Quick Overview
- 1#1: SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager - Automates configuration backups, compliance checks, firmware updates, and change management for routers and switches.
- 2#2: ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager - Offers comprehensive router configuration management, backup, restore, and compliance auditing with scheduling capabilities.
- 3#3: Cisco DNA Center - Centralizes policy-based automation, assurance, and analytics for managing Cisco routers and enterprise networks.
- 4#4: FortiManager - Delivers centralized management, configuration, and monitoring for Fortinet routers and security appliances.
- 5#5: PRTG Network Monitor - Monitors router performance, bandwidth, and configurations using SNMP, flow protocols, and customizable sensors.
- 6#6: Auvik - Provides automated network discovery, mapping, monitoring, and configuration backups for routers in hybrid environments.
- 7#7: Zabbix - Open-source platform for monitoring router metrics, configurations, and alerting with scalable templates.
- 8#8: Ubiquiti UniFi Network - Cloud-managed controller for configuring, monitoring, and optimizing Ubiquiti routers and access points.
- 9#9: LibreNMS - Auto-discovering network monitoring tool that tracks router performance, ports, and billing data via SNMP.
- 10#10: Nagios XI - Enterprise monitoring solution for router availability, performance metrics, and configuration tracking.
We evaluated tools based on key factors including feature depth (automation, monitoring, compliance), usability (intuitive interfaces, setup), scalability (support for hybrid/enterprise networks), and overall value (cost-effectiveness, long-term utility), ensuring each entry represents the best in its category.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines popular Router Management Software tools such as SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager, ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager, Cisco DNA Center, FortiManager, PRTG Network Monitor, and additional solutions. It equips readers to understand critical features, usability, scalability, and integration capabilities to identify the optimal tool for their network management requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager Automates configuration backups, compliance checks, firmware updates, and change management for routers and switches. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager Offers comprehensive router configuration management, backup, restore, and compliance auditing with scheduling capabilities. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | Cisco DNA Center Centralizes policy-based automation, assurance, and analytics for managing Cisco routers and enterprise networks. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 4 | FortiManager Delivers centralized management, configuration, and monitoring for Fortinet routers and security appliances. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | PRTG Network Monitor Monitors router performance, bandwidth, and configurations using SNMP, flow protocols, and customizable sensors. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Auvik Provides automated network discovery, mapping, monitoring, and configuration backups for routers in hybrid environments. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | Zabbix Open-source platform for monitoring router metrics, configurations, and alerting with scalable templates. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 5.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 8 | Ubiquiti UniFi Network Cloud-managed controller for configuring, monitoring, and optimizing Ubiquiti routers and access points. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 9 | LibreNMS Auto-discovering network monitoring tool that tracks router performance, ports, and billing data via SNMP. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 10 | Nagios XI Enterprise monitoring solution for router availability, performance metrics, and configuration tracking. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
Automates configuration backups, compliance checks, firmware updates, and change management for routers and switches.
Offers comprehensive router configuration management, backup, restore, and compliance auditing with scheduling capabilities.
Centralizes policy-based automation, assurance, and analytics for managing Cisco routers and enterprise networks.
Delivers centralized management, configuration, and monitoring for Fortinet routers and security appliances.
Monitors router performance, bandwidth, and configurations using SNMP, flow protocols, and customizable sensors.
Provides automated network discovery, mapping, monitoring, and configuration backups for routers in hybrid environments.
Open-source platform for monitoring router metrics, configurations, and alerting with scalable templates.
Cloud-managed controller for configuring, monitoring, and optimizing Ubiquiti routers and access points.
Auto-discovering network monitoring tool that tracks router performance, ports, and billing data via SNMP.
Enterprise monitoring solution for router availability, performance metrics, and configuration tracking.
SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager
enterpriseAutomates configuration backups, compliance checks, firmware updates, and change management for routers and switches.
