Managing a network can be daunting, especially as your infrastructure grows in size and complexity. Fortunately, network management software can help you monitor, manage, and optimize your network, ensuring everything runs smoothly. This post will explore the seven best network management software tools available today. After, we’ll dive into a comprehensive guide on network management to help you understand its importance and how to choose the right tool for your needs.
Table of content
Types of Network Management Tools
How to Choose Network Management Software
Network Management Software Tools
1. SolarWinds Observability (Free Trial)
2. SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager (Free Trial)
Types of Network Management Tools
Network management tools are essential for monitoring, managing, and maintaining the health and performance of network infrastructure. These tools come in various types and can be categorized based on their scope, specialization, and deployment method.
Open-Source Tools
Open-source tools are freely available and often community supported, offering cost-effective solutions for network management. They provide open-source code that can be modified and customized to meet specific needs. These tools often have active communities that contribute to their development and support.
Comprehensive Solutions
Comprehensive solutions are all-in-one tools that provide a wide range of network management functionalities, from monitoring and fault detection to configuration management and security. They offer a holistic approach to network management.
Specialized Tools
Specialized tools are designed to perform specific network management tasks, such as monitoring, configuration management, or security. You can tailor them to excel in their specific area of focus.
Cloud Solutions
Cloud solutions offer scalability and remote access. They’re ideal for organizations looking for flexibility, ease of deployment, and reduced maintenance overhead. They also often offer lower up-front costs compared to on-premises solutions.
On-Premises Solutions
On-premises solutions are installed and run on local servers within an organization’s premises, providing full control over the network management environment. They’re suitable for organizations with strict data control and compliance requirements.
How to Choose Network Management Software
Selecting the right network management software is important for ensuring an efficient and reliable network. Here are a few key points to consider:
- Scalability: Make sure the software can grow with your network and handle increased traffic and devices. It should support both current and future network sizes without significant performance degradation.
- Features: Look for features that meet your specific network management needs, such as real-time monitoring, automated alerts, configuration management, and security tools. Consider which functionalities are essential.
- Ease of use: Choose software with a user-friendly interface and comprehensive documentation to facilitate easy adoption and use. A steep learning curve can hinder effective implementation and utilization.
- Cost: Consider the total cost of ownership, including licensing, maintenance, and potential training costs. Compare the price with the features and benefits offered to ensure it provides good value for the money.
- Compatibility: Make sure the software is compatible with your existing network infrastructure and devices. It should integrate seamlessly with your current systems and support the protocols and technologies you use.
Network Management Software Tools
1. SolarWinds Observability (Free Trial)
©2024 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved.
SolarWinds Observability [EK2] [WK3] offers a robust solution for businesses needing to manage both on-premises and cloud-based network environments. This tool provides end-to-end visibility into network performance, helping you quickly identify and resolve issues.
SolarWinds Observability excels in providing comprehensive monitoring and analysis capabilities. Features like automated discovery, real-time alerts, and advanced analytics ensure you stay on top of your network’s health. The tool provides a unified management experience.
Pros:
- Comprehensive visibility across hybrid environments
- Advanced analytics for proactive issue resolution
- Seamless integration with other SolarWinds tools
- Can be deployed as a self-hosted or SaaS-based solution [EK4] [WK5]
- Network configuration and compliance management [EK6] [WK7]
2. SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager (Free Trial)
©2024 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved
SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager (NCM) is designed to streamline network configuration and change management. This tool helps automate tasks, ensuring your network configurations remain consistent and secure.
NCM provides many features, including automated backups, real-time configuration change detection, and compliance auditing. It helps reduce downtime by quickly identifying and correcting configuration issues. The tool also supports a variety of network devices, making it a versatile choice for many organizations.
Pros:
- Automated configuration backups and change management
- Comprehensive compliance auditing
- Supports a wide range of network devices
3. OpManager
© 2024 Zoho Corporation Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved.
OpManager by ManageEngine is a comprehensive network management solution that offers real-time monitoring and management of your network infrastructure. It is designed to help you detect, diagnose, and resolve network issues quickly.
