Best Network Management Tools
Network management tools are used to administrate, provision, and control IT systems. These products help users understand who is using their network, how it is organized and how it is performing. Companies use these to improve reporting on existing networks and tighten control over connected systems. Many products have network mapping capabilities to outline connected devices and infrastructure. Some modern network management tools are used for configuration management between cloud services and remote network connections.
Network monitoring tools are closely related to network management tools, but provide fewer administrative controls. Instead, network monitoring tools continuously analyze traffic, accessibility and network health. There is also some relation to data center networking software. These tools provide similar network management capabilities designed specifically for data centers and their connected IT ecosystem.
To qualify for inclusion in the Network Management category, a product must:
Best Network Management Tools At A Glance
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- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Offered via the Check Point Infinity architecture, Check Point’s NGFW includes 23 Firewall models optimized for running all threat prevention technologies simultaneously, including full SSL traffic in
- Network Security Engineer
- Network Engineer
- Information Technology and Services
- Computer & Network Security
- 47% Enterprise
- 41% Mid-Market
71,095 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Imagine never having to worry about your IT infrastructure again. Entuity Software offers a comprehensive platform that provides real-time visibility and actionable insights into every aspect of your
- Information Technology and Services
- Banking
- 49% Mid-Market
- 44% Enterprise
987 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Ubiquiti Network Management System manages all the EdgeMAX, EdgeSwitch, airMAX and UFiber devices.
- 57% Small-Business
- 40% Mid-Market
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
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ManageEngine OpManager offers unified network performance monitoring and fault management for your entire IT infrastructure. It provides real-time insights into the health and availability of all devi
- IT Manager
- Information Technology and Services
- Computer & Network Security
- 59% Mid-Market
- 34% Enterprise
7,682 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
ManageEngine Site24x7 offers unified cloud monitoring for DevOps and IT operations within small to large organizations. The solution monitors the experience of real users accessing websites and applic
- CEO
- IT Manager
- Information Technology and Services
- Computer Software
- 45% Mid-Market
- 43% Small-Business
7,682 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Progress WhatsUp Gold, the IT infrastructure monitoring software, lets you find and fix network problems fast – usually before end users notice. Its unique, interactive mapping interface lets you intu
- Network Engineer
- Network Administrator
- Information Technology and Services
- Hospital & Health Care
- 59% Mid-Market
- 26% Enterprise
49,667 Twitter followers
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- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
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More than 500 enterprises worldwide trust BackBox as their network cyber resilience platform. BackBox includes support for network devices from over 180 vendors, thousands of pre-built automations, an
- Senior Network Administrator
- Information Technology and Services
- Computer & Network Security
- 49% Enterprise
- 28% Mid-Market
291 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Auvik’s cloud-based IT management platform empowers IT teams to confidently navigate change with less friction. The key is absolute simplicity: seamless deployment, an intuitive interface, and effortl
- Network Engineer
- IT Manager
- Information Technology and Services
- Computer & Network Security
- 54% Small-Business
- 39% Mid-Market
2,974 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Network Configuration Manager is a comprehensive solution designed to empower netwaork organizations with efficient network configuration and change management capabilities. It supports a wide range o
- Information Technology and Services
- 50% Mid-Market
- 35% Enterprise
7,682 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
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AirWave Management is a network monitoring software help users to see real-time data and trend reports for every user, device, and segment of the network.
- 42% Enterprise
- 42% Mid-Market
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- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
SolarWinds® Observability is a full-stack observability solution that addresses the needs of modern organizations of all sizes by providing deep visibility into their hybrid ecosystems while affording
- Network Engineer
- System Administrator
- Information Technology and Services
- Hospital & Health Care
- 46% Enterprise
- 37% Mid-Market
19,835 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Cisco FindIT Network Management is purpose-built for managing networks of Cisco 100 to 500 Series devices. It lets you proactively manage the network instead of just reacting to events. FindIT Network
- 50% Mid-Market
- 37% Small-Business
729,024 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Inventory online helps to manage IT, basic and Advanced network inventory management, a track of the hardware and the and shows who has access to.
