Finding the Best Network Monitoring Tools and Software suites for managing, monitoring and keeping an eye on your Network Infrastructure is one of the most important IT decisions you will make, whether your a small, medium or large business with multiple satellite locations.
The need for an all encompassing NMS has never more apparent then it is now when technology has taken over every aspect of business, including crucial business applications and hardware (VOIP PBX Systems and in-house Email).
Here is our list of the best network monitoring tools:
- SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor – FREE TRIAL An SNMP-based network monitoring system that includes automated device discovery and a constantly updated network inventory and topology map. Runs on Windows Server. Start a 30-day free trial.
- Site24x7 Network Monitor – FREE TRIAL A tool provides both network device monitoring with SNMP procedures and NetFlow-based traffic monitoring. This is a cloud-based system. Start a 30-day free trial.
- Atera – FREE TRIAL A SaaS platform of tools for managed service providers that includes a remote monitoring system for networks, servers, and applications. Access a 30-day free trial.
- ManageEngine OpManager – FREE TRIAL This package of network device and endpoint monitoring systems relies on SNMP for device discovery and constant health checks. Runs on Windows Server, Linux, AWS, and Azure. Get a 30-day free trial.
- Paessler PRTG – FREE TRIAL A collection of network, server, and application monitors that includes both device monitoring and traffic tracking. Runs on Windows Server. Download the 30-day free trial.
- ITRS OP5 Monitor A monitoring system that watches all IT infrastructure and includes business operations issues, such as SLAs. Runs on Linux, on Windows over a hypervisor, or on major cloud platforms.
- Fortra’s Intermapper An autodiscovery and network mapping tool that offers a wide range of layout templates. Installs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Progress WhatsUp Gold An SNMP-based network device monitor with autodiscovery and automated network topology mapping. Runs on Windows Server.
- Nagios XI An infrastructure monitoring tool that features network monitoring and can be extended by free plugins. Runs on Linux.
We’ve put together a list of the Top and Most highly Rated Network Management and Monitoring Tools and software applications that will assist you in having a close eye on your network and infrastructure.
These software solutions listed below will assist you in monitoring and managing the following aspects of your network, including but not limited to Network Monitoring, Bandwidth monitoring of networked devices, bandwidth usage, network congestion, high-bandwidth users in your network and many others.
Methodology for selecting the Best Network Monitoring Tools
Network monitoring tools are essential for any organization to ensure the smooth functioning of its IT infrastructure. Here, we will provide an overview of the methodology for selecting the best network monitoring tools.
- Does it offer an autodiscovery feature?
- Can it use SNMP to gather current network device statuses?
- Check if it can monitor network performance over time
- Can it interpret data in a graphical form?
The Top Network Monitoring Software
1. SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor – FREE TRIAL
The SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor is the most impressive real-time network monitoring tool on this list. The system starts its service life by scanning your network after installation and logging all of the devices that connect your network together. It creates a network inventory and then draws up a network topology map from that information.
Key Features:
- Autodiscovery
- Device inventory
- Network topology map
- SNMP polling
- Alerts for performance problems
The software inventory and network topology map are updated regularly with information derived from SNMP status checks, so the monitor immediately knows where any devices have been added, moved, or removed. This constant review of the infrastructure will also tell you whether unauthorized devices have been connected to the network.
Once the network inventory has been created, the Network Performance Monitoring tool starts its real-time tracking of all network issues. The attractive dashboard for the service includes easy-to-read color-coded graphics that assist in instant problem recognition.
You don’t have to sit and watch the screens of this tool in order to make sure that you don’t miss any problems emerging on the network because the service will notify you if your attention is needed. The system gets status notifications from agent software running on each network device and sends you a warning by email or SMS so you know to come back to the console.
Other features in this tool include performance analysis features, such as NetPath, which allows you to see the statuses of all connections on a route between any two given points on the network. The tool can reach across the Internet to monitor remote networks and it can also analyze the paths to Cloud-based services.
