| Network Scanner and Mapping Tools | Network Mapping Tools | Network Monitoring Software |
| Pure network scanners or network discovery tools identify all the components that make up a network and provide the results in list form. You can then create network diagrams and maps based on this information using network mapping software,but this requires a significant amount of time-consuming manual work. Moreover, in this way you can only create static maps, which in themselves have no other value than providing general information about the network. | In addition to the combination of scanners and mapping tools, there are also comprehensive network mapping solutions. They scan the network and integrate the detected devices directly into the circuits and maps of networks (the so-called automatic mapping).In terms of usability, integrated network mapping solutions are clearly superior to the combination of network scanners and mapping tools, but automatically generated maps are often difficult to read: the huge number of network devices and connections confuses the results, not allowing you to get a clear overall picture. manual intervention is required if the solution provides for such a possibility. Another drawback is the restriction on scanning and mapping when data relating to the actual state of the devices is not provided. | Unlike pure network mapping solutions or a combination of network scanners and mapping tools, mapping network monitoring tools provide information about the availability and status of detected components. They don’t just discover and map the topology of the network, but also provide data on network traffic and network performance. Many of these solutions promise further assistance through “automatic network mapping”: through network discovery, identified network devices such as switches, switches, routers, firewalls, and servers or applications are displayed on automatically generated network maps. Many devices and even more connections are displayed in a one-dimensional view on maps of enormous size. This may be acceptable with a one-time inventory, but such maps are noisy and useless when used daily for troubleshooting and network planning. |
PRTG Network Monitor: Network Monitoring with Map Editor
PRTG provides a compromise between a combination of network scanners and a network mapping solution. In this product, the monitoring software is complemented by an automatic mapping function, which allows you to get the best from both systems
Fine-tuned “auto-discovery” detects all IT components from switches, routers and firewalls, servers and applications to storage and virtual servers.
All of these components can be quickly and easily integrated into clear network cards using the usual drag-and-drop feature built into the map editor. Using a custom HTML language, you can create layered maps and drill down into their layers while searching for errors without undue interference.
Representation of Sunburst in PRTG
In addition to clear and easy-to-create maps, PRTG has another advantage over a set of clean tools for scanning and mapping networks: PRTG maps display not only devices and connections, but also information about their status.
By adding a building plan to the map background, you can see the location of each device.
At the same time, the Sunburst view of PRTG displays the entire network topology in a condensed form.
Network Diagrams
Another advantage of the PRTG map editor is the ability to create custom network diagrams for different audiences.
For example, a map intended for a network administrator displays all network devices, and an overview map for a department manager displays a condensed view of the entire network as an “outlet,” including the status of all components.