Real-time configuration change detection with one-click rollback and forensic auditing
SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager (NCM) is a comprehensive solution for automating router and network device configuration management, including backups, comparisons, and deployments. It excels in detecting unauthorized changes, ensuring compliance with policies, and enabling scripted config pushes across multi-vendor environments like Cisco, Juniper, and more. With robust reporting and rollback capabilities, NCM minimizes downtime and enhances security for enterprise networks.
Pros
- Automated backups and real-time change detection prevent configuration drift
- Multi-vendor support with compliance auditing for routers from Cisco, Juniper, etc.
- Powerful scripting and bulk config deployment streamline large-scale management
Cons
- High cost for smaller deployments
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Resource-intensive on the hosting server
Best For
Enterprise network administrators managing complex, multi-vendor router fleets requiring robust automation and compliance.
Pricing
Subscription-based, starting at ~$2,995/year for 25 nodes; scales per device with custom enterprise quotes.
ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager
enterpriseOffers comprehensive router configuration management, backup, restore, and compliance auditing with scheduling capabilities.
Automated firmware repository and multi-vendor upgrade orchestration
ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager (NCM) is a robust network automation tool designed for managing configurations of routers, switches, firewalls, and other devices from multi-vendor environments. It automates backup scheduling, configuration compliance auditing, change detection, and firmware upgrades to ensure network stability and security. With features like drift analysis and customizable workflows, NCM helps IT teams proactively maintain router fleets and reduce downtime.
Pros
- Extensive multi-vendor support for routers from Cisco, Juniper, Huawei, and more
- Advanced automation for backups, compliance checks, and firmware deployments
- Comprehensive reporting and real-time change monitoring
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced customization
- Pricing scales quickly with larger device counts
- Web interface can feel overwhelming for beginners
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with complex, multi-vendor router networks needing automated configuration management and compliance.
Pricing
Free edition for up to 2 devices; paid starts at ~$395/year for 10 devices, scaling by device count with enterprise options.
Cisco DNA Center
enterpriseCentralizes policy-based automation, assurance, and analytics for managing Cisco routers and enterprise networks.
Intent-Based Networking, which translates high-level business policies into automated router configurations and enforcement
Cisco DNA Center is a centralized network management and automation platform designed for intent-based networking across Cisco infrastructure, including routers like ISR and ASR series. It streamlines router management through features such as zero-touch provisioning, policy-based configuration, software image distribution, and real-time analytics via Assurance. The platform enables administrators to define high-level intents that are automatically enforced on routers, reducing manual interventions and improving operational efficiency.
Pros
- Advanced automation with zero-touch provisioning and template-based configurations for routers
- AI/ML-driven analytics and assurance for proactive issue detection and troubleshooting
- Seamless integration with Cisco security and SD-WAN features for comprehensive router lifecycle management
Cons
- Limited compatibility primarily to Cisco hardware, reducing multi-vendor flexibility
- Steep learning curve and complexity for initial setup and advanced policy customization
- High subscription costs that may not suit small-scale or budget-constrained deployments
Best For
Large enterprises with predominantly Cisco router networks needing scalable automation and analytics.
Pricing
Subscription-based tiers (DNA Essentials, Advantage, Premier) typically $100-$500+ per device/year, depending on features and scale; requires Cisco Smart Licensing.
FortiManager
enterpriseDelivers centralized management, configuration, and monitoring for Fortinet routers and security appliances.
Administrative Domains (ADOMs) for secure multi-tenancy and segmented management of diverse routing environments
FortiManager is Fortinet's centralized management platform for FortiGate next-generation firewalls and other Fortinet devices, enabling efficient configuration, monitoring, and orchestration of routing and security policies across large-scale networks. It supports advanced routing protocol management (e.g., BGP, OSPF), SD-WAN orchestration, and topology visualization, making it suitable for enterprises handling complex routing environments. The solution integrates firmware updates, analytics, and automation to streamline router lifecycle management within the Fortinet ecosystem.
Pros
- Highly scalable for managing thousands of FortiGate routers with centralized configuration templates
- Integrated SD-WAN and routing analytics with real-time topology views
- Robust automation via CLI scripting and REST API for efficient policy deployment
Cons
- Limited multi-vendor support, optimized primarily for Fortinet hardware
- Steep learning curve due to complex administrative domains (ADOMs) and feature depth
- High enterprise-level pricing that may not suit small deployments
Best For
Large enterprises with extensive FortiGate deployments needing unified management of routing protocols, SD-WAN, and security policies.