Pros:
- Helps troubleshoot networks on various environments via hop-by-hop analysis feature
- Its customizable dashboard aids in improving operational efficiency.
- Allows users to send alerts and create a report in real-time.
- Better visibility into the status of VPN tunnels
- The autodiscovery help create network topology maps
Cons:
- SolarWinds NPM is suitable for small LANs and operations
The Network Performance Monitor installs on Windows Server and SolarWinds offers it for a 30-day free trial.
2. Site24x7 Network Monitor – FREE TRIAL
Site24x7 is a cloud-based service and part of the Site24x7 monitoring platform. There isn’t a Network Monitoring plan available to the public; instead, Site24x7 offers the Network Monitor as part of all of its plans.
Key Features:
- Cloud-based package
- Autodiscovery
- Inventory and network map
- SNMP-based monitoring
One of these is the Site24x7 Infrastructure monitoring system that covers servers, applications, and websites, and well as networks. The Network Monitors both a network device performance monitor and a network traffic analyzer.
The device status monitor relies on the procedures of SNMP to communicate with device agents and receive regular status reports. These reports are interpreted into live performance data, shown in the Site24x7 dashboard.
The dashboard is resident in the cloud and users access it through any standard Web browser. The screens of the dashboard can all be customized.
The Network Monitor includes an alerting system that notifies staff by SMS, email, voice call, or instant messaging post if any problems arise on the network.
Pros:
- Allows users to keep track of switches, routers as well as firewalls.
- With Site24x7, you can keep an eye on app servers and ERP systems.
- The dashboard insights help keep an eye on all connected devices and networks.
- Helps address all technical problems and gaps in business metrics.
- Generates a map that displays the network hierarchy
Cons:
- The platform is complex and takes time to learn.
You can start a 30-day free trial by registering your details on their site.
3. Atera – FREE TRIAL
Atera is a cloud platform of tools for managed service providers (MSPs). These include a package called professional service automation (PSA), which provides the software that the managers or an MSP need to operate their business. The Atera platform also provides tools for technicians, which is called a remote monitoring and management (RMM) system.
Key Features:
- Remote monitoring and management
- Alerts for performance problems
- Ticketing system
Atera’s network monitoring system operates without manual intervention, thanks to the use of the SNMP system. This also provides warnings about network device status problems and there is a system of performance thresholds that trigger alerts when crossed.
Alerts man that technicians can assume that there are no problems with the network unless they are otherwise notified. This frees them up for other tasks, improving productivity and cost efficiency.
Other tools in the Atera package include task automation, a patch manager, and a ticketing system.
Pros:
- You can administer and monitor several networks using a single console
- Runs network scans instantly
- Easy to manage all connected devices from the mobile or any location, anytime
- Helps track directories, system resources, IPs, and monitor servers, as well as updates.
- Helps track and fix issues in real-time before any harm is done.
Cons:
- You may need to pay additional for network mapping.
Assess the Atera platform with a 30-day free trial.
4. ManageEngine OpManager – FREE TRIAL
ManageEngine OpManager provides monitoring for network devices and endpoints. It includes an autodiscovery phase that repeats continuously. That feature creates and then automatically maintains a network inventory that details each piece of equipment. The network inventory also provides the source data for a network topology map, so when the inventory gets updated, the map is also refreshed.
Key Features:
- Network and server monitoring
- Autodiscovery
- Inventory and network map
The mechanism that discovers all devices is based on a poll implemented by the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP): OpManager sends out a report request broadcast and all devices on the network respond with a list of their features and statuses. As well as providing information for the inventory, these reports, called MIBs, are the source of all device status reports in the network monitoring dashboard. If a component of a device is experiencing a problem, the SNMP agent on the device will create an alert (called a Trap) and send it to OpManager.
The OpManager dashboard shows any alerts that it receives, giving each a severity category. An administrator can set up notification forwarding rules in the console to send those alerts on to technicians by email, SMS, or Slack message. Thus, IT department technicians don’t have to watch the monitoring screen all the time because they will be notified, with time to spare, if a problem needs attention.
