Network Discovery Tools

IT asset management and system performance monitoring require a comprehensive understanding of all devices connected to a network. The network acts as the primary territory for monitoring, and without knowing every piece of equipment, effective management is impossible.

One of the most efficient ways to catalog network devices is through agentless discovery tools. These tools can automatically identify and document all connected devices, providing a clear and up-to-date inventory. Here are some of the best agentless discovery tools for IT asset management:

Faddom (Editor’s Choice): This system documentation package performs network discovery and generates an inventory and a network topology map. It also offers an application discovery service that creates an application dependency map. Faddom is available as a virtual appliance and offers a 14-day free trial.
ManageEngine OpManager (Free Trial): A robust network monitoring tool that supports agentless discovery to identify and map all devices in your infrastructure. Its intuitive network topology map updates in real time. You can start with a free 30-day trial.
FirstWave Open-Audit: This IT asset discovery tool scans the network and catalogs all connected devices. It then scans each endpoint to generate a software inventory. It runs on Windows Server and Linux.
ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus: An on-premises solution that uses SNMP to track all equipment on the network. It supports service desk teams with ITIL best practices. It is compatible with Windows Server and Linux.
Paessler PRTG: A collection of monitoring tools that begin by discovering all devices on the network. It provides network, server, and application monitoring. PRTG installs on Windows Server.
Nagios XI: A comprehensive monitoring toolset with a unified console for a wide range of network, server, and application monitors. It runs on Linux.
Zabbix: A free, open-source system monitoring package with an easy-to-read console and an automated discovery process. It runs on Linux.

To effectively manage your IT assets, it's crucial to choose the right discovery method. Automated digital systems are generally more reliable than manual pen-and-paper strategies. When deciding between agent-based and agentless discovery methods, consider the following:

Agent-based discovery involves installing a data collection and reporting program on each device. This method is not practical for initial discovery because you need to know about each device to install the agent.
Agentless discovery relies on existing services like DHCP, DNS, and ARP to gather information. For example, you can use the arp -a command in a command prompt or terminal window to list all devices and their IP and MAC addresses.

Understanding whether a discovery system is truly agentless can be complex. Cloud-based systems may claim to be agentless, but they often use a remote terminal session to perform queries, which is impractical. Instead, they typically download an agent to a server on the monitored network to collect and upload data.

Locally-installed network monitors also use agents, but they might market themselves as "agentless" by leveraging pre-installed SNMP agents. SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is a key mechanism for agentless discovery. It uses a central manager to send requests to all devices, and the SNMP agents on each device respond with status and device details, allowing for the creation of an up-to-date IT asset inventory.

When selecting an agentless discovery tool for IT asset management, consider the following criteria:

A central monitor that acts as an SNMP manager.
A tool that compiles data from SNMP responses.
No additional agents other than SNMP agents.
The ability to detect changes in the network and update the inventory.
Features that facilitate the timing of asset retirement.
A free trial or demo for no-obligation assessment.
Good value for money, offering efficient service at a reasonable price.

By using these criteria, you can find an SNMP-based monitoring system that will automatically compile an inventory and support effective IT asset management.

Faddom delivers comprehensive IT asset visibility through automated agentless discovery,

operating as a virtual appliance within your on-premises environment.

It continuously scans networks and servers without requiring software agents,

leveraging protocols like SNMP to identify all hardware and software assets.

This process generates detailed, dynamic inventories and visual maps:

a comprehensive network topology map with interface capacities

and an application dependency map revealing process relationships.

Continuous scanning provides inherent security benefits,

immediately detecting unauthorized rogue devices

and monitoring traffic for anomalous patterns indicating threats.

The tool supports critical network architecture initiatives,

supplying essential data for microsegmentation planning

and sizing infrastructure for cloud migration projects.

While designed for large enterprise networks,

its starting price of $10,000 for 100 nodes places it beyond typical SME budgets;

higher-tier plans unlock advanced security monitoring features.

A fully functional 14-day free trial is available for evaluation,

with the required custom virtual machine included in the installer package.

Explore Faddom further:

https://faddom.com/free-trial/

Network Monitoring Excellence: Exploring OpManager's Agentless Discovery Capabilities

OpManager by ManageEngine stands out as a comprehensive network monitoring solution that leverages agentless discovery technology to streamline IT asset management. This powerful platform automatically identifies and monitors your entire network infrastructure without requiring software installation on individual devices.

The system's discovery capabilities extend across your entire technology ecosystem, covering servers, virtual machines, applications, and network devices through a unified management console. With support for over 11,000 device templates, OpManager ensures compatibility with virtually any hardware or software in your environment.

