Network management is the process of monitoring and maintaining computer networks. This field provides services such as problem analysis, performance management, network setup, and service level maintenance. Network administrators utilize network management tools to make these jobs easier. In this post, we will discuss the most significant components of a network management tool. There are also lists of the top 20 tools you can use in 2023, like open-source network management, enterprise network management, and free network management tools, so don’t stop reading.
What Is a Network Management Tool?
Network management tools connect all the networking hardware, including computers, hard drives, printers, and even phone systems, enabling effective communication between all the devices.
The network serves as the crucial infrastructural foundation of a modern business. To maintain online operations, it links numerous operational sites, tools, and systems. The network is the key to developing applications, virtual collaboration, and your web-based corporate presence.
In order to maintain connectivity, a network management and monitoring tool uses interactive maps to display the network architecture, monitors crucial parameters in real-time, and creates ad hoc and scheduled reports.
What Are the 5 Different Types of Network Monitoring?
The 5 areas of network monitoring are known collectively as FCAPS. These operational areas include:
- Fault management
- Configuration management
- Accounting management
- Performance management, and
- Security management.
What Are Network Monitoring Tools?
Network monitoring tools are what network administrators use to get information from the network about the status of network appliances, link saturation, the busiest devices, the makeup of network traffic, or the causes of network problems and strange traffic patterns.
20 Best Network Management Tools
Here is a list of the top 20 network management tools:
#1. Ninja
For remote management and monitoring, NinjaOne is the best option.
MSPs and IT departments can use it as a single platform for remote monitoring and management.
NinjaOne is a cloud-based platform for remote monitoring and management that offers features for endpoint management, patch management, backup, service desk, remote access, IT documentation, software deployment, etc.
It provides effective yet simple tools. Your managed environment is completely visible thanks to it.
#2. SolarWinds
Both large and small networks that are spread out in different parts of the world might benefit from SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor. Solarwinds is the most well-known company in this field. SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor is a complete tool that shows you everything about your network.
By swiftly locating and fixing issues, its expanded capabilities guarantee continuous network operation. Both wired and wireless networks are supported, and the program automatically recognizes the main performance indicators for each.
#3. Datadog
The best network performance monitor for all sizes of clouds, applications, and networks is Datadog. The 2021 Gartner Magic Quadrant for application performance monitoring recognizes Datadog network management software as a leader.
To sum up performance and interdependence, it offers an extremely detailed view of multi-cloud network flows. This tool further examines network patterns to improve performance and reduce costs, in addition to simply revealing them.
#4. PRTG
For monitoring all medium-sized to big infrastructure systems, devices, traffic, and applications, Paessler PRTG Network Monitor is the best option.
Using the PRTG Network Monitor, guarantees network managers complete visibility into all operational and technical elements.
This network monitoring tool uses a number of protocols to keep an eye on the complete IT infrastructure, including the secure shell protocol, Windows Management Instrumentation, basic network management protocol, and packet sniffing.
#5. Progress WhatsUp Gold
It works best for medium and large on-premises and cloud networks. The newest G2 Grid Report, which garnered a total of 8 honors, named this network management software as an industry leader.
Additionally, it offers a thorough picture of the IT infrastructure, which includes different network devices, software, cloud servers, LANs, and WANs.
Its version 2021 has system logs, Windows even tracking and warning logs, and built-in management capabilities. It is simpler to display tracking data across many networks thanks to its improved reporting indications.
#6. Zabbix
This is ideal for monitoring all devices on large-scale networks and SMBs (small and medium-sized businesses).
Zabbix stands out since it is free and open-source software. With advanced capabilities like high availability, distributed monitoring, cloud, and on-premises network, it enables enterprise-level monitoring as a free platform.
It gathers a range of measurements from all network components, including servers, virtual machines, wireless networks, clouds, and more.
#7. Nagios XI
For monitoring at the enterprise level, this advanced network management is best as it monitors practically all network devices and has a flexible architecture.
It is equipped with a potent monitoring engine that utilizes Nagios Core 4. Its business process intelligence tool automatically saves details of settings.