- 76% Mid-Market
- 14% Enterprise
1,376 Twitter followers
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- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Domotz’s network monitoring and management gives you command over your network. With full-context visibility of your IT infrastructure and the tools to resolve issues quickly with fewer resources, IT
- Owner
- Information Technology and Services
- Computer & Network Security
- 73% Small-Business
- 20% Mid-Market
2,450 Twitter followers
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- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Cisco DNA Center is the network management system, foundational controller, and analytics platform at the heart of Cisco’s intent-based network. Cisco DNA Center addresses the demands of digitization,
- Computer & Network Security
- Hospital & Health Care
- 37% Enterprise
- 18% Mid-Market
729,024 Twitter followers
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- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Improve your infrastructure's visibility, scalability, and effectiveness
- 69% Mid-Market
- 23% Enterprise
60,146 Twitter followers
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- 47% Mid-Market
- 41% Enterprise
151,589 Twitter followers
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- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
The Security Management Portal (SMP), with its intuitive web-based user interface, enables managed service providers to provision security efficiently for small businesses. With a robust architecture
- 82% Enterprise
- 12% Mid-Market
71,095 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
ManageEngine OpManager Plus is a comprehensive IT operations management solution. Monitor networks, servers, IP addresses, switch ports, and storage devices from a single dashboard. Manage bandwidth,
- 64% Mid-Market
- 29% Enterprise
11,935 Twitter followers
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- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) simplifies, optimizes, and accelerates the application deployment lifecycle in next-generation data centers and clouds.
- Information Technology and Services
- 50% Mid-Market
- 32% Enterprise
729,024 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
BloxOne™ DDI is the first and only cloud-native DDI solution that simplifies DDI control and management at scale.
- Information Technology and Services
- Computer & Network Security
- 52% Enterprise
- 26% Small-Business
11,121 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
IP Scanner is an addition to IT pro toolbox to hit GA release. It scans the network and links to cloud help desk.
- 50% Mid-Market
- 36% Small-Business
1,376 Twitter followers
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- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Connect your global branch offices, point-of-sale locations, and sites using Azure and the Microsoft global network. Plan, configure, and seamlessly deploy new connections, tuned for a growing ecosyst
- 44% Mid-Market
- 44% Small-Business
14,002,134 Twitter followers
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- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Designed to help you efficiently implement and manage virtualized data centers. It includes a feature-rich, customizable dashboard that provides visibility and control through a single pane of glass t
- 59% Enterprise
- 41% Mid-Market
729,024 Twitter followers
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- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Ekahau Pro site survey tool is the complete toolkit for designing, analyzing, optimizing and troubleshooting Wi-Fi networks. Running on either macOS or Windows, it is the de-facto tool for network eng
- Computer Networking
- 71% Enterprise
- 18% Mid-Market
7,691 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
ngrok is a simplified, API-first ingress-as-a-service platform. More than 5 million developers at companies like Zendesk, Copado, and Veritas trust ngrok to get their apps online faster and keep secur
- 60% Small-Business
- 50% Mid-Market
2,749 Twitter followers
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- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
IBM® SevOne® provides app-centric observability and actionable insights to prevent costly disruptions in network performance. Designed for modern, complex networks across hybrid and multi-cloud enviro
- 44% Mid-Market
- 32% Enterprise
710,022 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Alluvio Network Performance Management makes it easy to monitor, troubleshoot, and analyze what’s happening across your hybrid network environment. With end-to-end visibility and actionable insights,
- 50% Enterprise
- 43% Mid-Market
24,274 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
"Networks get hacked, become slow & go down more often than you think. Are you using the right tool to control your network?" BhaiFi is a Global Cybersecurity startup based out of India that off
- 64% Small-Business
- 23% Mid-Market
71 Twitter followers
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- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
NVIDIA virtual GPU (vGPU) technology uses the power of NVIDIA GPUs and NVIDIA virtual GPU software products to accelerate every virtual workflow—from AI to virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). By mak
- Information Technology and Services
- 37% Mid-Market
- 37% Small-Business
2,365,753 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Cyber ACL is an enterprise level solution which allows your organization to store, control, and implement all of your access lists for different brands and types of networking devices from one central
- 60% Small-Business
- 30% Enterprise
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Tanaza, an Italian company, developed an intuitive and responsive cloud-based management software for IT professionals to operate Wi-Fi networks. At the core of Tanaza's technology is TanazaOS, a powe
- 57% Small-Business
- 33% Mid-Market
1,119 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
CenturyLink® SD-WAN solutions integrate disparate connectivity types into a seamless hybrid software-defined WAN for complete visibility and enhanced performance of your entire network ecosystem throu
- 80% Mid-Market
- 10% Enterprise
8,172 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Security Management and Multi-Domain Security Management (Provider-1) delivers more security and control by segmenting your security management into multiple virtual domains. Businesses of all sizes c
- 82% Enterprise
- 18% Small-Business
71,095 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
NetAct provides a single, consolidated view of any mobile network, even the most complicated multi-domain, multi-technology system.
