SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper is a highly sophisticated network topology tool offering a wide range of functionalities. This network mapping solution can automatically discover and map your complete network topology, displaying the structure and how each component connects in easy-to-interpret, dynamic diagrams. Here are the six best choices for network mapping software in the market: SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper This software has been consistently cited as the editor’s choice in many review websites for a good reason. First, it can automate both device discovery and mapping.

Throughout my career in TCP/IP networking (mainly with Cisco products) I have learned a very important lesson: Spending some time to create Documentation for your projects will pay dividends down the road. An important part of this Documentation is a network diagram/topology of your Network project.

Moreover, another primary task you will need to perform when managing and monitoring a network is to map it.

Most network monitoring tools feature the network mapping functionality natively, with autodiscovery mechanisms that display your entire list of equipment inventory.

Nonetheless, an automated mapper isn’t always the best solution. In some cases, you would be much better off if you could create a custom topology diagram via a graphical Network Diagram Software.

This is especially the case if you’re designing a new network or intend to expand an existing one. In such cases, autodiscovery will be helpful but, most importantly, creating a custom Diagram of your network will help you understand how each device is interconnected and will greatly help in troubleshooting problems.

In this post, we list the 15 best network diagram software and topology mapper tools, including both free and paid options. The list of the tools below is in no particular order.

Table of Contents

#1 Draw.io (FREE)

Draw.io is one of my favourite free options.

It is completely online (browser based) and features an accessible and responsive interface with the main drawing area in the middle and the tools/devices column on the left.

When you visit the website it will ask you to create a new Diagram or open an existing one.

Clicking on “Create New Diagram” will open up various categories of schematics that you can start designing. Usually I select the “Network” category as shown below:

After selecting the “Network” (or any other category) you will be presented with several ready-made sample diagrams as shown below:

Just click one of the ready-made diagrams and then click the “Create” button to start modifying/editing the selected diagram or maybe delete everything and create your own from scratch.

From the moment you start using the tool, you have the option to save your work to cloud services like OneDrive and Google Drive, though you don’t need to sign up for an account to use the service.

You also have the option of connecting Draw.io to your Google account, which give you functional real-time collaboration, where you can work on projects simultaneously with others.

The main drawback of Draw.io is that it doesn’t create very detailed and very high-resolution diagrams. However, for day-to-day work or for documenting your network it will serve you just fine.

#2 Microsoft Visio (PAID)

Visio is a high-end design tool that can create charts, diagrams, flow-charts, engineering designs, floor plans etc. It has been the de facto standard for quite a while.

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The main feature of Visio is in its use of object stencils as primary components. There are many different sets of stencils for all kinds of use, including a rich array of network symbols or network equipment.

Some manufacturers (e.g. Cisco) provide downloadable Visio stencils that you can use with your network diagrams.

Originally Visio started as a desktop application (like Microsoft Word, Excel etc) and can create high-resolution diagrams (300 dpi or more) with any size you want. Now, there is a web based version (Visio for the Web) which helps you work together on diagrams from a web browser, from almost anywhere in the world.

It is the most comprehensive network diagram tool and I use it extensively in my professional work environment.

Current Pricing:

• $299.99 for Standard Edition
• $589.99 for Professional Edition
• License per user for the Pro version in Office 365

#3 SmartDraw (PAID)

SmartDraw’s network diagram software aims to provide the easiest and fastest way to create network diagrams. They also claim on their website that the tool is easier than Visio and more powerful than Microsoft Office.

Being web-based, it can run on any computer or tablet.

To use it, you only need to view some examples, choose a template, add your network design symbols of choice, input the necessary information, and that’s it.

SmartDraw will handle the rest for you. It ideally aligns everything automatically, and applies a professional look making sure the final diagram is presentation-ready.

Current Pricing:

• $9.95/User Per Year for the Enterprise Edition

#4 LucidChart (FREE+PAID)

This is another one of the well-known network diagramming platforms that actually packs an incredible punch. For anyone looking to fast track their diagram production and process management, then LucidChart could be the best solution for you.

From the start, you can jump right into a template and start making your diagram. While there isn’t any native autodiscovery features here, LucidChart is now compatible with UVexplorer, which you can use as a plugin for autodiscovery purposes.

Current Pricing:

• Free single user license (with limits)
• $9.95/User Per Month for the Pro Version

#5 ConceptDraw (PAID)

For small and medium sized businesses, ConceptDraw stands out as a great mapping and diagram program on this list. Clearly inspired by Microsoft’s Visio, the user interface lets you create a variety of diagrams for your network environment and export Visio files.

While it might look like a generic network schematic tool, ConceptDraw has quite the depth required to build complex network designs.

Moreover, features like Smart Connector and Building Plan Designer allow you to automate the entire process of creating network diagrams.