Furthermore, the redesigned mobile interface is more impulsive and effective for reacting to alerts and signals. It supports JSON and XML-based data in order to give a comprehensive image of the full network structure.
#8. LogicMonitor
The best IT service provider and major enterprise network is LogicMonitor. In other words, software for network analysis, reporting, and monitoring without agents is called LogicMonitor.
One of its distinct advantages is its over 2000 pre-configured integrations, which make it simple for IT managers to implement, administer, and conduct root cause analyses for the complete IT infrastructure.
Cost: A 14-day free trial of the fully functional version is available.
There are two versions of the primary version of the software, which is designed for IT infrastructure: pro and enterprise versions. The request includes the price.
#9. ManageEngine OpManager
Here, monitoring network activity, identifying bottlenecks, and troubleshooting are best left to major businesses.
This program has received numerous accolades, including those from Gartner and Infotech Research, as it offers comprehensive stats and keeps track of every device with an IP address, so it essentially covers every network-connected item.
The specifics, such as bandwidth use and configuration modifications, are viewed from a single plane. We can monitor geographically separated networks using a single console thanks to its enterprise edition.
#10. Site 24/7
Site24/7 Network Monitoring is the best for small to big networks’ network monitoring, analysis, and reporting.
It is network monitoring without agents. It is comprehensive monitoring software that keeps track of routers, switches, wireless networks, VPNs, storage monitoring, firewalls, and other devices. Printers and other IP-based devices can also be watched over.
In addition, the software examines network activity to spot hogs, intrusions, and delays. To provide you with more visibility and control over your infrastructure, it integrates with Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Jira.
#11.Icinga
Icinga is the best for monitoring huge enterprise networks in distributed and heterogeneous settings.
The Icinga software consists of a stack of six modules to cover every aspect of monitoring the completely distributed infrastructure. It keeps an eye on both on-site and cloud-based infrastructure.
More so, its centralized infrastructure console keeps an eye on the devices and network to check for issues with performance and availability.
It also generates metrics to report to the administrators. Its special ability is to automate monitoring tasks so that human error is reduced and responses are made more quickly to remove bottlenecks.
#12. Obkio
Obkio is the best option if you want to regularly keep an eye on the performance of your network. As a result, Obkio is the superior choice.
Obkio is a straightforward SaaS network performance monitoring tool that gives users the ability to analyze their network performance in order to improve end-user satisfaction.
#13. ConnectWise Automate
This device aids in resolving computer issues. Users are able to get rid of blind spots in their supported environment before they turn into malicious problems.
#14. Splunk
By modernizing and streamlining IT, you can improve your competitive edge and uptime. You can also continuously monitor and troubleshoot with the aid of Splunk.
#15. Capsa
You can use the free software Capsa Monitoring Tool to evaluate and track Ethernet and troubleshoot network performance.
Users of Capsa Free can find out how to improve network security, track down network issues, and keep an eye on network activity.
#16. The Dude
You may scan every device in a certain subnet with the aid of this network monitoring tool.
Additionally, it guarantees that you can sketch out your network’s layout and map. If any of your equipment isn’t operating as it should, The Dude will notify you.
#16. OpenNMS
Building network monitoring systems use a customized version of OpenNMS.
An automatic discovery engine built into this open-source network solution assists in managing and configuring network devices without the need for any human involvement.
#17. Atera
Managed service providers (MSPs) can access all the tools they require through the cloud-based Atera system.
This includes a network monitoring system with the capacity to keep tabs on activity across several networks at once. The Altera package’s services operate independently for each subaccount because of the multi-tenanted architecture of an Atera account.
To set up this service, you must create a separate account for each client.
#18. HelpSystems Intermapper
The HelpSystems Intermapper program began as a network mapping tool, but over time, its features have been substantially increased.
Now, just like any other network monitoring system, it displays network maps along with lists of statistics and graphs on its dashboard.
#19. AppNeta Performance Monitor
AppNeta Performance Monitor offers cloud-based network and Web application monitoring.
There is a component of the system that installs on the monitored network, even if all the service’s processing is done on the AppNeta server in the cloud.
#20. Domotz
Besides providing system management and workload automation tools, Domotz is a SaaS platform that performs network monitoring services. SNMP and other network protocols form the foundation of the Domotz monitoring system.
Using this protocol, the service may scan a network and catalog all devices linked to it, cataloging their attributes and building an inventory of IT assets.
Open Source Network Management Tools
Organizations that seek flexibility over a “done for you” experience can benefit from increased visibility and customization choices provided by open-source network management tools. When a tool is open source, any developer can examine it and change the code however they see fit.
Here is the top 5 list of open-source network management tools:
- Zabbix Editor’s Choice: The perfect harmony of open-source support, flexibility, and simplicity of use.
- Icinga Great Documentation and API.
- Prometheus generates insights and presents data using a potent query language.
- Both open-source and free networking monitoring technologies are available through Nagios.
- Cacti is highly adaptable and excellent for massive data operations
Enterprise Network Management Tools
The combined task of network and system administration is referred to as “enterprise network management tools.” Enterprise network management tools help in ensuring that the networks and systems offer the necessary services to users and other systems while maintaining the l.
The manager responds to these notifications by carrying out one or more actions, such as alerting the operator, logging events, shutting down the system, and making proactive measures to fix the system.
Either automatically or at the user’s request, it verifies the values of specific variables, manages entities polls, and stations.
Network Management Tool Cisco
Cisco management is essential in the current network environment, where Cisco equipment not only predominates but also plays a significant role.
Business-critical applications are hosted on Cisco servers, and the list goes on to include Cisco routers for routing business-critical traffic across the network infrastructure and Cisco firewalls for use as entry-point security systems.
Furthermore, Cisco hardware processes and transmits thousands of dollars worth of data every minute spread around the globe.
Additionally, enterprises must maximize every dollar spent on their Cisco IT infrastructure, which makes Cisco management a crucial part of their well-defined network monitoring and management policies.
Free Network Management Tools
- Solarwind ipMonitor Free Edition is a network and server monitor that can automatically identify every component of your network and keep track of it.
- PTG Network Monitor by Paessler (FREE TRIAL) is a sensor-based, all-in-one network, server, and application monitor. The tool can be modified by selecting which sensors to activate. One of the most impressive features is that it’s one of the free network management tools.
- Server monitoring is free at Site24x7 (FREE EDITION), the Site24x7 Infrastructure plan in its condensed form, which only includes uptime monitoring. They host this service in the cloud.
- OpManager ManageEngine (FREE TRIAL) is a collection of server and network monitoring services with both free and paid options. installs on Linux and Windows Server.
- Zabbix is a Linux-based free infrastructure watchdog and also one of the free network management tools
- Nagios Core is an infrastructure monitor that extensions made by the community can enhance. Nagios Core is among the cost-free network management tools.
- Icinga is a fork of Nagios Core that offers a free network monitor. Nagios plugins may improve this.
What Are Network Monitoring Tools?
Network monitoring tools are tools that continuously track, analyze, and report the availability, health, and performance of networks, which comprise networking hardware, interfaces, storage devices, virtual environments, and other crucial components.
What Tool Is Best for Network Monitoring?
We know the process of continuously checking a computer network for issues like delayed traffic or component failure as network monitoring.
Paesselar PRTG network monitor is the best tool for complex monitoring requirements.
PRTG is a powerful and even user-friendly software as long as you know what kind of infrastructure you need to monitor and don’t mind the license structure.
It is possible to become overwhelmed by the feature set, but IT professionals won’t quickly run out of options.
Conclusion
Network management tools are very crucial for identifying servers and other devices that aren’t functioning properly and could be opening security gaps made easier with the aid of network management tools.
I believe the list of the top 20 tools you can use in 2023, like open source network management, enterprise network management, and free network management tools dealt with in this article has informed you.
Network Management Tools FAQs
What purposes do network management tools serve?
Tools for network administration and monitoring provide useful network insights that help to boost performance and prevent disruptions.
What is Enterprise Network Management Tools?
Enterprise network management tools ensure that the networks and systems offer the necessary services to users and other systems.
What is an open source network management tools?
Simply put, the term “open-source” refers to the fact that the network management tools’ source code is freely available for any programmer to go through and modify.
