Network Mapping Tools

Network mapping creates a graphical representation of network nodes and the links between them. Network nodes may include routers, switches, firewalls, and other devices. Network mapping can be used to produce an overview of a network or just a portion, typically showing the current status and other key pieces of information for all devices connected to the network. Traditionally, network mapping includes both the physical and logical links between networks.

Additionally, network mapping can include a visual display of packet pathways as they travel between nodes from source computer to their destination. A packet pathway network mapper uses installed probes on managed nodes to measure packet transmission times for each path segment. The mapper can compare this current data to historical data to understand if the path traffic is normal and highlights any traffic bottlenecks between nodes.

A network map provides admins with automated, configurable tools to create visual displays of network information. Typically, a network mapping tool allows admins to drag and drop nodes onto a background map, then connect those nodes to their managed devices, so the network mapper can update and display certain information automatically, including device status, link utilization, downtime, and more. A network mapping tool typically discovers network topology using ICMP, SNMP, WMI, DCP, VMware, Microsoft Hyper-V, and other discovery methods.

Network mapping tools provide admins with robust features for mapping networks at every scale, whether across the globe, at a local office, or for a specific packet pathway. All automated network mapping tools should integrate with managed devices to show device status and logical connections. However, admins can typically customize or input this information if updates can’t be applied through automated features alone.

Network mapping diagrams can offer essential performance insights, including device information, link utilization, and downtime. A network mapping software focused on packet-level pathways can use packet metadata to offer more in-depth insights into multiple pathways, traffic bottlenecks, and service provider status. Additionally, network mapping tools should integrate with more complete network monitoring solutions to allow for a comprehensive understanding of physical distribution and performance.

For SNMP-compatible devices, a network mapping tool can also create Layer 2 and Layer 3 network maps. Layer 2 maps typically use Link Layer Discovery Protocols and the Management Information Database (MIB) to provide device information such as device type, system name, description, MAC address, IP address, port ID, and more. Layer 3 maps are more common, and map device connectivity with details like IP address, device type, downtime and uptime, OS, and more. Combining Layer 2 and Layer 3 analyses reveals a more complete picture of node status, dependencies, and connectivity.

Network mapping allows admins to understand how devices are connected both physically and logically, enabling them to monitor and manage device relationships. Maps allow admins to manage both local and remote devices. Without maps, admins may be stuck using lists or spreadsheets to inventory devices. However, an at-a-glance visual overview of a network is useful for far more than just inventory, as it can help admins track the status and use of network devices and potentially ensure systems are compliant with PCI and regulatory guidelines.

Network mapping helps simplify the network troubleshooting process. Admins can use a map to obtain real-time insights into device status, better pinpoint bottlenecks, and quickly locate problem devices. Armed with these network-wide insights, admins can help ensure network health, security, and connectivity for end users. Additionally, other important features of network mapping include monitoring packet pathways to help admins pinpoint delays in responses and routing loops.

A tangible understanding of device distribution is tremendously useful for admins tasked with managing resources. Having maps as a point of reference is invaluable for maintaining a network, managing daily operations, and planning for network infrastructure changes. It’s easier to assess operational risks when you understand device relationships.

The Orion Maps feature in Network Performance Monitor is designed to allow users to create comprehensive and easily customizable and dynamic network diagrams. This network mapping tool is useful for mapping network infrastructure and static business services, with the ability to automatically track device changes, link status, and update the links between routers, switches, interfaces, volumes, groups, and more, all without user intervention.

Another NPM feature, NetPath, is designed to provide networking traffic mapping at the packet level. This automated network mapping tool creates a dynamic, color-coded network map of specific packet pathways for on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments, allowing you to view the hop-by-hop paths along which packets travel between nodes, all the way to an external destination. By measuring real packet metadata, the NetPath tool creates a more realistic map of network performance. This tool also connects to apps and critical services, so admins can track traffic across their network infrastructure.

Besides offering several solutions for automated network mapping, SolarWinds NPM enables admins to better track performance across their networks through advanced alerting and SolarWinds PerfStack cross-stack data correlation. Through these features, NPM can calculate dynamic baselines to enable more accurate alerting thresholds and provide insights into historical network performance.