But by querying the intermediate systems the routers you can grab more useful information, using different commands depending on how you manage the routing tables. Each router can show the route entries and the closest routers in those entries. However, most modern networks will use a routing protocol to exchange information. These protocols can be used to identify who is connected to a specific network port by listen CDP or LLDP data, or also to announce that a device is connected to a specific port.
On Linux, lldptool can be used to query the neighbors. Consider this a last resort, as the effort is often much more involved. In this case, a network card may provide this feature on client or server systems, but usually those data are quite poor and cannot replace professional network tester.
One common SMB use case is using some kind of hypervisor that can help figure out the complex network topology. Each hypervisor adds at least a virtual switch used to bridge the VM networks to the physical networks.
In most cases, those tools are used in the Wi-Fi networks to simplify the deployment and configuration. For example, with AirWave 8. Some tools can also provide access point localization and signal coverage to maximize your Wi-Fi network efficiency. Finding network topology is only one aspect. It's useful to check that it is compliant with what was designed think about an STP that may change the network topology to a non-optimal graph or also to document an unknown network.
It's also important to discover how the network is used and which kind of traffic and communication happens inside. Diagram Designer Figure C is another freeware tool that suffers like Dia from looking a bit on the outdated side. But Diagram Designer's ease of use should certainly make up for the old-school feel of the application.
Gliffy Figure D is the only Web-based tool on this list. It's easy to use and it works on any platform. With the ability to drag and drop shapes from numerous object libraries, you can have your network diagram ready in no time.
The auto-layout feature is particularly cool. It uses a wide range of sophisticated layout algorithms to automatically arrange your diagrams, saving you time and effort. No, these tools don't have the power of their costlier brethren.
But in the end, when you need a simple network diagram and you need it quickly and without an associated steep learning curve , each of the above tools will get the job done. Have you had a good experience using any of these tools? Renew Maintenance Learn about Auto-Renewal. Access the Success Center Find product guides, documentation, training, onboarding information, and support articles. Technical Support Submit a ticket for technical and product assistance, or get customer service help.
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View All Resources. Network Topology Mapper. Toggle navigation Menu. Network Topology Mapper Network mapping software built to automatically plot your network Key Features. Features Section. View all Features. How can I easily map my entire network? Learn More Learn More. Network Topology Mapper is an industry favorite.
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