Quick Overview
- 1#1: SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper - Automatically discovers and maps physical and virtual network topology with multi-vendor support and export options.
- 2#2: NetBrain - Provides dynamic, automated network mapping and visualization for troubleshooting and planning in complex enterprise environments.
- 3#3: Auvik - Cloud-based network mapping and monitoring that auto-discovers devices, dependencies, and changes in real-time.
- 4#4: Paessler PRTG Network Monitor - Auto-discovers and maps networks with interactive topology views, alerts, and performance monitoring.
- 5#5: Domotz - Remote network monitoring and automatic mapping for MSPs with device discovery and topology diagrams.
- 6#6: ManageEngine OpManager - Offers layer-2 network maps, auto-discovery, and business views for comprehensive network visualization.
- 7#7: WhatsUp Gold - Discovers and maps network infrastructure with customizable maps and real-time monitoring.
- 8#8: Intermapper - Real-time automatic network mapping with customizable alerts and bandwidth monitoring.
- 9#9: Device42 - Auto-discovers and maps IT infrastructure including networks, applications, and dependencies.
- 10#10: LanSweeper - Scans and maps network assets with topology views and detailed device relationships.
These tools were rigorously evaluated based on features like auto-discovery capabilities, visualization quality, ease of use, and overall value, ensuring they meet the demands of both enterprise and MSP environments.
Comparison Table
This comparison table breaks down key features of automatic network mapping software, highlighting tools like SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper, NetBrain, Auvik, Paessler PRTG Network Monitor, Domotz, and more. Readers will identify each tool's strengths in visualization, scalability, integration, and usability to find the right fit for their network management needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper Automatically discovers and maps physical and virtual network topology with multi-vendor support and export options. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | NetBrain Provides dynamic, automated network mapping and visualization for troubleshooting and planning in complex enterprise environments. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | Auvik Cloud-based network mapping and monitoring that auto-discovers devices, dependencies, and changes in real-time. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Paessler PRTG Network Monitor Auto-discovers and maps networks with interactive topology views, alerts, and performance monitoring. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Domotz Remote network monitoring and automatic mapping for MSPs with device discovery and topology diagrams. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | ManageEngine OpManager Offers layer-2 network maps, auto-discovery, and business views for comprehensive network visualization. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 7 | WhatsUp Gold Discovers and maps network infrastructure with customizable maps and real-time monitoring. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | Intermapper Real-time automatic network mapping with customizable alerts and bandwidth monitoring. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 9 | Device42 Auto-discovers and maps IT infrastructure including networks, applications, and dependencies. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | LanSweeper Scans and maps network assets with topology views and detailed device relationships. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.1/10 | 8.5/10 |
Automatically discovers and maps physical and virtual network topology with multi-vendor support and export options.
Provides dynamic, automated network mapping and visualization for troubleshooting and planning in complex enterprise environments.
Cloud-based network mapping and monitoring that auto-discovers devices, dependencies, and changes in real-time.
Auto-discovers and maps networks with interactive topology views, alerts, and performance monitoring.
Remote network monitoring and automatic mapping for MSPs with device discovery and topology diagrams.
Offers layer-2 network maps, auto-discovery, and business views for comprehensive network visualization.
Discovers and maps network infrastructure with customizable maps and real-time monitoring.
Real-time automatic network mapping with customizable alerts and bandwidth monitoring.
Auto-discovers and maps IT infrastructure including networks, applications, and dependencies.
Scans and maps network assets with topology views and detailed device relationships.
SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper
enterpriseAutomatically discovers and maps physical and virtual network topology with multi-vendor support and export options.
Multi-layer auto-discovery engine that dynamically builds precise L2/L3 topologies with automatic device classification and dependency mapping
SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper (NTM) is a robust automatic network mapping solution that discovers devices across Layer 2 and Layer 3 using protocols like SNMP, ICMP, CDP/LLDP, and WMI. It generates interactive, customizable topology maps, supports scheduled scans, and includes virtualization awareness for VMware and Hyper-V environments. Ideal for network documentation, troubleshooting, and change management, it exports maps to Visio, PDF, and other formats for easy sharing.
Pros
- Comprehensive multi-protocol auto-discovery for accurate L2/L3 mapping
- Customizable maps with virtualization support and scheduled scans
- Seamless export options including Visio integration and print-ready formats
Cons
- High upfront cost for perpetual licenses
- Windows-only deployment limits flexibility
- Advanced customization requires some learning curve
Best For
Enterprise network administrators managing complex, multi-vendor environments who need automated, detailed topology documentation.
Pricing
Perpetual license starts at $1,495 per technician, plus annual maintenance; volume discounts available.
NetBrain
enterpriseProvides dynamic, automated network mapping and visualization for troubleshooting and planning in complex enterprise environments.