Pros:
- Automatic network discovery and inventory management
- A choice of network map layouts
- Automated network monitoring with alerts
- Scanning for server resource capacity and availability
- VM monitoring for Hyper-V, VMware, Citrix Xen, and Nutanix
Cons:
- No SaaS version
The software for OpManager can be installed on Windows Server or Linux. The package is also available for hosting on an AWS or Azure account. Manage Engine offers a 30-day free trial of OpManager.
5. Paessler PRTG – FREE TRIAL
Paessler PRTG is a collection of system monitors that cover networks, servers, and applications. Each customer receives the full package of monitors and customizes the tool by deciding which services to turn on. The price for the package depends on how many of those monitors, which are called “sensors,” you want to use.
Key Features:
- Flexible, customizable bundle
- SNMP-based monitoring
- Autodiscovery and inventory creation
PRTG is a pure monitoring service, which means that it doesn’t include any system management functions. It is an excellent monitoring system for networks, thanks to the core SNMP processes that underpin it. The initial call to all device agents brings back a batch of responses that identify all of the network devices connected to the system. PRTG collates a network inventory from this information and, as it continues its regular polling of devices, keeps that register of devices constantly updated.
The service creates instantly-drawn network topology maps from its network inventory. These maps are not drawn once and then stored but are generated every time you access the topology screen. That means that you never get a topology map that is out of date.
The SNMP network sensor in PRTG receives Trap messages that are sent out by device agents whenever they detect serious problems with the equipment that they monitor. These Trap messages get interpreted by PRTG into alerts on the screen of the system dashboard. The service will also forward these alerts to you by email or SMS. This means that you can get on with other tasks and assume that everything is working well with the network unless you receive a notification.
The Paessler PRTG system is available for a 30-day free trial that includes an unlimited number of sensors. So, you can try out all of the server and application monitoring tools as well as the network monitoring system for free for a month. The PRTG software installs on Windows Server.
Pros:
- Performs thorough analysis and notifies of resource requirements.
- Using the 300+ sensors, users can keep an eye on all servers, applications, and networks.
- Paessler PRTG generates network maps in real-time.
- SNMP, packet sniffer, and WMI make it simple for businesses of all sizes to keep track of connected networks.
- Generates insightful reports and sends threshold-based alerts to administrators.
Cons:
- Understanding the advanced features can be challenging for new users
6. ITRS OP5 Monitor
ITRS OP5 Monitor is a network supervisor that is based on the free Nagios Core (see below). This tool is able to monitor resources on premises, on remote sites, and on the Cloud. The OP5 Monitor system automatically identifies all devices on the network and implements its performance tracking system. The service also presents an automatically-drawn network topology maps.
Key Features:
- Monitors hybrid systems
- SLA tracking
- Network map
The OP5 console presents an overview of the network with summaries of all performance metrics. It facilitates a drill-down system that presents the user with greater detail on a device list page. Clicking through an item on that screen gets the user detailed information about the performance of a particular device.
The OP5 Monitor can be set up to monitor the performance standards laid out in the SLAs that your IT department needs to deliver on. Once this setup is in place, the OP5 system will draw safety levels that lie within the expectations of the SLA. These levels trigger warnings if the actual performance of the network goes out of bounds. The alert structure buys you time to reorganize network services and avoid letting your service’s performance break the promises laid out in the SLA.
Pros:
- Monitors resources on-site, at other locations, and in the cloud.
- Creates network topology maps automatically.
- Provides insights on the device list page and their performance
- Highly customizable scalable monitoring solution
- Provides a clear view of the entire IT estate and offers advanced reporting
Cons:
- For Windows, you require a virtual machine from Oracle Virtual Box or VMware.
- The Dashboard interface requires improvement
ITRS OP5 Monitor installs on Linux. It is also possible to run it on a Windows computer over a VM provided by VMWare or Oracle Virtual Box. There are versions of the system available for cloud access on Azure and AWS platforms. ITRS offers OP5 Monitor on a 30-day free trial.