Pricing
Subscription or perpetual licensing starting at ~$2,000-$5,000 per VM annually, plus per-device fees scaling with deployment size; requires FortiCare support.
PRTG Network Monitor
enterpriseMonitors router performance, bandwidth, and configurations using SNMP, flow protocols, and customizable sensors.
Deep packet inspection via NetFlow/sFlow/jFlow sensors for granular router traffic analysis and bottleneck identification
PRTG Network Monitor from Paessler is a robust network monitoring platform that provides comprehensive visibility into router performance, including uptime, bandwidth usage, CPU/memory load, and traffic analysis via SNMP, NetFlow, sFlow, and other protocols. It features auto-discovery to map entire networks, customizable dashboards, and real-time alerting to help prevent router-related outages. While excelling in monitoring and diagnostics, it supports limited management tasks like basic configuration checks through scripts.
Pros
- Extensive library of 250+ sensors tailored for routers including QoS, interface, and flow monitoring
- Auto-discovery and interactive maps for quick router network visualization
- Flexible alerting via email, SMS, push, and integrations with tools like Slack
Cons
- Pricing scales steeply with sensor count, making it expensive for large deployments
- Lacks deep configuration management (e.g., no bulk config push or firmware updates)
- Can be resource-heavy on the host server for high-sensor environments
Best For
Network administrators in mid-sized enterprises needing advanced monitoring for router fleets to ensure uptime and performance.
Pricing
Free edition up to 100 sensors; paid perpetual licenses start at $1,799 for 500 sensors, with annual maintenance or subscription options scaling by sensor limits.
Auvik
enterpriseProvides automated network discovery, mapping, monitoring, and configuration backups for routers in hybrid environments.
Real-time, auto-updating network topology maps that visualize router interconnections and dependencies
Auvik is a cloud-based network monitoring and management platform that automatically discovers, maps, and monitors network devices including routers, switches, and firewalls. It provides real-time visibility into traffic patterns, performance metrics, and configuration changes, helping IT teams troubleshoot issues quickly. Key capabilities for router management include automated config backups, change tracking, and bandwidth analysis via NetFlow/sFlow.
Pros
- Automated network discovery and interactive topology mapping
- Configuration backups with change detection and alerting
- Deep traffic analysis and troubleshooting tools
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with billable devices, expensive for small setups
- Limited native automation for router config deployment
- Relies heavily on SNMP/NetFlow, may miss some vendor-specific features
Best For
MSPs and mid-sized IT teams managing multi-vendor router fleets who prioritize monitoring and documentation over deep configuration orchestration.
Pricing
Subscription-based on billable devices; starts ~$175/month for 25-50 devices, custom quotes for larger networks.
Zabbix
specializedOpen-source platform for monitoring router metrics, configurations, and alerting with scalable templates.
Low-level discovery (LLD) that automatically detects and monitors router interfaces, sensors, and MIBs without manual configuration.
Zabbix is an open-source, enterprise-class monitoring platform that excels in tracking router metrics such as uptime, traffic, CPU/memory usage, and interface status via SNMP, ICMP, and other protocols. It offers dashboards, alerting, historical trending, and auto-discovery to provide deep visibility into router health and performance. While primarily a monitoring tool rather than a full configuration management solution, it supports proactive issue detection and basic scripting for router oversight in complex networks.
Pros
- Robust SNMP-based monitoring and auto-discovery for routers
- Highly scalable with proxies for distributed networks
- Extensive templating and customization options
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Lacks native configuration provisioning or firmware management
- Resource-heavy for very large router fleets without tuning
Best For
Experienced network admins managing large-scale router fleets who prioritize monitoring and alerting over configuration automation.
Pricing
Free open-source core; Zabbix Enterprise (paid support, advanced features) starts at ~$3,000/year depending on nodes.