This makes it ideal for organizations that have to keep up with dynamic environments. The program is also easy to use, and if you are conversant with Microsoft Word, you can easily find your way around it in no time.

It is a desktop app for Windows and MAC.

Current Pricing:

• $199 per license

#6 Creately (FREE+PAID)

This is a rather neat drawing creation tool with specialized icons and templates for network diagrams.

As a pure design tool, Creately doesn’t feature any form of autodiscovery. Nonetheless, you can use it alongside a basic network explorer like LANTopoLog to make the most out of it.

Creately comes with a huge selection of templates, each with its own set of icons. The available layouts include WAN views that feature cloud and city icons. There’s also a collaboration feature that enable you to give viewing or editing access to other users.

It works on both Cloud (web based) and Desktop options.

Current Pricing:

• $75 Desktop Personal (paid once)
• $349 Desktop Team – 5 users (paid once)
• $5/month Personal (Cloud)
• $25/month 5-user Team (Cloud)
• Free Option (for 5 public Documents)

#7 Visual Paradigm (PAID)

This is an online diagram creation tool that supports a wide range of technical and business types of diagrams, including flowcharts, UML, ERD, ArchiMate, Mind Maps, DFD, Floor plan, Org. Chart, and BPMN.

Visual Paradigm online provides you with a free online workspace that lets you create an unlimited number of shapes and diagrams.

Current Pricing:

• Ranging between $99 and $1999 for the Perpetual License
• Ranging between $6/mo and $89/mo for subscription License

#8 Edraw (PAID)

This is a general plan, map, and chart creation tool that features some awesome formats specialized for network topology schematics.

The editor includes libraries of IT and network equipment in different styles, including 3D, Basic, and Detailed. It also has a rich library of icons, meaning you can create network diagrams that look as though they came from a professional company.

There are separate and specialized libraries and examples of different diagram types focused on Cisco Networks, Azure, AWS diagrams, Rack schematics, LDAP, Active Directory etc.

Edraw also has a stable of products with different specialization. For network diagramming, check out Edraw Max, which has a free trial.

The tool works as Desktop app on Windows and MAC

Current Pricing:

• $179 single user Perpetual License
• $99 per year subscription license

#9 Dia Diagram Editor (FREE)

Smaller enterprises that only need an entry-level network diagramming tool should consider Dia. While the program’s overall appearance is kind of rudimentary, it somehow redeems itself with cross-OS compatibility.

Dia lets you create a wide range of network maps, and has all of the core IT component graphics so that you can clearly see what you’re dealing with.

Nonetheless, despite Dia being a great free tool, it simply isn’t capable of mapping out complex network infrastructures. For this reason, this tool is only suitable for smaller enterprises looking to experiment with a free network diagram tool.

#10 SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper (PAID)

This is easily one of the most popular and recommended network topology tools available today. SolarWinds ideally features all of the fundamental components you’d expect from a premium network topology program (including network monitoring), however with a “spicy” price tag.

It comes with an autodiscovery feature, which can be scheduled to detect new devices automatically and scale routinely based on the network infrastructure.

What sets this program apart is the autodiscovery feature. It really helps to get your diagram mapping completed without wasting lots of time building one from scratch using templates.

After scanning the network to map it graphically, you can export the network diagram to Visio format so that you can edit or enhance it accordingly. Moreover, any changes to the actual network are auto-detected by the tool.

Current Pricing:

• $1495

#11 Intermapper (PAID)

The Intermapper tool includes an automatic discovery and mapping feature that gets you started fast when it comes to creating your own plan. Intermapper’s autodiscovery system can plot both a virtualization and a physical network topology.

Its graphics editor features a library of icons, with the option of creating your own. The tool is also capable of storing network performance data to help with SLA compliance reporting and capacity planning. The free plan limits you to monitoring only 10 devices, and the paid version is available for a one-off fee or as a subscription service.

#12 Network Notepad (FREE + PAID)

This includes both a commercial (Notepad Professional) and a Freeware edition specifically made for drawing and mapping network elements.

Although Network Notepad lacks extensive autodiscovery capabilities, it does come with the CDP discovery tool that helps to discover all network neighbours in the topology. This CDP add-on also lets the user search through the network and pull information from the devices.

You can optionally expand to the paid software: The Network Notepad Professional Edition, and transform it into a network monitoring tool by integrating with NNMonitor, a Ping scanner utility.

Both the Free and Pro versions run only on Windows machines.

Current Pricing:

• £26 GBP (per PC license) for the Professional Edition

#13 LanFlow (PAID with free trial)

Produced by Pacestar Software, the LanFlow Net Diagrammer includes libraries of both 2D and 3D icons, which enable you to create your own network topology maps.

