Free network mapping software PRTG

Mapping and monitoring in one solution: the PRTG advantage

Compare Paessler PRTG to other tools.

PRTG vs. pure network scanners and network mapping tools

Unlike PRTG, pure network scanners and mapping tools require significant time-consuming, manual work. Although they detect the network with all its components and deliver results in the form of a list, this information must be manually applied to create network charts and maps.

Moreover, you can build only static network diagrams that function as a pure network overview. Network topology mappers like PRTG, on the other hand, let you display a live diagram of your physical network elements.

PRTG vs. other network monitoring software

Other network monitoring tools with the mapping option fall short of the optimized troubleshooting and network planning functionality of PRTG. Many do deliver information on the availability and condition of detected components, as well as network traffic and performance.

They also promise further assistance with an auto-mapping functionality that displays network devices identified through a network scan (such as switches, routers, firewalls, servers, or applications) in automatically generated network maps. However, the outcome of such auto-generated maps is often not very satisfactory at all.

PRTG vs. auto-mapping tools

The automatically generated maps of auto-mapping solutions often fall short in terms of readability and usability – compared to the structured, easy-to-use network maps in PRTG. They scan the network and integrate the identified devices directly in network diagrams and maps.

However, many devices and connections are displayed one-dimensionally on oversized maps. This might be acceptable as a one-off inventory, but such network diagrams are usually not very helpful for daily troubleshooting and network planning activities.

Integrated network mapping solutions like PRTG are clearly superior to the combination of network scanners and mapping tools when it comes to usability and delivering data on the actual status of devices.