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
Best for Live Diagram of Physical Network Elements
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 NPM Pros
Offers customizable dashboards
Provides real-time monitoring and alerts
Improve usability by offering a user-friendly interface for easy navigation.
Paessler PRTG NPM Cons
Requires dedicated hardware for optimal performance
Higher cost compared to some competitors
Limited free version capabilities
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
Best for Automatic Discovery
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 Pros
Utilizes the visual topology maps for network and server monitoring.
Backup network configurations to quickly restore in case of a security breach
Support SNMP device monitoring and flow-based traffic monitoring in networks.
ManageEngine OpManager Cons
No SaaS Model
Steep learning curve to use all features optimally
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
Best for Orion Map Time Travel
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 Pros
Utilizes NetPath to gain deeper insights into all critical network paths
Employ Network Packet Analyzer for faster troubleshooting
Availability of detailed tutorials and a large online community forum
Allows customization of network maps according to specific needs
Solarwinds NPM Cons
Relatively high cost for smaller businesses.
Not user-friendly for beginners
SolarWinds NPM Pricing
SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor pricing starts at $1,856. You can download a full-functional 30-day free trial.
NetBrain
Best for Live Digital Twin
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 Pros
Provide detailed, easy-to-read logs
No code automation
Offers top-notch customer support
NetBrain Cons
No trial or freemium plan
Slow system performance
NetBrain Pricing
NetBrain offers personalized pricing information through custom quotes based on specific needs and requirements.
N‑able N-Central
Best for Scheduled Scans
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 Pros
Enables efficient resource allocation and optimization
Provides better visibility and control over network devices
N‑able N-Central Cons
Requires training and expertise for optimal use
Dashboard looks cluttered
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
Best for Faulty Device Detection
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 Pros
Monitor up to 5 devices in the free plan
Offers an all-in-one tool to monitor network, website, cloud, server, and more
Offers real-time monitoring and alerts
Site24x7 Cons
Difficult configuration and password recovery
Limited customization options for more advanced users
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
Best Cost-Effective Solution
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 Pros
Feature-rich network monitoring solution at a competitive price
Efficient vulnerability detection
Customizable reporting options
UVexplorer Cons
Steeper learning curve for advanced features
Lacking user-friendly graphic user interface (GUI)
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
Best for Managing Custom Virtual Objects
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 Pros
Supports customization of network maps
Facilitates efficient troubleshooting
Offers 60-days trial
Network Olympus Cons
Supports only Windows
Limited scalability for large networks
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
Best for Exporting to Microsoft Visio and SVG
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 Pros
Simplifies network visualization
Provides real-time monitoring capabilities
Offers customizable mapping options
Fortra Intermapper Cons
Compatibility issues with certain devices
Requires learning curve for full utilization
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
Best Simple Solution
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 Pros
Facilitates proactive monitoring
Supports multi-site monitoring
Customizable alerts for network events
Domotz Cons
Potential for inaccuracies in mapping
Requires compatible hardware.
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
To map your network, you must first pick the right network mapping software. Then, scan your network and create a network map. Most network mapping software comes with automated tools that can create network maps. Different network mapping software tools have different interfaces, but the steps to map a network remain almost the same.
To map a network drive, ensure network discovery is on your computer. Then, you need to find the IP address of your PC (host PC). You can do this by going to Windows Powershell, typing IP config, and pressing Enter.
Once you know your computer’s IP address, follow these steps to map your network drive to another PC (client PC).
1. On the client’s PC, open the Start Menu.
2. Type “run” and open the Run dialog box.
3. In the Run dialog box, type \\ followed by your host PC’s IP address, then click OK.
4. Your host PC’s shared folder will open. Open this shared folder.
5. Click on the address bar to highlight the address, then copy it.
6. Open “This PC.” Then, select More > Map network drive on the File Explorer ribbon.
7. Paste the address you copied earlier in the “Folder” section. Click on “Finish.”
The network drive you’ve added should appear in your “This PC” window of the client PC.
Network mapping software offers key features such as automated network discovery, real-time monitoring, customizable interactive maps, and network performance metrics. These features may vary depending on the vendor. For instance, the SolarWinds Network Performance Monitoring tool offers advanced features like Orion maps and Time Travel, while Network Olympus provides basic network monitoring features.