- Telecommunications
- 64% Enterprise
- 18% Mid-Market
8,463 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Cyber Security Management features centralized management control across all networks and cloud environments, increasing operational efficiency and lowering the complexity of managing your security.
- 75% Enterprise
- 25% Mid-Market
71,095 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
AppViewX AUTOMATION+ helps Enterprise IT manage, automate, and orchestrate application delivery and network security services. AppViewX AUTOMATION+ provides an application-centric view into the state
- 50% Enterprise
- 30% Mid-Market
836 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
DCImanager - a platform for managing physical multivendor IT infrastructure DCImanager is a platform for managing servers as well as the entire hierarchy of physical server IT infrastructure from di
- 64% Small-Business
- 36% Mid-Market
1,417 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
- 50% Enterprise
- 25% Mid-Market
1,401 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Restorepoint provides script-free network automation for more than 100 network, security, and storage vendors. Deployed in less than an hour, Restorepoint helps organizations to substantially lower t
- Information Technology and Services
- 50% Enterprise
- 30% Mid-Market
9,359 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Tivoli Network Manager IP Edition provides detailed network discovery, device monitoring, topology visualization, and root cause analysis (RCA) capabilities.
- 67% Enterprise
- 17% Mid-Market
710,022 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
WatchTower Security Management App monitors network and quickly mitigate security threats on the go with mobile phone.
- 50% Enterprise
- 33% Small-Business
71,095 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Reliable and free network scanner to analyze LAN. The program shows all network devices, gives you access to shared folders, provides remote control of computers (via RDP and Radmin), and can even rem
- 60% Small-Business
- 40% Mid-Market
386 Twitter followers
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- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Junos Space Network Management Platform works with our management applications to simplify and automate management of Juniper's switching, routing, and security devices.
- 50% Mid-Market
- 33% Enterprise
105,453 Twitter followers
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- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
- 60% Enterprise
- 40% Small-Business
2,725 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Docusnap is the all-in-one solution for IT documentation. Users benefit from an automated and time-controlled inventory of the complete IT network. The software automatically provides the data obtai
- 75% Mid-Market
- 25% Small-Business
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
GigaSMART provides network traffic monitoring that extends the intelligence and value of the security delivery platform by enhancing network infrastructure and improving security tool performance.
- 100% Mid-Market
7,114 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
High performance packet analysis.
- 41% Mid-Market
- 29% Enterprise
2,157 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Anuta ATOM offers complete Network Service Lifecycle management for Thousands of physical and virtual devices from 45+ leading vendors using a model-driven approach.
- 50% Enterprise
- 50% Small-Business
731 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Ericsson Network Manager provides network virtualization, SDN and analytics provide the automation, programmability and agility needed to deliver complex services and new use cases in 5G networks. Eri
- 100% Enterprise
261,388 Twitter followers
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- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Intelligent Management Center is a software comprehensive wired and wireless network management tools supporting the FCAPS model.
- 50% Enterprise
- 50% Mid-Market
84,655 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Microland provides flexible and scalable services to meet the needs of branch offices that unlock new levels of business productivity and end-user experience.
