
The most widely used protocol for discovering and mapping network devices is the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP).
To gain deeper visibility into a network, however, IT teams usually provide the IP address range of the subnetwork that they want to map, as well as credentials for the protocols that should be used for the network scan (for example, SNMP, SSH, or WMI).
This can be node data that is publicly available and non-confidential only. One of these methods is active probing, which uses traceroute-like packets that hop from node to node and send back information about the paths they take. Network mapping tools use different methods to collect network data.
INTERMAPPER NETWORK MONITORING SOFTWARE
More advanced network mapping software lets you click map objects to drill down and get even more granular views of your network and data flows. With this information, they create a device inventory and the respective network topology maps that show the logical and physical connections between the different network elements. In general, network mapping solution scan the subnetwork for network objects and the connections between them. They always show the current status of a network, that is, they adapt dynamically when there are changes to the network structure and make-up.
Dynamic network topology maps: these topology maps visualize the actual arrangement of all elements in a network in an abstract but detailed way down to the physical or logical endpoint. They can be geographical maps and floor plans that show you the locations of your distributed networks, static visualizations of the topology of your network including physical or logical connections, 3D images of specific network devices – the possibilities are practically endless. Static network maps or network diagrams: these maps display the complete IT infrastructure, parts of a network, or only single server rooms etc. This is the reason why modern network mapping software should have an automatic network discovery feature and, ideally, network maps that are automatically generated and updated. While it is possible, of course, to map a network manually, such static network maps will quickly be outdated and can thus only serve a very limited purpose. Network mapping is a continuous process as today’s business networks are usually very dynamic in nature. The term network mapping signifies the process of discovering and visualizing all elements in a physical or virtual IT network, including network connectivity and dependencies. Paessler PRTG Network Monitor, SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper, Datadog, ManageEngine OpManager, Auvik, HelpSystem Intermapper, Nmap What is network mapping? Our Newsroom Consultants have put together the best network mapping solutions, including pure network mappers and more comprehensive network monitoring solutions that offer network monitoring as part of their feature set. Network mapping tools help sysadmins to visualize and manage complex infrastructures and to detect and resolve issues faster. It is therefore essential that IT teams have the means to discover and map their networks to always have an overview of how their network components are connected to each other and how they work together. What are the benefits of network mapping?. IT networks are no longer confined, local siloes – there are distributed on-premises infrastructures next to cloud environments next to highly complex hybrid IT infrastructures. Find out, which are the best Network Mapping solution available. Network mapping is getting more and more important in a globalized world where remote work is becoming the norm.