting. Reports are usually exported in standardized formats like Excel spreadsheets and CSV files. Some tools may even support exporting as diagrams that work with charting tools like Microsoft Visio. 

See More: What Is Network Management? Definition, Key Components, and Best Practices 

Top 10 Network Mapping Tools in 2022

Enterprises can choose from various network mapping software, both open-source and commercial. Here are the top 10 recommendations for 2022, arranged alphabetically. 

Disclaimer: This list is based on publicly available information and may include vendor websites that sell to mid-to-large enterprises. Readers are advised to conduct their final research to ensure the best fit for their unique organizational needs.

1. Cisco Network Assistant

Overview: Cisco is among the world’s leading networking and communication technology providers. It offers free network mapping and management software for small environments with up to 80 devices. 

Key features: The key features of Cisco Network Assistant include:

• Automated network discovery:

  It conducts auto-discovery to surface and display network information in a topology map.

• Visual topology maps:

  It generates simple network visualizations, with drag-and-drop features and front panel views of devices, clusters, and stacks.

• Support for diverse network components:

  It supports all switches,

  routers

  , wireless controllers, and access points in the Cisco portfolio. 

• Graphical user interface:

  It has an intuitive GUI and a task-based menu that is easy-to-use for small to mid-sized businesses. 

• Inventory reports:

  It provides daily inventory reports and health monitoring updates, with optional integration for Cisco Active Advisor.

USP: It is an extremely lightweight platform that requires a basic system configuration (50 MB hard drive, 1 GHz processor, and 1 GB RAM). This makes it highly accessible. 

Pricing: It is a free network mapping tool. 

Editorial comments: Cisco Network Assistant not only visualizes the network but also lets users troubleshoot common network issues. However, it only recognizes Cisco components, making it unsuitable for heterogeneous environments. 

2. 10-Strike LANState

Overview: 10-Strike is a software company providing network management solutions since 2003. 10-Strike LANState is a simple network topology mapping, host monitoring, and management program.

Key features: The key features of 10-Strike LANState include:

• Automated network discovery:

  It automatically scans the network, detecting device types and addresses. 

• Visual topology maps:

  It creates a network map with vector device icons and draws links between devices and switches.

• Support for diverse network components:

  It supports all major network manufacturers and sends automated alerts for configuration changes. 

• Graphical user interface:

  It has a GUI for quick device management on a visual map, a CLI for customizations, and a web interface for remote users.

• Inventory reports:

  Users can create reports based on accumulated statistics and analyze charts related to the monitored parameter changes.

USP: 10-Strike LANState is an agentless tool that does not require additional installation on remote devices. Also, IT managers can configure custom notifications. 

Pricing: Its pro version costs $124.95 for 50 hosts (lifetime license). 

Editorial comments: 10-Strike LANState is ideal for companies that want a basic tool without recurring costs. However, it is an entry-level tool with limited value-adding functionalities and integrations. 

3. Intermapper Network Monitoring Software by HelpSystems

Overview: HelpSystems offers a robust network mapping and monitoring system called Intermapper, available in free and paid versions. 

Key features: The key features of Intermapper include:

• Automated network discovery:

  It automatically discovers and documents every IP-enabled device in the network in a few minutes. 

• Visual topology maps:

  It supports rich visualizations with hundreds of icons and background options, hierarchical maps, and sub-maps. 

• Support for diverse network components:

  It can detect all connected devices, interfaces, servers, and applications.

• Graphical user interface:

  It simplifies usage via dashboards, mobile-friendly interfaces, and a GUI device matrix.

• Inventory reports:

  Users can review historic metrics, strip charts, and reports and set flexible notifications.

USP: IT managers can access Intermapper from any platform, including Windows, Linux, and Mac. Also, it supports customized alert and escalation workflows to collaboratively solve network issues. 

Pricing: It is free for up to five devices and follows a custom pricing model for further additions. 