You can also create your own icons or import icons from another graphics tool. The editor uses the drag and drop feature, which lets you choose icons from a side panel and then place them onto a design board. While this is a paid product, it’s possible to get an evaluation copy on a 30-day free trial.

This is a purely network diagram utility and is used by many Cisco professionals and students preparing for certifications.

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Current Pricing:

• $99 single user license
• $179 two-users license
• $259 three-users license
• etc

#14 netTerrain (PAID)

netTerrain is a cloud-based product of Graphical Networks, a company that produces a wide range of network management software.

netTerrain is a network documentation system that compiles the hardware inventory and generates network topology diagrams by probing the network.

Keep in mind that you don’t need to stick with the generated diagrams as the program lets you adjust the topology to meet the unique needs of your project.

The tool also supports network reorganization and capacity planning. The extra features let you identify and shut down any security weaknesses within your network. The tool is also compatible with Visio, meaning you can exchange data from netTerrain Logical to a whole variety of tools aligned with Visio.

Current Pricing:

• $98/mo single user (250 devices)
• $198/mo 5-users (500 devices)
• $498/mo 20-users (1000 devices)

#15 LanTopoLog (FREE)

This is a free (shareware) network mapping tool created by enthusiasts. While you won’t get a physical layout of your network from this tool, the information displayed in the mapper will give you a straightforward representation of all the data you need from the network rather quickly.

LanTopoLog also features a network discovery capability based on SNMP. The resulting diagram, which is automatically generated, ideally shows every device in your network, along with the other devices that it connects to.

The result is a rich schematic tree structure with IP addresses, host names, and port numbers of every device in the network and its corresponding connections. It even includes a Ping monitoring tool to visualize which devices are up and which are down.

For a free tool, it works pretty good if you don’t want more fancy features.

Closing Summary

As you can already see from the list above, there’s no shortage of network diagramming tools available to you, no matter the intended use.

These tools range from rudimentary mapping solutions with autodiscovery features to sophisticated graphical solutions with or without autodiscovery capability.

Each tool has its own pros and cons, and the best tool for your project will depend on your specific use case and the nature of your network.

IT software technology is advancing at a rapid pace, with the internet of things, cloud, automation, and machine learning making networks and network management activities more complex and interdependent. As networks grow and become more complicated, it’s increasingly important for administrators to have access to the tools necessary to conduct essential network monitoring and management operations. One such tool is a network mapper, also known as a network topology mapper.

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Unfortunately, choosing the right network mapping tool for your business isn’t easy. The market for network mapping software can leave buyers feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. Do you need an open-source network mapping tool, a free network mapping tool, or a commercial network mapper? Though some of these considerations will be decided by preference, others will come down to the range of each tool’s features, their suitability for business use, and their overall user-friendliness. To help you make the right decision and to save you from spending hours trawling the internet for information, we’ve reviewed the best network topology tools on the market in this guide. To account for a diverse range of needs, we’ve included free network mapping tools, open-source network mapping tools, and commercial network mapping tools.

Overall, SolarWinds^® Network Topology Mapper comes most highly recommended. This network topology tool is well-suited for businesses small and large, as it provides a scalable but user-friendly network mapping solution. If you’d like to try SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper, a 14-day free trial is available. Read on to find out how other tools compare.

What Is Network Mapping?

Network mapping refers to a process involving logically and visually creating a map of a network to help users better understand how the different components connect. Network performance tools often include network mapping utilities because network mapping plays an important role in network optimization. There are also dedicated network mapping and network topology tools.

Network maps can be valuable resources, particularly when administrators are conducting performance monitoring activities. This is because maps can help administrators identify and locate performance bottlenecks, and they give administrators insight into how they can find opportunities for improvement. By leveraging network maps to inform network performance optimization, you can improve service quality for your end users.

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To help you choose the right network mapping software for your company, here is our comparison of some of the best network topology tools on the market.

1. SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper

SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper is a highly sophisticated network topology tool offering a wide range of functionalities. This network mapping solution can automatically discover and map your complete network topology, displaying the structure and how each component connects in easy-to-interpret, dynamic diagrams.

Network Topology Mapper offers several discovery method options, including ICMP, CDP, SNMP, Hyper-V, WMI, and VMware. There are also multiple export options, with support for exports to PDF, PNG, and Microsoft Office Visio. Network Topology Mapper combines automation with the ability to perform manual tasks and adjustments when necessary, one of its many benefits. For example, you can manually connect devices on the network. You can also customize network node details for map objects.

This tool also lets users schedule updated exports to the Orion^® Platform Network Atlas and create multiple maps from a single scan, which helps you save bandwidth and time. You can also schedule network scans to automatically detect changes in network topology and add any new devices to existing maps.

