AirCheck G3 vs SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager comparison

The compared NetAlly and SolarWinds solutions aren't in the same category. NetAlly is ranked #9 in NT , and holds a 6.6% mindshare in the category. SolarWinds is ranked #13 in CM , with an average rating of 7.8, and holds a 3.0% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of NetAlly users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 95% of SolarWinds users who would recommend it.

AirCheck G3

Read 13 AirCheck G3 reviews

1,492 Views
1,313 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

SolarWinds Network Configur...

Read 27 SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager reviews

3,753 Views
1,464 Comparison Views

95% willing to recommend

AirCheck G3

SolarWinds Network Configur...

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive Summary

We performed a comparison between AirCheck G3 and SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

Find out in this report how the two Network Troubleshooting solutions compare in terms of features, pricing, service and support, easy of deployment, and ROI.

To learn more, read our detailed AirCheck G3 vs. SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager Report (Updated: September 2020).

Buyer's Guide

AirCheck G3 vs. SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

September 2020

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

AirCheck G3

Average Rating

8.6

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Network Troubleshooting (9th)

SolarWinds Network Configur...

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

6.9

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Configuration Management (13th), Network Automation (4th)

Mindshare comparison

While both are Network Management solutions, they serve different purposes. AirCheck G3 is designed for Network Troubleshooting and holds a mindshare of 6.6%, down 8.1% compared to last year.
SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager, on the other hand, focuses on Configuration Management, holds 3.0% mindshare, up 1.4% since last year.

Network Troubleshooting Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
AirCheck G3	6.6%
Wireshark	17.1%
AirMagnet Survey PRO	9.4%
Other	66.9%

Network Troubleshooting

Configuration Management Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager	3.0%
Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform	10.5%
Microsoft Configuration Manager	7.8%
Other	78.7%

Configuration Management

Featured Reviews

David-Prusynski

Senior Network Engineer at a healthcare company with 5,001-10,000 employees

A portable, rugged device that reduces resolution time and saves thousands of dollars

It would be nice if I could import an AP list with a MAC address. When it looks at access points, it should tell me the AP name instead of the MAC address. When you get a MAC address, you can eventually find out where you want to go. However, a lot of times, if I just have an AP name, I know that's in this area or that's over there. I would like that function because AirMagnet, which is the precursor of this, had that ability where you could basically import a list of APs and MAC addresses, and then it could display those instead of just a MAC address. That'd be a nice function. We should be able to put an AP to MAC address in Excel and export it as a CSV file and then import it. That'd be nice to have because I have that information for all my hospitals. The one I'm doing this weekend has got 550 access points. It is much easier for me to look at an AP name than to get a MAC address. Currently, I have to go to a different spreadsheet and try to find that MAC address. If I had the AP name, it would be like, "Okay. Yep. See it. Done." They are doing spectrum analysis in G3, which I would love to have in G2. That's a nice tool to have, and from what I heard, that's the same price. I'd like to have that. The other function I would love to see is the ability to test fiber. I know the $10,000 version has the ability to test fiber, but I would love this lower-cost device to be able to test fiber.

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Alastair Brand

MD at Thembanet

Flexibility and reliability enable effective network monitoring with integrations and compliance reporting

The flexibility and reliability of SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager are particularly valuable. It allows for a significant amount of integrations, including with collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams and Telegram, as well as ServiceNow and Microsoft BI. The solution facilitates compliance reporting through an NCM module, effectively generating out-of-the-box reports on software vulnerabilities and outdated software versions. Additionally, the real-time change detection feature significantly reduces the time to resolve issues by allowing alerts to be tracked through to resolution. The use of templates helps in deploying configuration standards, preventing configuration errors.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"There is just so much this device does that it's unbelievable sometimes."

"It is portable. It is rugged. It comes with a nice case. It has been dropped, but it doesn't break. I don't have a crack screen or anything like that. It has pretty good battery life."

"The one-button AutoTest feature is an amazing tool. It works well. It tells you whether or not you have shorts in your network, your PoE+ is running low on voltage, and shows you your link speed."

"We're a customer because it is a well-performing device that we can give our people in the field, they feel comfortable with it, and they don't dread using it."

"Therefore, AirCheck G2 is the best of both worlds; it's an affordable product with many useful features."

"Compared to the old AirCheck it is a massive step forward."

"It is an extreme game-changer, and a lifesaver every single time it's used."

"AirCheck made a lot of children and caregivers quite happy. While I might not have resolved everything, I have reduced the problems that we had every night. During the day, they would do visible checks and not always rely on the monitors, but every night, they had at least three or four of those alarms. I was able to reduce it to once or twice a week since those appliances are still limited in their wireless capability."

More AirCheck G3 pros

"We push all our configurations to the servers with ease and the logs capture almost all the transactions needed for an internal audit."

"SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager can be used for backing up network device configuration, which helps you be more secure because when you have a system failure, you can get the information back."

"It's perfect for network configuration management, and it's easy to use."

"The solution's view is very nice, and they have a great customized dashboard."

"The feature that I really enjoy is the ability to script changes across all of your devices."

"We push all our configurations to the servers with ease and the logs capture almost all the transactions needed for an internal audit."

"It is pretty straightforward to set up."

"The tool is useful for security purposes."

More SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager pros

Cons

"My biggest complaint about it is that I wish it was cheaper."

"We use .1x authentication, so I need to download the certificate onto the device. It would be nice to have this functionality through the cloud as well. Right now, you need to do it through the software by connecting your laptop physically to the AirCheck. This is one thing that is a bit slow."

"You spend money on and invested in multiple devices and can't even use half of the features."

"If it was capable of downloading MIBs onto the device, then we could identify the manufacturer. Sometimes, when I am troubleshooting, there is a Mac address. For example, there is a rogue device and it just gives us a Mac address, which is fine. It gives us something, which is better than nothing. It would be nice if it was able to download a MIB where we could associate it with that Mac address and the manufacturer."

"If it was capable of downloading MIBs onto the device, then we could identify the manufacturer."

"The solution doesn't have much functional information online."

"The only thing that would be an improvement would be the ability to do MPO/MPT testing, which is another mode of fiber, along with more options on the SFP to do that testing."

"NetAlly has been behind the curve on visualization, Wi-Fi design, and heat maps for a little while now. They're perfectly aware of this deficiency, but what they offer is good enough for a lot of people. It's not suitable for larger shops, but it works in a pinch. The AirMapper and subsequent AirMagnet integration is an afterthought."

More AirCheck G3 cons

"The AI features do not work well."

"The interface of solar winds could be improved."

"The only thing that requires some experience, and training doesn't fix, is how to set up your custom policy-based reports to check compliance."

"The solution could improve by being more secure."

"It would be great if they include a network service manager, network performance manager, or privileged assessment in the next release."

"Releasing a product compatible with operating systems other than Windows would be advantageous."

"The network flow is a problem for this solution."

"I'd like to see additional features like support for devices that don't use CLI for configuration backups, expanded inventory support for other vendors beyond Cisco, and compatibility with newer SD WAN devices. These enhancements would further improve the product's versatility and utility for users. we hope for future enhancements, especially in supporting security devices that lack CLI backup options."

More SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The price is fairly expensive, if you are a single individual. For me, it's well worth the cost of the unit. Depending on the nature of the work that you're doing, the upfront costs can be expensive. Typically, what happens in an environment is a department might have one device as opposed to technicians having them individually."

"The upfront cost of the solution is around $4,000."

"It costs $3,000. It would be nice if its cost was less. I could then buy more. Currently, when we buy one, we make sure that where we need it is big enough, or if it is too small, when a person has a job, they have to get a temporary one mailed to them to use, which becomes a little less convenient."

"Pricing is on par with the rest of the industry and the licensing is decent."

"The product has a pretty good price."

"For a few thousand dollars, you save yourself a ton of time. It's a great deal."

"Because I work in a big company, it is a no-brainer. If I were a consultant, I would still buy it, but it would be a huge investment. Overall, it's a good tool to have."

"If you find a feature you need, you have to call them and add it, but you should be able to use the product. You spend money on and invested in multiple devices and can't even use half of the features. They should negotiate with large enterprises who buy large numbers of units to provide NetAlly support for all of them at a nominal fee."

More AirCheck G3 pricing and cost advice

"Pricing is reasonable and competitive."

"You have a base license for 50 devices, and then you can add more licenses as you go."

"There is a license for the use of this solution and it is priced well, there is a lot of value for the money."

"The pricing is good."

"Additional costs beyond the standard licensing fee are inevitable."

"The price of the solution is high compared to other solutions."

"There is a license needed to use SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager."

"We have to pay additionally for its support and maintenance."

More SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Comms Service Provider

University

Government

Performing Arts

Government

12%

Manufacturing Company

10%

Computer Software Company

University

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	1
Midsize Enterprise	2
Large Enterprise	11

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	15
Midsize Enterprise	5
Large Enterprise	8

Questions from the Community

Ask a question

Earn 20 points

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager?

The licensing costs of SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager are expensive, but considering its reliability, feature enhancements, and support, it is worthwhile.

See all answers

What needs improvement with SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager?

NCM could benefit from enhanced automation capabilities — for instance, enabling workflow-based configuration automation tasks. While regex and command-line scripting are available, they require sp...

See all answers

What is your primary use case for SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager?

I work with SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager ( /products/solarwinds-network-configuration-manager-reviews ) as a significant part of our operations. Our primary use case involves handling c...