What sets OpManager apart is its sophisticated rule engine that automates device classification and management. The platform monitors more than 3,000 performance parameters simultaneously, giving IT teams unprecedented visibility into their infrastructure health and performance metrics.

IT administrators particularly appreciate OpManager's workflow automation features that eliminate repetitive tasks. The system leverages industry-standard protocols including SNMP, WMI, ICMP, and NetFlow to collect detailed performance data without agent installation.

One of OpManager's most valuable capabilities is its dynamic network topology mapping. These visual representations automatically update in real-time, showing device dependencies and connections as they change. This feature proves invaluable during troubleshooting scenarios and capacity planning exercises.

OpManager's integration capabilities extend its functionality by connecting with complementary IT management tools, creating a cohesive ecosystem that enhances overall operational efficiency. The automated workflows can identify and remediate potential issues before they impact business operations.

The platform is particularly well-suited for medium to large enterprises requiring robust monitoring with minimal configuration effort. Managed service providers (MSPs) also benefit from OpManager's comprehensive visibility into client infrastructures.

OpManager runs on both Windows and Linux platforms with a pricing structure based on device count. The Standard Edition begins at $95 annually for 10 devices, while the Professional Edition starts at $145. A 30-day free trial allows organizations to evaluate the platform's capabilities before committing to a purchase.

Firstwave Open-Audit is a comprehensive IT asset management and auditing solution that leverages autodiscovery to create and maintain hardware and software inventories. It uses SNMP processes to gather information on all network-connected devices, storing this data in a structured database for easy access and management.

Key Features:

Continuous Monitoring: Regularly re-queries all devices to ensure the inventory remains current.
Hardware Inventory: Automatically detects and catalogs all hardware devices on the network.
Software Inventory: Tracks and records all software installations across the network.
Database Storage: Stores all discovered data in a structured database for efficient management.
License Management: Manages software licenses to ensure compliance and optimize usage.
Network Topology Mapper: Provides tools to visualize network layouts, enhancing the understanding of network structure.
Multiple Layout Views: Offers various layout formats, such as real-world maps and rack visualizations, for versatile monitoring.
Flexible Deployment Options: Available as an on-premises solution or a SaaS, catering to different organizational needs.
Configuration Management: Takes snapshots of device settings and periodically rechecks them to standardize and secure configurations.
Automation of Network Administration: Automates many aspects of network administration, reducing the manual workload.

Firstwave Open-Audit is particularly valuable for IT departments and managed service providers who need to maintain accurate and detailed inventories of their hardware and software assets. Its robust autodiscovery capabilities, along with its configuration management and network mapping features, make it an excellent tool for streamlining IT operations and ensuring compliance.

The software can be deployed on Windows Server and Linux, and there is also a SaaS version available. The on-premises system is offered as a free community edition, which includes asset discovery but lacks some advanced features. For more extensive functionality, users can opt for the Professional or Enterprise editions. The Professional edition is free for up to 20 devices and comes with a 30-day free trial of the full version.

IT Asset Management and Monitoring Tools

ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus is a versatile IT asset management solution that integrates with ITIL standards. It offers an automated asset discovery service, making it easier to maintain accurate inventories of both hardware and software. The platform comes in three editions: Standard, Professional, and Enterprise, each designed to meet varying organizational needs.

The Standard edition primarily serves as a help desk system, while the Professional edition includes advanced features such as IT asset discovery, SLA tracking, and purchase management. For more comprehensive requirements, the Enterprise edition provides additional functionalities.

Key Features:

Automated Inventories: Automatically discovers and updates hardware and software inventories, ensuring that all assets are accurately tracked.
SLA Tracking: Monitors and enforces service level agreements, improving overall service management.
Help Desk System: Offers a robust ticket management and user support system.
Purchase Management Module: Streamlines procurement processes and tracks purchases within the IT asset management framework.
Device Tracking: Discovers and catalogs endpoints, including desktops, servers, and network devices like switches and routers.
Real-Time Updates: Provides continuous, real-time updates for both hardware and software inventories, ensuring up-to-date information.
Comprehensive Help Desk: Includes a fully-featured help desk system for efficient ticket management and user support.
ITIL-Based Management: Adheres to ITIL standards, enhancing service delivery and compliance.
Flexible Deployment: Available as on-premises software for Windows Server and Linux, as well as a cloud service.
Limited Network Topology Mapping: Lacks a network topology mapping feature, which may be a drawback for users needing detailed network visualization.

ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus is particularly well-suited for medium to large enterprises that require a detailed and continuously updated asset management system. It is especially beneficial for organizations that follow ITIL practices and need integrated help desk and purchase management functionalities.

To evaluate the tool, you can take advantage of a 30-day free trial. This allows you to test its capabilities and ensure it meets your organization's specific needs.

Paessler PRTG is a versatile monitoring solution designed for networks, servers, and applications. It provides a single software package where customers can activate a specific number of sensors based on their needs. If you only need 100 sensors, the system is available for free.

Key Features:

Customizable Sensor Selection: Users can choose and activate the exact sensors they require.
SNMP-Based Monitoring: Leverages SNMP for asset discovery and continuous monitoring.
Network Topology Mapping: Equipped with tools for mapping network topology and asset dependencies.

This monitoring solution is highly adaptable and comprehensive, catering to the needs of various business sizes. The sensor-based pricing model allows organizations to tailor the system to fit their specific requirements, making it a cost-effective choice. The tool continuously updates the asset inventory and offers detailed network mapping, ensuring a well-monitored IT environment.

At the core of PRTG is the asset inventory, which is compiled and updated through an SNMP-based autodiscovery mechanism. The tool also includes a network topology mapper and an asset dependency map. While the package comes with a wide array of useful tools, careful planning is essential to ensure that only the necessary systems are activated.

As SNMP cycles run continuously, the asset inventory is automatically updated whenever a device is added, moved, or removed. Device agent notifications, known as SNMP trap messages, are interpreted into alerts by the PRTG system.

PRTG is ideal for businesses of all sizes, particularly those needing a customizable and scalable monitoring solution. It is especially beneficial for IT departments that require constant network and device monitoring, and for small businesses that can take advantage of the free version with up to 100 sensors.

Real-Time Performance Alerts: Provides immediate alerts for performance issues based on SNMP trap messages.
Automatic Inventory Updates: Keeps the network inventory current through ongoing SNMP cycles.
Free Version: Offers a free option for small businesses with up to 100 sensors.
Comprehensive Monitoring Tools: Includes a wide range of tools for thorough oversight of networks and devices.
Large Software Package: Delivers a full-featured software package even if only a few sensors are activated, which might be more than some users need.

Paessler PRTG runs on Windows Server and is available for a 30-day free trial with all sensors activated, allowing potential users to fully assess its capabilities.

Nagios XI delivers comprehensive agentless oversight of networks, servers, and applications. Its foundation lies in a well-regarded, highly stable codebase frequently emulated within the monitoring industry. A standout capability involves its continuously refreshed asset inventory, ensuring an accurate view of infrastructure components.

Extensibility defines the platform, enabled by an extensive library of free community-developed plugins. These additions unlock specialized monitoring views and enable seamless connections to external systems like Splunk for deeper analytics. Network topology visualization is included, with plugins offering flexibility in mapping layouts.

While primarily designed for Linux distributions (CentOS, RHEL, Ubuntu, Debian), deployment on Windows is feasible via VMware or Hyper-V virtual machines, though this adds complexity. The paid Nagios XI version includes a robust interface and supports a free 30-day trial.

Its free counterpart, Nagios Core, provides foundational monitoring but lacks the built-in graphical interface found in XI. This absence can hinder usability for some teams exploring the free tier.

Ultimately, Nagios XI excels for Linux-centric environments where a customizable, reliable, and extensible monitoring solution is paramount. IT professionals leverage its vast plugin ecosystem to tailor functionality precisely to their operational requirements.

Zabbix delivers robust agentless monitoring for diverse IT environments without requiring installed software on endpoints.

Leveraging SNMP protocols and ping sweeps, it automatically inventories physical and virtual assets while verifying availability status.

Configuration drift detection scans network devices for unauthorized changes, triggering immediate alerts via email, SMS or messaging platforms.

Real-time performance monitoring includes capacity forecasting tools that analyze usage trends to optimize resource allocation.

Virtual infrastructure mapping visualizes relationships between hypervisors and guest VMs for comprehensive virtualization oversight.

Customizable through free community templates, the platform adapts monitoring for specific hardware models and use cases.

Despite its strengths, organizations should note the Linux-centric deployment requirement and significant configuration complexity.

As a fully open-source solution with no commercial licensing tier, it offers zero-cost access supplemented by paid support options.

The active user community contributes extensive plug-ins for enhanced functionality across servers, networking gear and cloud platforms.

While Windows compatibility requires virtual machine implementation, distributions like Ubuntu, CentOS and Debian run natively.

Performance threshold alerts enable rapid response to degradation issues before they impact business operations.

Its steep learning curve may challenge teams without deep technical expertise compared to proprietary alternatives.

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