OpManager provides a wealth of features, including network performance monitoring, traffic analysis, and network configuration management. It supports a wide range of devices and protocols, ensuring compatibility with most network environments. The tool also offers customizable dashboards and reports, giving insights into your network’s performance.
Pros:
- Real-time network monitoring and management
- Customizable dashboards and reports
- Supports a wide range of devices and protocols
4. Paessler PRTG Network Monitor
©2024 Paessler AG
Paessler PRTG Network Monitor is an all-in-one network monitoring solution that helps ensure your network’s stability and performance. It offers various monitoring options, including bandwidth usage, network traffic, and device status.
PRTG Network Monitor uses a sensor-based approach, allowing you to monitor specific aspects of your network. It offers a user-friendly interface and customizable alerts, making it easy to stay informed about your network’s health. The tool provides detailed reports and analytics, helping you make data-driven decisions.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Sensor-based monitoring for flexibility
- Detailed reports and analytics
5. Auvik
© Copyright 2013-2024 Auvik Networks Inc. All rights reserved.
Auvik is a cloud-based network management tool that provides real-time visibility and control over your network. It is designed to simplify network management tasks, making it an excellent choice for small- to medium-sized businesses.
Auvik offers a range of features, including automated network discovery, real-time monitoring, and configuration backups. Its intuitive interface makes it easy to manage and troubleshoot your network. Auvik also provides detailed network maps and traffic analysis, helping you understand your network’s performance at a glance.
Pros:
- Cloud-based solution with real-time monitoring
- Intuitive interface
- Automated network discovery and configuration backups
6. Nagios XI
Copyright © 2009-2024 Nagios Enterprises, LLC. All rights reserved
Nagios XI is a powerful and flexible network monitoring tool that provides comprehensive insights into your network’s performance. It is known for its scalability and extensive customization options.
Nagios XI offers features like real-time monitoring, alerting, and reporting. It supports many plugins, allowing you to customize the tool to fit your needs. Nagios XI also provides a robust API, making integrating with other tools and systems effortless.
Pros:
- Highly customizable with extensive plugin support
- Scalable to fit networks of all sizes
- Robust API for integration with other tools
7. Domotz
© 2024 DOMOTZ, INC.
Domotz is a user-friendly network monitoring and management tool designed for small- to medium-sized businesses. It offers a range of features to help you monitor, manage, and secure your network.
Domotz provides real-time monitoring, automated alerts, and remote access to network devices. Its intuitive interface makes it easy to set up and use, even for those with limited technical expertise. Domotz also offers features like network topology mapping and device tracking, helping you maintain an organized and efficient network.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Real-time monitoring and automated alerts
- Network topology mapping and device tracking
What Is Network Management?
Network management involves the processes and tools used to monitor, manage, and maintain a network’s performance, security, and reliability. It encompasses various activities, including fault management, performance management, and configuration management. Effective network management ensures your network operates smoothly and efficiently, minimizing downtime and optimizing performance.
How Does Network Management Work?
Network management continuously monitors network devices and connections to ensure they function correctly. Network management tools collect data from various network components, analyzing it to identify potential issues, and taking corrective actions to resolve any problems. These tools use a combination of automated scripts, real-time monitoring, and alerting systems to keep your network running smoothly.
What Are the Key Capabilities of Network Management Solutions?
Network management tools encompass several critical areas and capabilities that ensure your network operates efficiently, securely, and reliably. Understanding these key areas can help you effectively manage your network infrastructure and address potential issues before they impact performance. Here are the primary areas of network management systems:
1. Fault Management
Fault management involves detecting, isolating, and resolving network problems. This area identifies issues that can cause network failures or degrade performance. Fault management tools provide real-time monitoring and alerting, allowing network administrators to respond quickly to faults and minimize downtime.
Key Capabilities:
- Real-time alerts: Immediate notifications of network issues
- Root cause analysis: Tools to identify the underlying causes of problems
- Automated troubleshooting: Scripts and processes to resolve common issues automatically
2. Performance Management
Performance management ensures that the network meets its expected service levels. It involves monitoring network performance metrics, such as bandwidth usage, latency, and packet loss, to identify and address performance bottlenecks.
Key Capabilities:
- Performance metrics monitoring: Tracking key indicators like bandwidth, latency, and packet loss
- Traffic analysis: Understanding data flow across the network to optimize performance
- Capacity planning: Forecasting future network needs based on current usage trends
3. Configuration Management
Configuration management involves maintaining consistent and secure network device configurations. It includes tracking configuration changes, automating backups, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies and standards.
Key Capabilities:
- Automated backups: Regular backups of device configurations to prevent data loss
- Change management: Tracking and documenting configuration changes to identify unauthorized or erroneous modifications
- Compliance auditing: Ensuring configurations meet regulatory and policy requirements
4. Security Management
Security management focuses on protecting the network from unauthorized access, cyber threats, and vulnerabilities. This area involves implementing security policies, monitoring for security breaches, and responding to incidents.
Key Capabilities:
- Intrusion detection and prevention: Tools to detect and prevent unauthorized access
- Vulnerability management: Identifying and addressing security weaknesses in the network
- Access control: Ensuring only authorized users can access network resources
5. Accounting Management
Accounting management tracks network usage and resources to support billing, cost allocation, and capacity planning. It involves collecting data on network activity and resource consumption to understand usage patterns and optimize resource allocation.
Key Capabilities:
- Usage monitoring: Tracking the usage of network resources by users or applications
- Cost allocation: Assigning costs based on usage to departments or customers
- Resource optimization: Identifying and addressing inefficiencies in resource utilization
6. Network Provisioning
Network provisioning involves setting up and configuring network resources to meet the organization’s needs. This area focuses on deploying new devices, configuring network services, and managing network policies.
Key Capabilities:
- Automated deployment: Tools to streamline the deployment of new devices and services
- Service configuration: Setting up and managing network services like DNS, DHCP, and IP address management
- Policy management: Implementing and enforcing network policies to control traffic and resource usage
7. Network Monitoring
Network monitoring provides continuous oversight of network performance and health. It involves collecting data from network devices and systems, analyzing it for trends and anomalies, and generating reports for network administrators.
Key Capabilities:
- Real-time data collection: Continuously gathering data from network devices
- Anomaly detection: Identifying unusual patterns that may indicate issues
- Reporting and dashboards: Providing insights into network performance through visualizations and reports
8. Network Automation
Network automation uses software tools and scripts to automate repetitive and complex network management tasks. This area helps reduce human error, increase efficiency, and ensure consistent network operations.
Key Capabilities:
- Automated workflows: Predefined processes for common network tasks
- Scripting and APIs: Tools to create custom automation scripts and integrate with other systems
- Policy-based automation: Enforcing network policies through automated processes
What Is the Purpose of Network Management Software?
The primary purpose of a network management solution is to ensure that your network operates efficiently and reliably. It helps you detect and resolve issues quickly, minimize downtime, and optimize network performance. Effective network management enhances security, protecting your network from threats and unauthorized access.
What Is Network Configuration Management?
Network configuration management involves managing and maintaining network device configurations to ensure consistency, security, and compliance. It includes tasks like backing up configurations, detecting configuration changes, and auditing configurations for compliance. Network configuration management software helps prevent issues caused by misconfigurations and ensure that your network devices are set up correctly.
What Is Network Infrastructure Management?
Network infrastructure management involves overseeing a network’s physical and virtual components, including routers, switches, servers, and virtual machines. It ensures that all network components are correctly configured, maintained, and monitored. Effective infrastructure management tools help ensure the availability and performance of your network, supporting your organization’s needs.
Conclusion
Effective network management is crucial for ensuring your network’s reliability, security, and performance. The right network management software can help you achieve this by providing the tools and insights you need to monitor, manage, and optimize your network. Whether you need a comprehensive solution like SolarWinds Observability or a specialized tool like SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager, a network management software tool can meet your needs. Use this guide to help you choose the best tool for your organization and keep your network running smoothly.
This post was written by Juan Reyes. As an entrepreneur, skilled engineer, and mental health champion, Juan pursues sustainable self-growth, embodying leadership, wit, and passion. With over 15 years of experience in the tech industry, Juan has had the opportunity to work with some of the most prominent players in mobile development, web development, and e-commerce in Japan and the US.