These are just a few examples of Network Topology Mapper’s comprehensive range of utilities. With its automated capabilities, this user-friendly network mapping tool can free up resources and time so your team can focus on other important operations. You can try Network Topology Mapper free for 14 days.

2. Paessler PRTG Network Monitor

PRTG Network Monitor’s network mapping features include an auto-discovery utility designed to detect all your IT components, including firewalls, routers, switches, applications, servers, virtual servers, and storage systems. These components are integrated into network topology maps, which can be modified with the easy-to-use drag-and-drop map editor. You can leverage custom HTML to generate multi-layer maps, allowing you to drill down through the layers quickly and easily to identify and locate errors.

This is an extremely versatile tool offering capabilities far beyond network topology mapping. Because of this, PRTG Network Monitor is best suited for companies hoping to combine network mapping utilities with other monitoring solutions, such as server performance monitoring, virtual environment monitoring, or LAN monitoring.

PRTG Network Monitor includes 100 free sensors, which you can use to build your own network mapping tool. Although there is an obvious benefit to having a tool with so much flexibility, PRTG Network Monitor can be expensive once you use up your free sensors. A 30-day free trial of PRTG Network Monitor’s unlimited edition is available.

3. ManageEngine OpManager

ManageEngine OpManager provides an automated network mapping solution designed to allow you to configure network maps with minimal effort and time. OpManager automatically generates a complete map of your IT infrastructure, classifying network devices and mapping them to a core router. With this tool, you can create 3-D visualizations of rack servers, detailed topology maps, and much more.

The network mapping tool included with OpManager is sophisticated and versatile, ensuring your network maps are always up-to-date by performing periodic network scans. This tool’s network maps can be customized according to your preferred layout and with network seed device details. OpManager also supports collaboration between team members and departments by allowing you to share network maps and diagrams. You can export to Microsoft Visio, making it especially easy to share and collaborate on maps.

OpManager’s network maps represent the most recent status of your network and use color-coded icons for ease of interpretation. These maps function like a real-time Visio diagram, allowing administrators to identify network issues at a glance and drill down into problematic devices. This tool helps you understand the relationship between parent and dependent devices and enables you to effectively prioritize network issues so you can kick-start remediation quickly.

You can download a 30-day free trial of OpManager here.

4. Nmap

You can run Nmap on Linux, Windows, and macOS X and link it with other tools in the Nmap suite, including Ncat, Nping, Ndiff, and Zenmap. Getting used to Nmap can be challenging, as it comes with an initial learning curve, but once you’re familiar with the tool, it can be useful. As a free tool, it’s unlikely to be scalable enough for business use. You can download Nmap here.

5. Datadog Network Performance Monitoring

Datadog, a big name in IT infrastructure monitoring and management, provides a network performance monitoring tool with a tag-based approach to network mapping. This tool can monitor performance for both cloud-based and on-premises networks, and it offers an impressive range of network monitoring utilities. This includes the ability to map network traffic flow between containers, hosts, availability zones, teams, services, and any other useful tag category.

With Datadog Network Performance Monitoring, you can gain full visibility into your network’s traffic as well as infrastructure metrics, logs, and traces. You can access all this information through the centralized, user-friendly console. By combining metric-based and flow-based monitoring, this tool gives you deep insight into your network environment. With this solution, network topology maps are interactive, which allows you to engage directly with the data and assists with rapid identification of traffic bottlenecks.

As a solution you can use with hybrid and cloud-based networks, Datadog Network Performance Monitoring has some notable advantages. It’s easy to use and navigate, although some users have reported the console feels cluttered. You can sign up for a 14-day free trial of Datadog here.

6. Nagios XI

Nagios XI is another open-source network mapping tool well-known as a powerful and dependable solution. Nagios XI can provide comprehensive and efficient network and IT infrastructure monitoring, offering a centralized view of your network and everything happening within it.

This tool features a customizable dashboard where you can view network devices, hosts, and services. From here, administrators can proactively view and troubleshoot network problems. Other key features include automated network discovery, support for bulk host imports, and the ability to save your latest configurations.

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With Nagios XI’s intelligent user interface, you can customize the program’s design and layout as well as your user preferences. This secure solution makes setting up and managing user accounts easy. Although it’s well suited to users who prefer the flexibility of open-source solutions, Nagios XI is unlikely to be appropriate for enterprise environments. You can download Nagios XI here.

Choosing the Right Network Mapper

As this guide has demonstrated, there are plenty of options available on the market for businesses and IT professionals looking for a network topology mapping tool. Overall, the most versatile and reliable of these products is SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper. This tool offers a specialized and comprehensive approach to network mapping, giving you access to all the capabilities necessary to support and streamline your network monitoring and management activities. If you’d like to try SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper, a 14-day free trial is available.