7. Fortra’s Intermapper
Fortra’s Intermapper is a complete system monitoring tool that covers networks, network equipment, servers, endpoints, And other devices connected to a network. The software is available in free and paid versions. The free plan has all of the features of the paid system but it is limited to monitoring only five devices.
Key Features:
- Autodiscovery
- Network mapping
- SLA tracking
As the name of this tool suggests, it is driven by a network map, which forms a menu through to device performance statistics. The system discovers all devices connected to the network and uses this information to create the network topology map. The map is constantly updated as the monitor polls devices for live statuses.
As well as providing live network monitoring, the Intermapper service stores performance metrics and supports the analysis of historical data. The service will also help you track SLA goal achievement and send out an alert if performance deteriorates to the point where it could become noticeable by the users, or approach the limits of SLA service expectations.
Pros:
- Discovers devices, collect data, and creates network topology maps
- Perform historical data analysis
- Helps users maintain a record of SLA goal achievements
- Works great with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems
- Sends immediate alerts to the administrators on detecting performance issues
Cons:
- It can be difficult to build and connect if a device isn’t automatically detected
- The user interface can occasionally be a bit confusing
Intermapper installs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Fortra offers the paid service of Intermapper on a 30-day free trial.
8. Progress WhatsUp Gold
Progress WhatsUp Gold is an SNMP-based network performance monitor that includes an autodiscovery function and a live network topology map. The network map shows the current statuses of the network’s devices and statistics on performance and throughput at each node. Clicking on the representation of a device takes you through to a details screen that lists all of the current performance metrics gathered about it.
Key Features:
- Based on SNMP
- Autodiscovery
- Alerts for network problems
The WhatsUp Gold tool includes an alerting system that is based on SNMP Traps. Alerts can also be triggered by performance thresholds, which are set automatically, although you can adjust these to account for any variation in performance level expectations due to SLAs.
WhatsUp Gold can be expanded to provide more than the network performance monitoring service. Other monitor activities that are provided by the add-on modules include a network bandwidth monitor plus server and application monitoring services.
Pros:
- Displays the current status of network devices
- It has an exceptionally sleek and intuitive interface
- Creates a logical web representation of connected devices
- With this tool, users can easily discover devices
- Setting up alerts is simple and easy
Cons:
- The bandwidth usage is not properly represented graphically.
- Logging and reporting require improvement
The software for WhatsUp Gold installs on Windows Server. Progress Software Corporation offers a 30-day free trial of the WhatsUp Gold system.
9. Nagios XI
Nagios XI is a remarkable system monitoring tool that covers networks, servers, and applications. This is the paid version of the widely-distributed free, open-source Nagios Core. A notable feature of both Nagios versions is the large library of free plug-ins that is available to extend and tailor the capabilities of the monitoring system.
Key Features:
- Full stack monitoring
- Network inventory and map
- Performance thresholds and alerts
Nagios XI has a network discovery and automated topology mapping feature that is constantly updated while the system scans for live performance metrics. Like the other tools in this list, Nagios XI places performance thresholds on all of the statistics that it monitors. When performance drops below acceptable levels, Nagios XI raises an alert.
As well as providing live status monitoring, the Nagios XI system stores performance statistics and includes analytical tools to identify trends and capacity requirements from those data sources.
Other features in the Nagios XI system include access rights management, configuration management and protection, Web application performance monitoring, and virtualization monitoring.
Pros:
- Helps monitor servers, applications as well as network protocols
- Visibility into network elements and data.
- Quick insights into third-party data
- Supports integration with third-party applications.
- Uses configuration wizards to track new devices and apps
Cons:
- The open-source version offers poor assistance
- Difficult and complicated installation procedure
Nagios XI installs on Linux. If you only have Windows servers, you can install it over a VM. Nagios XI is available for a 30-day free trial.
Related Post: Best NetApp Monitoring Software
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