Editorial comments: Intermapper offers a wide range of functionalities at an affordable price. However, the user interface is outdated, and customers have reported that the solution could use a cosmetic facelift. 

4. OpManager Network Mapping

Overview: ManageEngine is the IT management technology division of Zoho Corporation. It offers network mapping capabilities via its flagship OpManager solution. 

Key features: The key features of OpManager Network Mapping include:

• Automated network discovery:

  It is an automated solution that discovers connected devices and their details without human intervention. 

• Visual topology maps:

  It automatically generates a complete map of IT infrastructure by classifying devices and mapping them to the core router. 

• Support for diverse network components:

  It supports all device types and manufacturers as per the preferred layout type. 

• Graphical user interface

  : Its GUI makes it possible to detect issues at a glance, drill down to the problematic device, and understand relationships between parent and dependent devices.

• Inventory reports:

  It updates the inventory with real-time network data and helps organize an enterprise network geographically.

USP: OpManager is effective as a network troubleshooting tool beyond network mapping. Users can prioritize network faults, start the remediation process, and even automate network actions. 

Pricing: It is free for up to three devices and is custom-priced after that. 

Editorial comments: OpManager is a comprehensive solution for network professionals. However, it uses technical terms and solution-specific phraseology that makes some functionalities difficult to understand.

5. N‑able™ N-central® Network Mapping Software

Overview: N-able builds network management solutions for managed service providers. Its flagship platform, N-central, provides robust network mapping and visibility features. 

Key features: The key features of N‑able™ N-central® Network Mapping Software include:

• Automated network discovery:

  It automatically discovers network components and creates comprehensive, real-time topology visualizations. 

• Visual topology maps:

  The visualizations provide a bird’s eye view of underlying elements, automatically updated to reflect topology changes. 

• Support for diverse network components:

  Since it is meant for service providers, it supports many

  network hardware

  and software components.

• Graphical user interface:

  Its GUI makes it easier to onboard client networks, summarize the important connections, and uncover key insights.

• Inventory reports:

  It auto-generates inventory reports without any manual effort. 

USP: N‑able N-central includes customizable service templates for network devices. This streamlines new device onboarding based on a unique collection of pre-set rules and filters.

Pricing: Organizations can choose from per user, device, or tiered commercial models (undisclosed pricing). 

Editorial comments: The tool offers several dynamic visualizations. However, it involves a steep learning curve, and alerts are sometimes delayed. 

See More: What Is Network Behavior Analysis? Definition, Importance, and Best Practices

6. Net-Probe

Overview: Net-Probe is a free network mapping tool that runs scheduled probes to discover connected components. It is currently in version 3.0.1 and is a lightweight platform. 

Key features: The key features of Net-Probe include:

• Automated network discovery:

  It has a startup wizard that scans and visualizes the network environment in a few simple steps. 

• Visual topology maps:

  It supports a variety of visualizations, including real-time graphs.

• Support for diverse network components:

  It includes dozens of pre-written scripts to support a diverse range of network components. 

• Graphical user interface:

  It has an intuitive user interface, with alarms, graphs, and trackers integrated into the graphical layout.

• Inventory reports:

  It generates alerts for important network events and integrates with external apps for reporting. 

USP: It is a free-forever network mapping tool with a surprising degree of extensibility. Users can write their scripts to automate actions based on network events and alerts. 

Pricing: It is free to use.

Editorial comments: Net-Probe is a simple and fully functional tool. However, it is not very well supported and runs on only Windows systems. 

7. Network Olympus

Overview: Network Olympus is a tool that helps monitor availability, map topology, find bottlenecks, and resolve them to improve uptime. It operates on a lifetime purchase licensing model. 

Key features: The key features of Network Olympus include:

• Automated network discovery:

  It auto-discovers network components, including their state and the real-time status. 

• Visual topology maps:

  It creates interactive maps, complete with a central tree and sub-maps. 

