We are searching for a tool (or procedure) to perform a network topology discovery, in order to be able to create a reliable network map. Complete automation is not required, we are not trying to avoid the workload, only to do it correctly using the right tool.
Thanks.
We are using StableNet from Infosim with best success (does not only discovery and inventory but also dependency mapping and close to automatic root cause discovery)
SolarWinds' NTM is one of the best (paid) tools. Other opensource tools such as OpenNMS have this feature too. However, keep in mind that in order to detect the physical port connectivity (at L2/switch) between the devices you would need to have CDP/LLDP enabled. Some network admins disable this due to security reasons (I disagree) and so they would get only L3/Route level topology details.
You can also try Cisco Network assistant (free tool) if you have Cisco Network.
You can try Solarwinds Network Mapper
Hello,
You can try the DUDE a free monitoring tool, by me, it ideally fit this needs.
mikrotik.com/thedude
Hi! I recommend you to use PRTG Software, which is helpful to identify your network elements. Also, if you have an only-CISCO network, you can use CDP command to create a network map.
Thank you all for your recommendations! We will try the mentioned tools and let you know of the results in a future post.
NetIM is a newer release from Riverbed that does this. It is price competitive with the other options listed here. www.riverbed.com/products/steelcentral/network-performance-management/infrastructure-management/steelcentral-netim.html.
SolarWinds, Symantec or Network Node Mgr should do the trick. All have pkgs based on environment size with feature sets aligned with ITIL.
NetBrain is great but it's massively overpriced for this purpose. If you just want to do discovery and some basic mapping, there are plenty of free or cheap tools to do that. Google search is your friend here...
We use Cisco Prime Infrastructure. You enter a subnet and it shows you all the devices connected. I've seen a software called NetBrain Tech that can map out your network as well.
The best way to discover a network and diagram it is a commercial product called "Netbrain" their website is www.netbraintech.com/, The simpler open source version of doing this would be nmap(Zenmap) and stitch the output files together and diagram the layout.
Make sure SNMP is enabled on all devices first. Be sure to change the password as well. Then use any tool mentioned previously.
Hello. Try Cisco Network Assistant which is also free
You need to pick tools (some commercial and lots of open source available) that support LLDP (link layer discovery protocol) and/or CDP which is Cisco’s propriety discovery protocol.
Solarwinds or if want to pay more and get more you had better OptiView XG Network Analysis Tablet
Depends on exactly what you would need and your budget. If its just to do inventory, you can find very cheap easy solutions with limited capability. For Enterprise wide Discovery & Monitoring + Automation I would urge you to look at the MicroFocus(Previously HP Enterprise) NOM Suite of tools. Full Network Operation Management solution to discover, monitor, map and automate your entire network. It also has the highest Network Device support list in the business.
Hi,
On the basis of my experience, by far CA spectrum is the best tool for network topology Discovery.
I'll recommend you to use CA spectrum and if you want a demo then kindly let me know.
Hi, maybe MRTG can help you a light solution ?
network-weathermap.com/
PS: On home/small network, a simple PING and (ip neighbor) ARP can furnish quick info on existing "responders".
www.spiceworks.com/free-network-mapping-software/
effective and simple
www.solarwinds.com
HEllo, I recommned standalone tool called Ipswitch WhatsConnected (port-to-port connectivity, VLAN, virtual enviroment mapping, audit hw, firmware, SN´s, export to Visio and PDF.