Top 6 best network discovery tools for easier routine and faster results
If you have ever faced the task of setting up a network inventory to manage your network to perfection, you know this can be quite the task. Searching the “network inventory” results over the web often leads to an overwhelming number of options. Some solutions will be ad-based, some — high-end and very pricey. We'll try to lay the information out for you so you can find the most suitable tool for your business.
What is “network inventory”
Network inventory is a process of creating the list of devices, such as computers, servers, routers, and printers, connected to the inventoried network. The amount of information one can obtain depends on whether the person who performs the inventory has the administrator privileges.
The most basic network inventory is a list of devices. However, the deeper it gets the more data it contains: details about software installed, hotfixes applied, serial numbers, management change, and more.
How inventory software helps you manage network assets
If you’re administering a network or multiple networks, it is rather important to have an up-to-date and detailed network inventory at hand. For example, staying in the know of what software is running on your network can save time, troubleshooting costs, and spare you from expensive IT audits.
A high-quality software inventory tool helps you keep track of software licenses, so you don't have to worry about not complying. Central management of software licenses can help prevent the loss of data.
Here are the best network discovery tools
Network Inventory Advisor
Network Inventory Advisor from ClearApps can be used on Mac or Windows machines and offers a quick and reliable audit results for all software and hardware on the network. Network Inventory Advisor discovers all network assets automatically, thoroughly scans them and builds comprehensive ready-to-use reports. It can even discover and build reports for standalone assets, such as printers, keyboards, sound devices, and your office furniture as manually added nodes.
PROS:
Ideal for small to large businesses
Strong fault management tools
Multiple reports generation
Highly customizable admin dashboard
Simultaneous support for multiple networks
Works on Mac and Windows OS
Hardware monitoring and reports
Network discovery
CMDB export
Works with SNMP devices
Integration with your remote desktop app
CONS:
No web-interface
Lansweeper
Lansweeper is a network inventory tool for Windows networks. This network discovery and asset management tool is automatic and has a web interface.
PROS:
For small to large business
Basic free version with several paid plans
Fault management options
Text message alerts
Automatic network mapping
Device shutdown and startup according to schedule
CONS:
No remote administration
No scheduled backups
No accounting management
No security management
Doesn't require administrator approval for changes
Total Network Inventory
Total Network Inventory software from Softinventive is a PC audit and network inventory software for small office use and large-scale enterprise networks. TNI software scans computers remotely and generates reports with information about operating system, service packs, hotfixes, software, hardware, processes running, etc.
PROS:
Good for small to large businesses
Network Topology
Network Discovery
Hardware monitoring
Schedule data collection
CONS:
No performance report
A poor set of fault management features
Admin dashboard is not customizable
Network mapping is not automated
Doesn't require administrator approval for changes
ManageEngine OpManager
ManageEngine OpManager is a network management solution for large businesses, service providers and SMEs. With OpManager monitoring tool one gets clear management and monitoring of a network and configuration, firewall log, quality bandwidth analysis, management of IP address and switchport, as well as fault management.
PROS:
Expansive feature list
Web-based
Monitors devices using SNMP, WMI, SSH/Telnet
Supports mobile devices (Android/iOS)
Scheduled Device Startup/Shutdown
Scheduled Changes of Configuration
CONS:
High pricing
Unconventional and complex interface is tricky to use
Needs a lot of manual configuration
Doesn't allow to customize admin dashboard
Spiceworks Inventory
Spiceworks inventory is an IT network management software created for networks with up to 1,000 devices. This solution offers automated scans, generates reports, tracks IT services. It is a help desk software, asset management solution, network inventory app, and much more.
PROS:
Free
Supports multiple devices
Notifies of changes in real time
Remote configuration
Mobile OS are supported
CONS:
Limited scalability
Not suitable for large businesses
No security management options
Doesn't generate performance report
Doesn't offer accounting management
Very few fault management features
Ad-based
Web interface is slow and becomes bulky as your network grows
Solarwinds Network topology mapper
Solarwinds offers Network Topology Mapper — a tool that will automatically map your network. It creates hardware inventory and switch port usage reports. This solution automatically generates network maps upon scanning your network. The maps can be exported to MS Visio, SolarWinds Network Atlas, and PDF format. Scans can be scheduled up to your convenience and you get detailed inventory reports.
PROS:
For small to large businesses
Network topology
Requires admin approval for changes
Notifies of changes in real time
Administrator dashboard
Automatic network mapping
CONS:
Few possibilities for performance management
No security management options
No accounting management options
Very few configuration management features
Doesn't offer remote administration
Doesn't offer network discovery
Continue reading here: https://www.network-inventory-advisor.com/best-network-monitoring-tools.html

