• Support for diverse network components:

  It uses a separate network scanner module to gather data from various physical devices and network components. 

• Graphical user interface:

  Its intuitive GUI is suitable for expert IT professionals, new users, and small businesses. 

• Inventory reports:

  It is possible to generate various detailed inventory reports and download them to local storage. 

USP: Network Olympus provides flexibility when visualizing the network, including dedicated maps for each floor, drag and drop configurations, building layouts, hierarchical structures, etc. 

Pricing: Its commercial versions start from $90 for 25 devices. 

Editorial comments: It is a well-supported and feature-rich solution. However, it is meant only for network mapping and does not aid in capacity planning, network troubleshooting, and other use cases.

8. Nmap 

Overview: Nmap is a free and open-source network mapping tool, supported by a large community of developers and contributors. It offers both CLI and GUI options. 

Key features: The key features of Nmap include:

• Automated network discovery:

  It automatically scans the network environment to detect connected components. 

• Visual topology maps:

  It creates rich visual maps to investigate topology layouts and correlations. 

• Support for diverse network components:

  It has detected hundreds of thousands of machines till date, underscoring its wide compatibility. 

• Graphical user interface:

  It has a GUI interface called Zenmap, that runs on Linux, Windows, Mac OS X, Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD), and other operating systems. 

• Inventory reports:

  It assembles detailed network inventories for report and analysis.

USP: Despite being a free tool, it offers robust documentation in 15 different languages, suitable for a variety of use cases. Users can also access and modify the full source code.

Pricing: It is free to use.

Editorial comments: Nmap is a flexible and powerful network mapping tool in the market, due to its open architecture. However, it requires significant technical expertise. 

9. SolarWinds® Network Topology Mapper

Overview: SolarWinds develops IT management software and remote monitoring tools for enterprises. It offers a standalone network mapping tool to visualize complex network environments. 

Key features: The key features of SolarWinds® Network Topology Mapper include:

• Automated network discovery:

  It automatically discovers and maps the network environment using an Automated Network Diagram and Map Creator module.

• Visual topology maps:

  It has a built-in graphing tool that creates topology maps based on custom criteria and network segmentation. 

• Support for diverse network components:

  It supports all major network providers and compliance protocols. 

• Graphical user interface:

  It has a full GUI user experience, including custom automations. 

• Inventory reports:

  Its inventory management module maintains up-to-date records with detailed, downloadable reports. 

USP: It supports key compliance protocols such as Payment Card Industry (PCI), Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2. Also, maps can be directly exported to a charting tool like Microsoft Visio.

Pricing: Pricing starts at $1,570. 

Editorial comments: It allows users to perform multi-level network mapping, essential for complex environments. However, the initial map-building process takes time and can be resource-intensive. 

10. Progress WhatsUp Gold’s Network Mapping Tool

Overview: WhatsUp Gold (formerly part of Ipswitch) provides network monitoring solutions to mid-sized and large enterprises. Its network mapping tool is part of the company’s flagship platform. 

Key features: The key features of WhatsUp Gold’s network mapping tool include:

• Automated network discovery:

  It discovers and maps everything connected to the network, including device dependencies. 

• Visual topology maps:

  It auto-generates interactive, multi-layer topology maps that update dynamically as changes occur.

• Support for diverse network components:

  It supports all components and environments, including wireless networks, virtual systems, and

  cloud-based

  servers.

• Graphical user interface:

  It presents a network heat map with one-click analysis, customizable alerts, and other GUI functionalities. 

• Inventory reports:

  Users can configure custom reports and schedule report downloads. 

USP: The tool factors in the dedicated wireless and cloud-heavy networks requirements. It also allows users to investigate the relationship between wired and wireless networks.

Pricing: Pricing starts at $2,740 for 25 devices per year for premium capabilities. 

Editorial comments: This network mapping tool offers high customization and granular views. However, it uses an outdated agent-based system and involves a difficult learning curve. 