- 50% Mid-Market
- 50% Small-Business
2,288 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Seize command of your network using Ativa™ for cutting-edge Automated Assurance & Operations. Infovista's Ativa™ Suite consists of a collection of cloud-native modules designed to automate assur
- 100% Enterprise
2,308 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Micetro by Men&Mice is built to help keep large enterprise networks connected by transforming the way you see, and control, your IP infrastructure. Building on the strength of its unique back-end
- 50% Small-Business
- 50% Mid-Market
2,276 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Using either the NETGEAR Insight app or the Insight Cloud Portal, you can quickly discover, setup, monitor and manage your Insight Managed Switches, Wireless Access Points, VPN Router as well as your
- 100% Small-Business
82,275 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Increasing your network security and efficiency with a package of specialized components, including network monitoring, security, and performance management.
- 50% Small-Business
- 50% Mid-Market
3,979 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Introducing Total Network Inventory, PC audit and software inventory management solution. Make an inventory of your entire LAN without leaving your chair! Total Network Inventory will scan your entir
- 50% Enterprise
- 50% Mid-Market
148 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
ZeroTier revolutionizes networking by providing a secure, software-defined platform that connects all your devices as though they were on the same local network. Whether you’re managing a small team o
- 40% Mid-Market
- 20% Small-Business
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
NETSCOUT Arbor Sightline is a high-performance network visibility and DDoS detection platform engineered for the demands of large-scale service provider environments. It provides deep, real-time insig
- 100% Mid-Market
13,915 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
We developed Axence nVision® to improve and simplify the work of IT departments. Axence nVision® monitors your network and users, allows you to inventory your hardware and software, enables remote use
- 50% Enterprise
- 50% Small-Business
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
- 100% Small-Business
1,401 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Fing Device Intelligence technology gives your customers and systems the clearest view of home and corporate networks.
- 100% Small-Business
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
The FNT Command Platform software solution enables efficient management of IT, Telecommunication and Data Center infrastructures as a digital twin – from the physical level (cables, switches, servers,
- 100% Small-Business
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
ISPConfig is an open source panel for Linux which is capable of managing multiple servers.
- 100% Small-Business
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
LanTopoLog 2 is a physical network topology discovery based on SNMP
- 100% Mid-Market
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
netTerrain Logical combines the flexibility of a powerful drawing tool with the automation of discovery software. Eliminate headaches from outdated spreadsheets and scattered Visio diagrams. Trouble
- 100% Small-Business
1,265 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Junos Space Network Director is a smart, comprehensive, and automated turnkey network management solution. Administrators can use it to visualize, analyze, and control their entire enterprise networks
- 100% Mid-Market
105,453 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Industry’s first full-featured network OS for White Box
- 100% Small-Business
1,108 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
PowerAlert is a management software to monitor and control UPS systems, PDUs, cooling solutions and environmental sensors.
- 100% Mid-Market
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
racksnet® Network Automation & Software allows Customers to simplify their network operations with the innovative racksnet Whiteboard APP. The intuitive network management tool enables you to conf
- 75% Mid-Market
- 25% Enterprise
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
SQmediator is a multi-user performance management system that supports passive quality monitoring and active testing for a variety of IP network services and applications including Voice over IP, IP v
- 100% Mid-Market
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Tidal LightMesh is a modern IP Address Management (IPAM) solution designed to eliminate the complexity of tracking IP resources across cloud and on-prem environments. With intuitive subnet visualizati
- 100% Mid-Market
347 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
5G speeds will create new experiences for consumers. Programmable networks, slicing, and narrowband devices will mean new classes of business applications. In sum, 5G will transform the role of mobile
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
AggreGate Network Manager is an enterprise-grade IP network management, monitoring and supervision system based on AggreGate IoT Integration Platform. The system covers all aspects of IT monitoring an
1,014 Twitter followers
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- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
At Airspan, we understand that the backbone of any successful 4G and 5G deployment is robust and intelligent network management platform. This understanding is at the core of our Airspan Control Platf
- Overview
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In the dynamic landscape of network management, the Airspan Portal and Edge Compute offerings stand out by delivering unparalleled efficiency, control, and simplicity. Our comprehensive solutions are
- Overview
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- Seller Details
Leading technology company specializing in AI-powered network management, automation, monitoring, and analytics. Our innovative SaaS solutions streamline telecom operations, improve efficiency, custom
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Array APV Series application delivery controllers provide the availability, scalability, performance, security and control essential to keeping applications and servers running in their power band. I
593 Twitter followers
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- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
729,024 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
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The Cisco Configuration Engine is a highly secure, scalable and reliable network management software solution that runs on RHAT Linux, Solaris, or VMware. By taking advantage of intelligent agents ins
729,024 Twitter followers
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- User Satisfaction
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- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Codima delivers sophisticated, fully integrated and automated network management tools for data and voice over IP (VoIP) networks that are easy to use and cost efficient.
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
As an OSS provider, Comarch has been preparing for the 5G era for the last few years. This is why our Operations Support Systems today are able to manage hybrid networks (consisting of both legacy and
1,168 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
DEKSI Network Monitor will show you when a device is available as well as the time it became unavailable or out of service.
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Gardiyan is a system operation management solution that enables secure end-to-end monitoring and management of the entire system in large work networks, informs system administrators in line with corp
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Manage IT systems on-premises and in the cloud from a single console The core of Gensys is the Active CMDB. Always up-to-date and reliable. The Monitor is for every system, platform, service or applic
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Hamina Network Planner is an easy-to-use, comprehensive tool for designing, enhancing or analyzing a Wi-Fi, 5G, or IoT wireless networks. It's fast and totally cloud-based, making it the ultimate solu
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Infraon NCCM is a powerful network configuration and change management solution that helps IT teams automate, monitor, and secure multi-vendor network infrastructures. It centralizes the management of
96 Twitter followers
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- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
INNTELLIGENT Self-organizing Network Management (SON) Software represents the zenith of next-generation network solutions. Crafted for businesses that place a premium on automated and cohesive network
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- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Remote network administration Software as a Service.
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
The Juniper Session Smart Router fuels an advanced, service-centric networking solution that takes software-defined routing and SD-WAN to a new level. Ideal for today’s digital businesses, the Session
105,453 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Juniper Sky Enterprise makes cloud network management simple and quick for IT teams of all sizes and experience levels deploying Juniper switching and security devices.
105,453 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Junos Space SDK delivers on the programmability promise of SDN by making it easy to create custom analytic and management applications that run on the Junos Space Network Management Platform.
105,453 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
We manage your network documentation as an end-to-end service providing the tools and resources to build up and maintain the documentation of your network
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
ManageEngine DDI Central is designed to streamline network management for enterprises, offering a unified platform for DNS, DHCP, and IPAM. By leveraging its unique software overlay architecture, DDI
7,682 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Mist delivers unprecedented scale and agility, and offers groundbreaking subscription services for Wi-Fi assurance, AI-driven assistance, user engagement, and asset visibility. Mist has an inline AI e
105,453 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
MPX allows clients to save sample analysis time with automated carryover monitoring, Increase sample capacity for extendedand unattendedoperation, Stay compliant with complete traceability and audit t
9,700 Twitter followers
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- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Napatech helps companies reimagine their business by bringing reconfigurable computing benefits to IT organizations of every size.
984 Twitter followers
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- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Today, network changes and configuration management must be stable, secure, and scalable, while reducing errors and offering visibility into the entire change process. Net LineDancer delivers robust c
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Comprehensive and Automated Network Management Reporting
Learn More About Network Management Tools
What are Network Management Tools?
Network management tools enable network administrators to monitor and control the entire network (on-premises or cloud) to address service needs and business objectives. A network is created when two or more devices communicate with each other through the transfer of data. Devices come in many forms but the important network devices are clients, servers, switches, routers, firewalls, and access points. These network devices above allow common devices such as computers, phones, smart watches, IoT, and others to connect to each other. Devices can be connected physically, virtually, and wirelessly via LAN, WAN, VPN, and different types of networks.
All of these connections and devices are complex to manage manually. With network management software, IT managers can track what devices are connected and how they connect. Network management tools use network topology to visually lay out device connections. With this map, users can provision the network system by changing device configuration, resource allocation, and security settings to meet their IT objectives. Different network management solutions may have other network management protocols but most use simple network management protocol (SNMP).
Good network management software also allows IT teams to automate manual network management tasks, such as inventory assessments, device discovery and mapping, system backups, remote access, etc. The goal is to let the network management software automate these traditionally time-consuming tasks so users can focus on other things, like winning new customers and working on new business objectives.