Intent-driven dynamic maps that overlay runbooks on live topologies for instant diagnostics and planning
NetBrain is a leading automatic network mapping solution that dynamically discovers and visualizes complex enterprise networks in real-time using data from SNMP, CLI, NetFlow, and more. It creates interactive, topology-based maps overlaid with runbook intent, enabling rapid troubleshooting, change planning, and automation. The platform supports multi-vendor environments and integrates with ITSM tools for comprehensive network management.
Pros
- Exceptional real-time dynamic mapping and auto-discovery across hybrid networks
- Advanced troubleshooting with clickable maps and runbook overlays
- Robust automation and AIOps integrations for large-scale operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to feature depth
- High enterprise pricing not ideal for SMBs
- Limited native support for some modern cloud-native environments
Best For
Large enterprise IT teams managing complex, multi-vendor networks that need deep visibility, troubleshooting, and automation.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscriptions; typically starts at $20,000+ annually based on network size and modules—contact sales for quotes.
Auvik
enterpriseCloud-based network mapping and monitoring that auto-discovers devices, dependencies, and changes in real-time.
Real-time interactive network maps that automatically update with topology changes and provide drill-down visibility into connections and dependencies
Auvik is a cloud-based network monitoring and management platform that excels in automatic network discovery and mapping, providing real-time visual topology diagrams of Layer 2 and Layer 3 networks. It automatically inventories devices, tracks configurations, and monitors performance across multi-vendor environments without requiring agents. Ideal for IT teams and MSPs, it offers actionable insights through alerts, traffic analysis, and integrations with tools like ConnectWise.
Pros
- Automatic real-time network mapping with interactive topology views
- Agentless discovery supporting thousands of device types
- Built-in traffic analysis and configuration backups
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for large networks
- Advanced customization of maps requires familiarity
- Limited on-premises deployment options
Best For
Managed service providers and enterprise IT teams managing complex, multi-site networks.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starts at ~$150/month for small sites, billed per device or site (typically $10-20/device/month).
Paessler PRTG Network Monitor
enterpriseAuto-discovers and maps networks with interactive topology views, alerts, and performance monitoring.
Dynamic auto-updating topology maps that visualize real-time network dependencies and integrate directly with monitoring data
Paessler PRTG Network Monitor is a comprehensive network monitoring platform with strong automatic network mapping features, using auto-discovery to scan and identify devices via protocols like SNMP, WMI, and ICMP. It generates interactive topology maps that visualize network structure, dependencies, and performance metrics in real-time. Maps auto-update with network changes and integrate seamlessly with PRTG's sensor-based monitoring for holistic oversight.
Pros
- Robust auto-discovery scans entire networks quickly and accurately
- Interactive, customizable topology maps with drill-down analytics
- Seamless integration of mapping with performance monitoring sensors
Cons
- Sensor-based licensing can become expensive for large deployments
- Steeper learning curve for advanced map customization
- High CPU and memory demands on the core server for big networks
Best For
IT teams in mid-sized businesses or enterprises seeking integrated network monitoring and automatic topology mapping.
Pricing
Free for up to 100 sensors; perpetual licenses start at ~$1,800 for 500 sensors, scaling to $15,000+ for unlimited, plus annual maintenance.
Domotz
enterpriseRemote network monitoring and automatic mapping for MSPs with device discovery and topology diagrams.
Agentless automatic network discovery with real-time interactive topology maps
Domotz is a cloud-based remote monitoring and management platform specializing in automatic network discovery and topology mapping for IT infrastructure. It scans networks using protocols like SNMP, ICMP, and WMI to automatically detect devices, visualize connections, and generate interactive maps. The tool also provides real-time alerts, performance monitoring, and remote access capabilities, making it suitable for managing distributed networks.
Pros
- Intuitive automatic discovery and interactive network topology mapping
- Strong remote access and multi-site management for MSPs
- Real-time alerts and mobile app for on-the-go monitoring
Cons
- Limited depth in advanced analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Historical data retention restricted on lower plans
- Pricing scales quickly for large or complex deployments
Best For
Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT teams handling multiple remote networks.
Pricing
Free tier for 1 agent (50 devices); Pro from $35/month (up to 250 devices); Enterprise custom pricing starting around $95/month.
ManageEngine OpManager
enterpriseOffers layer-2 network maps, auto-discovery, and business views for comprehensive network visualization.
Dynamic Layer 2/3 automated topology mapping with business view correlations
ManageEngine OpManager is a robust network monitoring platform with built-in automatic network mapping capabilities, enabling discovery of devices via SNMP, ICMP, WMI, and CLI protocols. It generates dynamic Layer 2 and Layer 3 topology maps that visualize network dependencies and traffic flow in real-time. The software supports customizable business views and integrates mapping with performance monitoring for proactive issue resolution.
Pros
- Multi-protocol auto-discovery for comprehensive network mapping
- Real-time topology updates and dependency visualization
- Seamless integration with monitoring and alerting features
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced map customizations
- Resource-intensive for very large networks
- Limited advanced 3D mapping options compared to specialized tools
Best For
Mid-sized IT teams seeking an integrated solution for network monitoring and automatic topology mapping.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 devices; Standard edition starts at ~$395/year for 10 monitors, with per-device licensing scaling to Enterprise plans.