Ubiquiti UniFi Network
enterpriseCloud-managed controller for configuring, monitoring, and optimizing Ubiquiti routers and access points.
Integrated deep packet inspection and client/application visibility across the entire network
Ubiquiti UniFi Network is a centralized management controller software for Ubiquiti's UniFi ecosystem, enabling configuration, monitoring, and optimization of routers (like USG, UDM), switches, access points, and cameras from a single web-based dashboard. It supports advanced routing features such as firewall rules, VLANs, VPNs, traffic shaping, and deep packet inspection for enterprise-grade network management. The software runs self-hosted on local hardware, VMs, or optionally via cloud, providing scalability for single sites or multi-site deployments.
Pros
- Comprehensive network-wide management with detailed analytics and DPI
- Highly scalable for SMBs to enterprises with multi-site support
- Free core software with no licensing fees for self-hosting
Cons
- Locked to Ubiquiti hardware ecosystem, no third-party router support
- Steep learning curve for advanced configurations
- Some premium features (e.g., cloud access, advanced security) require subscriptions
Best For
IT professionals and network admins managing medium to large-scale Ubiquiti-based networks who need unified control over routing, switching, and wireless.
Pricing
Core controller software is free for self-hosting; optional UniFi Cloud subscription starts at $29/year per site; hardware (e.g., gateways) sold separately from $129+.
LibreNMS
specializedAuto-discovering network monitoring tool that tracks router performance, ports, and billing data via SNMP.
Seamless Oxidized integration for automated router configuration backups and version control
LibreNMS is an open-source, auto-discovering network monitoring platform that excels in tracking router performance, interfaces, protocols like BGP/OSPF, CPU/memory usage, and traffic patterns. It supports vast device discovery via SNMP, ICMP, and NetFlow, delivering dashboards, graphs, and alerting for proactive management. While not a full configuration management tool, it integrates with Oxidized for config backups, making it suitable for monitoring-heavy router oversight in diverse environments.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing fees
- Broad router and device support including BGP/OSPF monitoring
- Scalable with distributed polling and Oxidized config backups
Cons
- Complex initial setup requiring Linux server and dependencies
- Primarily monitoring-focused, lacks native config provisioning
- Can be resource-intensive for very large deployments without tuning
Best For
Budget-conscious network admins in SMBs or enterprises needing robust router monitoring and basic config tracking.
Pricing
Free open-source software (self-hosted, no paid tiers).
Nagios XI
enterpriseEnterprise monitoring solution for router availability, performance metrics, and configuration tracking.
Vast plugin ecosystem for highly tailored router monitoring, including advanced SNMP traps and performance graphing
Nagios XI is a robust IT infrastructure monitoring platform that provides comprehensive network monitoring capabilities, including for routers, via SNMP, ICMP, NetFlow, and custom plugins to track uptime, bandwidth, CPU/memory usage, and interface status. It offers alerting, dashboards, reporting, and capacity planning to help manage router health proactively. While strong in monitoring, it lacks native configuration backup, deployment, or compliance tools found in dedicated router management software, requiring plugins or integrations for advanced management.
Pros
- Highly customizable monitoring with thousands of plugins for router-specific metrics
- Scalable for enterprise networks with multi-site support via Nagios Fusion
- Detailed reporting and alerting for proactive router issue detection
Cons
- No built-in configuration management, backup, or firmware deployment
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Dated web interface compared to modern tools
Best For
Experienced network admins in large environments needing advanced monitoring for routers integrated with broader IT oversight.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at $1,995 for Standard Edition (100 nodes), up to $19,995+ for Enterprise; requires annual maintenance (~20% of license cost).
Conclusion
The top three router management tools excel in distinct areas: SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager leads with robust automation, comprehensive configuration workflows, and seamless change management, making it the standout choice. ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager follows with reliable backup, restore, and scheduling capabilities for compliance needs. Cisco DNA Center distinguishes itself with centralized policy-based automation and enterprise-grade analytics, serving as a strong alternative for large networks.
Take the first step toward efficient router management—try SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager to automate tasks, ensure compliance, and keep networks running smoothly.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