What Types of Network Management Tools Exist?
Free or open-source software
Free network management tools perform simple internet protocols and provide basic network performance data. Since many of them require manually loading the device, free tools are perfect for small networks with fewer devices. A good rule of thumb is that if the user can map all of their devices’ topologies on a whiteboard, they should try these free tools before the paid software. Small companies or individual users are the perfect fit for this type of software.
Specialized network management software
Specialized network management software is good at doing one job—network management. This software can manage a range of functional areas: auto-discovery, inventory, performance, reliability, and security. It provides technical reports and graphs of the network system. Some more advanced tools can offer root cause analysis and machine learning to solve specific problems. These tools are excellent for organizations with other existing monitoring and management tools for their website, database, hardware, etc.
One-for-all software
Top vendors provide comprehensive network management solutions for enterprises. These tools not only do everything that a specialized network management software ca do, alsothey have additional capabilities that manage cloud infrastructure, web network traffic, and IT assets. Some even cover container management, Kubernetes control, and application monitoring. Since they are designed for enterprise-size networks, there is no limit to the scalability of the number of devices. An experienced user can automate a significant amount of manual tasks with this type of software on numerous devices. This type of software is a great fit for large organizations that have their IT infrastructure in multiple locations.
What are the Common Features of Network Management Tools?
The following are some core features within network management tools that can help users manage their network:
Device discovery: Network management tools need to automatically discover new and existing devices and update this information in the device inventory. If there is no auto featuusers mustd to manually enter this information into the system.
Network topology: Another name for this feature is network mapping. Network management tools should map all devices in a graph to show how they are connected. This saves users time from constantly mapping their network manually on a whiteboard. They can see the entire network from network maps.
Configuration management: Users can set up their network configurations such as IP address and firewalls on Microsoft Windows, Linux, or website (SaaS) using API.
Network monitoring: Network performance should be monitored to show the status of the network such as bandwidth usage. Essential metrics must be covered in the following: bandwidth (maximum data transmission rate), throughput (data transmission rate), latency (delay between device request and delivery), packet loss (number of data packets dropped during transmissions), availability (uptime of the network), and connectivity (the types of connection between devices).
IT alerting: If there is a performance problem, tools that have alerting capability will notify the help desk so IT staff can start troubleshooting the network configuration. IT alerting should be integrated with the network monitoring system. For example, if remote wireless networks fail to operate, IT pros won't know there is a problem unless the network monitoring solution notifies them.
Root cause analysis: Just having the status of the network is not enough for modern-day network management practice. When there are hundreds of devices, users waste time trying to search which device is causing a network performance issue. The software should alert the user which device is causing the problem so the user can fix the issue fast. This feature is core to performance management.
Reporting dashboard: If every device is being tracked automatically, their performance information should be reported in real time in a central dashboard. It is unrealistic to expect network managers to check the performance of every device one by one. Also, different users have different technical knowledge of the network system. Therefore, reporting tools should be customizable according to the level of technical details.
Automation: Network management tools should automatically track network inventory, run scheduled reports, device software updates, load balance based on need, alert users of issues and where to find them, and so on. The more IT teams can automate these processes, the more time they save from doing these tasks manually. With the rise of machine learning and AIOps, these new technologies assist users in accurately determining the device at fault so users waste less time trying to find the problem.
What are the Benefits of Network Management Tools?
Increase network performance: Since network management solutions monitor, evaluate, and report performance metrics such as traffic volume and availability. Users can use performance information to forecast resource requirements and load balance based on need. For example, if an internal network device is causing the bottleneck, then the user can upgrade their device. If the internal network infrastructure is operational but the external cloud server is limiting network performance, then users can upgrade their cloud resource capacity. Network management software provides this information so users can accurately pinpoint the performance issue and act accordingly.
Easily manage numerous devices: Users can manage their network and device configuration in a configuration management dashboard. This includes initializing multiple devices and maintaining settings in one workflow. The software also allows configuration backup so in the event of failure or human error, IT administrators bring the network back online without manually setting everything up again.
Increase network security: Security management prevents unauthorized access and cyber attack. Users can set up user authentication, data encryption, access distribution, firewall, and other security parameters to provide real-time protection.