WhatsUp Gold
enterpriseDiscovers and maps network infrastructure with customizable maps and real-time monitoring.
Dynamic, auto-updating Layer 2/3 network maps that visually represent topology changes in real-time
WhatsUp Gold is a robust network monitoring platform from Progress Software that specializes in automatic network discovery and mapping, providing visual topology representations of Layer 2 and Layer 3 networks. It automatically detects and maps devices, servers, virtual environments, and applications, offering real-time monitoring, performance metrics, and customizable dashboards. The tool supports alerting, reporting, and troubleshooting workflows to maintain network health and uptime.
Pros
- Automated discovery and dynamic Layer 2/3 mapping for comprehensive visibility
- Real-time monitoring with customizable dashboards and alerts
- Scalable architecture supporting hybrid and multi-vendor environments
Cons
- Pricing can be high for small networks or basic needs
- Advanced configuration requires networking expertise
- Limited integrations compared to some competitors
Best For
Mid-sized enterprises and IT teams managing complex, dynamic networks requiring automated mapping and proactive monitoring.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at ~$1,995/year for Standard edition (up to 100 devices), scaling to Enterprise tiers with custom quotes for larger deployments.
Intermapper
enterpriseReal-time automatic network mapping with customizable alerts and bandwidth monitoring.
Real-time auto-updating network maps that visually reflect topology changes without manual intervention
Intermapper is a veteran network monitoring and automatic mapping tool that discovers devices via SNMP, ICMP, and other protocols to create dynamic, real-time visual maps of networks. It offers customizable layers, performance monitoring, bandwidth tracking, and proactive alerts for downtime prevention. With cross-platform support for Windows, macOS, and Linux, plus web-based access, it helps IT admins maintain visibility into complex infrastructures.
Pros
- Automatic discovery and real-time dynamic mapping
- Highly customizable maps with drag-and-drop interface
- Robust alerting and historical reporting capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations
- Resource-intensive on larger networks
- Pricing scales quickly for enterprise-scale deployments
Best For
Mid-sized IT teams managing dynamic, multi-site networks who prioritize visual mapping and real-time monitoring over advanced AI analytics.
Pricing
Starts at $395/year for Standard edition (up to 10 maps); Professional and Enterprise tiers range from $1,000+ annually based on monitors and features.
Device42
enterpriseAuto-discovers and maps IT infrastructure including networks, applications, and dependencies.
Advanced dependency mapping that automatically traces application-to-infrastructure relationships in real-time
Device42 is a robust IT infrastructure management platform specializing in automatic network discovery, mapping, and dependency visualization. It uses agentless and agent-based discovery protocols like SNMP, WMI, SSH, and API integrations to scan and map networks, devices, applications, and their interdependencies across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. The software provides interactive diagrams, topology views, and CMDB integration for comprehensive network oversight and troubleshooting.
Pros
- Powerful multi-protocol auto-discovery engine for accurate network mapping
- Detailed dependency mapping and interactive visualizations
- Strong integration with IPAM, CMDB, and other IT tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and advanced features
- Complex UI that may overwhelm smaller teams
- Pricing scales quickly for large deployments
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with complex hybrid IT environments needing detailed network discovery and dependency mapping.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription pricing starting around $5,000-$10,000 annually for small deployments, scaling per device/node count.
LanSweeper
enterpriseScans and maps network assets with topology views and detailed device relationships.
Switch port mapping that precisely identifies device connections, ports, and VLAN assignments via SNMP
LanSweeper is an IT asset management platform with robust automatic network discovery and mapping capabilities, scanning IP ranges, Active Directory, SNMP, and WMI to inventory devices, hardware, and software across the network. It generates dynamic topology maps visualizing connections, switch ports, VLANs, and layer 2/3 diagrams. Beyond mapping, it provides reporting, patch management, and vulnerability scanning for comprehensive network oversight.
Pros
- Extensive discovery methods including SNMP for detailed switch port mapping
- Strong reporting and customizable dashboards for network visualization
- Cost-effective freemium model suitable for growing networks
Cons
- User interface feels dated and less intuitive for mapping-focused tasks
- Setup requires on-premises installation and configuration tweaks
- Mapping lacks advanced automation or real-time updates compared to dedicated tools
Best For
IT teams in small to medium-sized businesses needing integrated asset management with reliable network mapping.
Pricing
Free for up to 100 assets; paid subscriptions start at ~$1 per asset per year, scaling with deployment size.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools showcase outstanding performance in automatic network mapping, with SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper leading as the top choice, renowned for its versatile discovery and multi-vendor support. NetBrain and Auvik stand as strong alternatives, excelling in complex enterprise environments and real-time cloud monitoring, respectively. Together, they highlight the breadth of solutions available to meet diverse network needs.
Begin optimizing your network visualization and management by exploring the top-ranked SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper, and discover how its features can enhance your operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison