PRTG connects 'Monitoring' with 'Mapping': That's the difference between PRTG and other tools
Network scanner and network mapping tools
Pure network scanners detect the network with all its components and deliver results in the form of a list. This information can then be used for creating network charts and maps using network mapping software.
But this requires a significant amount of time-consuming, manual work. Furthermore, only static maps can be created this way which themselves have no other utility except the pure network overview. Network topology mappers can display a live diagram of your physical network elements.
Create individual maps in PRTG.
Network monitoring software like PRTG
PRTG and other network monitoring tools with the mapping option, as opposed to pure network mapping solutions, or the combination of network scanners and mapping tools, deliver information on the availability and condition of detected components. Additionally, on network traffic and network performance beyond simply 'discovering and mapping the network topology'. Many of these solutions promise further assistance by 'Auto-Mapping': via network discovery, identified network devices such as switches, routers, firewalls, as well as servers or applications, are displayed in automatically-generated network maps.
However, the outcome of such auto-maps is often unsatisfactory. Many devices and even more connections are displayed one-dimensionally on over-sized maps. This might be acceptable as a 'one-off' inventory, but such cards are cluttered and unhelpful in daily use for troubleshooting and network planning.
Network mapping tools
In addition to the combination of scanners and mapping tools, there also exists complete network mapping solutions. These scan the network and integrate the identified devices directly in network diagrams and maps - so called 'auto-mapping' generating the network maps automatically.
Integrated network mapping solutions are clearly superior to the combination of network scanners and mapping tool when it comes to usability, but the automatically generated maps often not fall-short in terms of legibility: the overwhelming number of network devices and connections confuse the clarity of the results instead of producing a clear overview.
Here, a manual touch up is required - if the solution allows for this action. A further disadvantage is the limitation to scanning and mapping which does not deliver data concerning the actual condition of devices.
PRTG: Network Monitoring with Map Editor
The 'Auto-Discovery' detects all IT components from switches, routers and firewalls, servers and applications, to storage systems and virtual servers.
All of these components can be integrated quickly and easily into clear network maps using the simple 'drag & drop' built-in map editor. Using custom HTML, multi-layer maps can be generated which allows to drill-down through multiple layers while 'error searching' without hindrance.
You can use an external tool or a network topology mapper for automated layer-2 maps or maps with a large number of devices. See our overview of network mapping tools.
With the PRTG map-editor, you can create and design your own unique network maps.
The PRTG Sunburst View can be easily integrated into PRTG maps and displays all network components and their current status at a glance.
The Sunburst View in PRTG
In addition to clear and easily creatable maps, PRTG provides a surplus against the suite of pure network scanning and mapping tools: PRTG maps show not only devices and connections, but also deliver information on their status.
Adding a building plan as wallpaper shows each device's location.
Simultaneously, the PRTG Sunburst-View provides the entire network status at a glance.
Trusted by 500,000 users and recognized
by industry analysts as a leader
by industry analysts as a leader
“Fantastic network and infrastructure monitoring solution that is easy to deploy and easier still to use. Simply the best available.”
“Software is absolutely perfect, Support is superior. Meets all needs and requirements, this is a must have solution if you are needing any form of monitoring.”
“The tool excels at its primary focus of being a unified infrastructure management and network monitoring service.”
Network Diagrams
Another advantage of the PRTG-map editor is the ability to create custom network diagrams for different audiences:
For example, one map that shows all network devices for the network administrator, while the IT manager's 'overall' map uses the sunburst-view to show the entire network at a glance - including the state of all components.
Layer-2 Network Maps can be easily integrated in PRTG.
Connect network diagrams with the interactive 'Sunburst View' in PRTG
PRTG – More than just a mapping tool
Even the free PRTG trial version includes all network scanning and mapping features of PRTG.
With PRTG, Paessler AG offers a powerful, affordable, and easy-to-use unified monitoring tool. Over 500,000 administrators worldwide use our software, whether it be to monitor their server performance, LAN, virtual environments, or even the accessibility of their websites. PRTG is a network analysis solution and performance monitoring tool for Windows.
PRTG supports all important protocols like SNMP, NetFlow, WMI, or Packet Sniffing.
You want to know more about other network-related monitoring topics?
Still not convinced?
More than 500,000 sysadmins love PRTG
PRTG is used by companies of all sizes. Sysadmins love PRTG because it makes their job a whole lot easier.
Still not convinced?
Monitor your entire IT infrastructure
Bandwidth, servers, virtual environments, websites, VoIP services – PRTG keeps an eye on your entire network.
Try PRTG for free
Everyone has different monitoring needs. That’s why we let you try PRTG for free. Start now with your 30-day trial.
What's the difference between
PRTG Network Monitor & PRTG Enterprise Monitor?
is the right solution for you if
- you need to monitor up to about 500 to 1,000 devices
- knowing every detail about network and infrastructure is your main requirement
- you need one easy-to-use monitoring tool for a small or midsize IT environment
Fully functional 30-day trial version
is the right solution for you if
- you need to monitor more than 1,000 devices
- you are looking for a management overview in addition to all the details
- you are responsible for a large and distributed IT environment
|
PRTG |
Network Monitoring Software - Version 21.4.73.1656 (December 1st, 2021) |
|
Hosting |
Download for Windows and cloud-based version PRTG Hosted Monitor available |
Languages |
English, German, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Dutch, Russian, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese |
Pricing |
Up to 100 sensors for free (Price List) |
Unified Monitoring |
Network devices, bandwidth, servers, applications, virtual environments, remote systems, IoT, and more |
Supported Vendors & Applications |
|