Who Uses Network Management Tools?
IT teams: Only IT personnel would use this software to set up and manage company networks.
Software Related to Network Management Software
Related solutions that can be used together with network management software include:
Network monitoring tools: Network monitoring tools are closely related to network management tools but provide fewer administrative controls. Instead, network monitoring software continuously analyzes traffic, accessibility, netflow, and network health.
Challenges with Network Management Tools
Software solutions can come with their own set of challenges.
Device recognition: Some network management solutions will not automatically recognize or register devices from other brands. Buyers need to extensively test if their existing devices work well on the network management software before purchasing.
Limited functionality: Some vendors offer multiple network management products with different functionality. Buyers can select which one they want and not pay for the extra service. However, the catch is that vendor want to sell buyers everything, so these so-called “standalone” products are not fully functional unless the buyer purchases all of them, which is expensive. If the bundled products cost exceeds the IT budget, it’s best not to buy any of them. It is common to try to buy one product to save money, but upgrading later ends up costing more than what companies want to pay for.
Unfriendly user experience and implementation: Some big brand products are not only expensive but also difficult to install, configure, administer, and maintain without extensive knowledge of the vendors’ systems. Companies who purchased such products often fail to deploy, partially deploy, or completely abandon any effort to monitor their network. To avoid this, buyers should filter out products that have a complex GUI and implementation requirements.
Network scale: Small-business network management tools can be easy to use but may not fit the projected growth needs. Enterprise solutions are not necessary for smaller networks but can provide intensive support for larger, more complex networks in real time. Many cloud offerings can help small businesses scale their networks as they grow while minimizing downtime. When investing in a network management solution, the solution must meet the company’s scale needs, both for now and in the near future.
How to Buy Network Management Tools
Requirements Gathering (RFI/RFP) for Network Management Software
The company’s needs when searching for network management solutions often relate to specific network performance issues. For example, the user may be most interested in monitoring and improving performance for downtime. Buyers should make a ranked list of the network management features that most directly address the problems they’re trying to solve, then reference G2 reviews to find the right fit.
Prioritizing the desired feature set can help narrow down the potential pool of network management solutions, allowing teams to then apply further considerations for budget, ease of integration with other systems, security requirements, and more. This holistic approach empowers buyers to move forward with a focused checklist, which can be used in conjunction with G2 scoring to select the best network management product for the business.
Compare Network Management Tools
Create a long list
Buyers should start with a large pool of network management software vendors. Keeping the desired must-have features in mind, buyers must perform consistent inquiries during demos so they can effectively compare the pros and cons of each software.
Create a short list
It helps to cross-reference the results of initial vendor evaluations with G2 reviews from other buyers, the combination of which will help narrow it down to three to five products. From there, buyers can compare pricing and features to determine the best fit.
Conduct demos
Companies should make sure to demo all of the products that end up on their short list. The basic step of the demo is to start with downtime management. It’s important to know if the product tracks network uptime, device operational status, and performance metrics like packet and bandwidth data. It’s also helpful to test the configuration and reporting function. It is also important that the selected product fully reflects the entire enterprise network ecosystem and topology.
Selection of Network Management Tools
Choose a selection team
Regardless of a company’s size, it’s important to involve the most relevant personnel when beginning the network management software selection process. Larger companies may include individual team members to fill roles such as system owners, IT professionals, and developers who will be working with the software closely. Smaller companies with fewer employees might overlap roles.
Negotiation
Many companies offer full network-related platforms that go beyond network management to include application performance monitoring, cloud infrastructure monitoring, and more. While some companies will not budge on the configurations of their packages, buyers looking to trim costs should try to negotiate down to the specific functions that matter to them to get the best price. For example, a vendor’s pricing page where network management functionality is only included with a robust all-in-one monitoring package, whereas a sales conversation may prove otherwise.
Final decision
After this stage, it is essential to perform a trial run with a small selection of IT professionals or developers. This will help to ensure that the software of choice integrates well with an IT administrator’s systems setup or a developer’s day-to-day work. If the tool is well-liked and well-utilized, the buyer can take that as a sign that their selection is the right one. If not, reevaluation of the options may be necessary.