See More: What Is Network Traffic Analysis? Definition, Importance, Implementation, and Best Practices

Product Comparison of the Best Network Mapping Tools

Here are the highlights of these top 10 network mapping tools at a glance: 

Solution Name
Features
Pricing
Verdict
Cisco Network Assistant

It is extremely lightweight and requires a basic system configuration (50 MB hard drive, 1 GHz processor, and 1 GB RAM). 

Free

It lets users troubleshoot common network issues. However, it only recognizes Cisco components, making it unsuitable for heterogeneous environments.

10-Strike LANState

10-Strike LANState is an agentless tool and does not require additional installation on remote devices. Also, IT managers can configure custom notifications.

$124.95 for 50 hosts (lifetime license)

10-Strike LANState is ideal for companies that want a basic tool without recurring costs. However, it is an entry-level tool with limited value-adding functionalities and integrations.

Intermapper Network Monitoring Software by HelpSystems

IT managers can access Intermapper from any platform, including Windows, Linux, and Mac. Also, it supports customized alert and escalation workflows to collaboratively solve network issues.

Free for up to five devices and a custom pricing model thereafter.

Intermapper offers extensive functionalities at an affordable price. However, the user interface is outdated, and the solution could use a cosmetic facelift.

OpManager Network Mapping

It is an effective network troubleshooting tool. Users can prioritize network faults, start the remediation process, and even automate network actions. 

Free for up to three devices, and custom-priced thereafter.

OpManager is a comprehensive solution for network professionals. However, it uses technical terms and solution-specific phraseology that makes some functionalities difficult to understand.

N‑able™ N-central® Network Mapping Software

It includes customizable service templates to streamline new device onboarding based on a unique collection of pre-set rules and filters.

Per-user, per-device, or tiered commercial models (pricing undisclosed)

The tool offers several dynamic visualizations. However, it involves a steep learning curve, and alerts are sometimes delayed. 

Net-Probe

It is a free-forever network mapping tool that offers a surprising degree of extensibility through custom scripts.

Free

Net-Probe is a simple and fully functional tool. However, it is not very well supported and runs on only Windows systems.

Network Olympus

It provides incredible flexibility when visualizing the network, including dedicated maps for each floor, drag and drop configurations, building layouts, hierarchical structures, etc.

Starts from $90 for 25 devices

It is a well-supported and feature-rich solution. However, it is meant only for network mapping and does not aid in capacity planning, network troubleshooting, and other use cases. 

Nmap 

Despite being a free tool, it offers robust documentation in 15 different languages, suitable for various use cases. Users can also access and modify the full source code.

Free

Nmap is among the most flexible and robust network mapping tools due to its open architecture. However, it requires significant technical expertise. 

SolarWinds® Network Topology Mapper

It supports key compliance protocols, and maps can be directly exported to a charting tool like Microsoft Visio.

Starts at $1,570

It allows users to perform multi-level network mapping, essential for complex environments. However, the initial map-building process takes time and can be resource-intensive. 

Progress WhatsUp Gold’s Network Mapping Tool

The tool factors in the dedicated requirements of wireless and cloud-heavy networks. It also allows users to investigate the relationship between wired and wireless networks.

Starts at $2,740 for 25 devices per year

It offers a high degree of customization and granular views. However, it uses an outdated agent-based system and involves a difficult learning curve.

See More: What Is Network Security? Definition, Types, and Best Practices

Takeaway 

Network mapping software is essential for companies in 2022. As the pace of digital transformation increases, enterprises are at risk of network sprawl, potentially creating vulnerabilities in the system. Furthermore, an unmapped network with low visibility leads to unpredictable costs and component duplication. Network mapping tools provide a clear view of the current topology and keep stakeholders updated on real-time changes made to the network. That’s why network mapping is crucial to the enterprise IT observability stack. 

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