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Comparisons

NetAlly EtherScope nXG vs AirCheck G3

Compared 22% of the time

AirMagnet Survey PRO vs AirCheck G3

Compared 19% of the time

LinkRunner vs AirCheck G3

Compared 12% of the time

OneTouch AT Network Assistant vs AirCheck G3

Compared 10% of the time

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Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform vs SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

Compared 10% of the time

Cisco DNA Center vs SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

Compared 7% of the time

HashiCorp Terraform vs SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

Compared 6% of the time

ManageEngine Network Configuration Management vs SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

Compared 4% of the time

SolarWinds Kiwi CatTools vs SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

Compared 4% of the time

More SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

AirCheck G3

May 2026

Download AirCheck G3 product report

Buyer's Guide

SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

April 2026

SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager report

Download SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager product report

Also Known As

AirCheck G2, AirCheck

SolarWinds NCM

Overview

AirCheck G3 provides rapid Wi-Fi environment assessments with AutoTest. It features cloud capabilities for remote data sharing and visualization tools like packet capture to address connectivity issues, making it ideal for IT teams.

AirCheck G3 is designed to offer actionable insights into Wi-Fi infrastructures. Its key features include AutoTest for swift diagnostics, cloud integration through Link-Live for efficient data management, and advanced functionalities such as packet capture and heat map creation. With AirMapper, site survey data is easily visualized and collected. Built for portability and durability, AirCheck G3 effectively identifies connectivity problems, rogue devices, and interference. Users note potential enhancements in device emulation and AI-driven analysis. Improvements in battery life, API support, and LTE connectivity are also desired.

What are the standout features of AirCheck G3?

AutoTest: Quickly troubleshoots Wi-Fi environments.
Cloud Functionality: Enables remote data access via Link-Live.
Packet Capture: Provides deep network analysis capabilities.
Heat Map Creation: Visualizes network performance spatially.
AirMapper: Simplifies site survey data collection.
Portability and Durability: Designed for field use, making it versatile for IT teams.

Which benefits should users consider in reviews?

Efficiency in Troubleshooting: Reduces time in identifying and solving network issues.
Data Shareability: Facilitates data distribution and collaboration through cloud integration.
Insightful Analytics: Delivers comprehensive analytic tools for network performance assessment.
Versatile Use: Portable design supports numerous environments and scenarios.

In healthcare, AirCheck G3 is crucial for ensuring reliable Wi-Fi connections, aiding staff in locating access points or issues. Technicians rely on it for data collection and cloud reporting, enhancing their understanding of network infrastructure. Businesses utilize it to improve troubleshooting efficiency, addressing network issues promptly and effectively.

NetAlly

SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager provides essential tools for network performance monitoring, configuration compliance, and vulnerability management, ensuring streamlined operations for network administrators with real-time change detection and backup automation capabilities.

SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager offers extensive features that empower network management through integration with platforms like Microsoft Teams and ServiceNow. It manages network devices effectively, automating backups and streamlining configuration compliance. Users find it flexible and reliable for network configuration and security management, including support for IP SLA management, which enhances device health checks. The solution facilitates remote network configuration, mass changes across devices, and efficient backup and restore procedures for disaster recovery. While improvements in node-related limitations, AI features, and integrations are noted, the tool remains critical for aligning configurations with enterprise standards and ensuring network visibility.

What are the key features?

Network Performance Monitoring: Provides insights into network health and potential issues.
Configuration Compliance: Ensures all network configurations align with internal policies.
Real-Time Change Detection: Alerts users immediately about configuration changes.
Backup Automation: Simplifies backup processes for network configurations.
Vulnerability Management: Identifies and manages security vulnerabilities effectively.
IP SLA Management: Enhances device health checks through service level agreements.
Integration Capabilities: Seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Teams, ServiceNow, and more.

What benefits should users consider?

Enhanced Security: Protects networks with robust vulnerability management.
Streamlined Operations: Automates routine tasks to save time and resources.
Improved Compliance: Ensures adherence to configuration policies and standards.
Comprehensive Network Visibility: Offers a clear view of network performance and issues.
Disaster Recovery Support: Facilitates quick recovery from network failures with efficient backups.

In industries such as telecommunications, finance, and healthcare, SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager is implemented to manage complex network infrastructures, optimize performance, and maintain security compliance. These sectors rely on the tool's ability to conduct mass device configurations and ensure continuous network monitoring, which is crucial for operations that require consistent uptime and quick response to potential security threats.

SolarWinds

Sample Customers

Information Not Available

United Lincolnshire Hospitals, Air Rarotonga, NetSuite, Thai AirAsia, REA Group, 335th Signal Command, Agilisys, Marine Expeditionary Force

Buyer's Guide

AirCheck G3 vs. SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

September 2020

Free Report: AirCheck G3 vs. SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

Find out what your peers are saying about AirCheck G3 vs. SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager and other solutions. Updated: September 2020.

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