Network diagramming software comparison

Intermapper runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. If you want to give Intermapper a try before you commit, you can access a day free trial here. Lucidchart is a flowchart creation topology tool offering specialized icon libraries suitable for a range of industries, including network topology. Lucidchart lets you import and export maps in multiple formats, including Microsoft Visio.

This is a useful feature because it allows you to import maps of existing networks from any solution that can export in Visio format. Alternatively, you can use Lucidchart to automatically generate a diagram from data. Although not as versatile as some other network diagram tools, which are often included as part of a broader network monitoring solution, Lucidchart offers a comprehensive approach to creating network diagrams. This tool gives you access to more than templates and provides a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface for customizing your diagrams.

With this tool, you can work together and share feedback quickly, no matter where your colleagues are. Another key benefit of using Lucidchart is its ability to integrate with multiple tools, including Atlassian, Slack, Microsoft Office, Salesforce, and G Suite. With support for all major operating systems and native mobile applications, Lucidchart can enrich your existing applications and increase productivity.

Lucidchart enterprise edition is well-suited to businesses of all sizes, providing advanced security protocols, a simple admin interface, and business support. This tool was designed to help your organization work together smoothly, whether you want to create new cloud architecture or accelerate sales. The Team edition of Lucidchart is available to try for free for seven days.

ConceptDraw Diagram is a tool for creating network maps with specialized icons and templates for network mapping. You can import and export maps in different formats, including Visio. This tool can be bought as a standalone product or as part of a tool package called ConceptDraw Office, which includes project management and planning features. You can install this software on Windows or macOS. A free trial is available. Network Notepad offers several editions.

The first is Network Notepad Professional, a commercial application for creating network diagrams. This tool features tabbed multi-page diagrams, customizable shapes, grouping and locking, and the ability to rotate text and objects. Network Notepad Enterprise Edition includes all the features of the Professional Edition and new controls to allow multiple users to collaborate on network designs.

NNMonitor supports logging and email alerts. A freeware edition of Network Notepad is available, but this is unlikely to be suitable for business use. The free version features a basic drag-and-drop interface and allows users to create linked diagrams and flowcharts. It supports open, text-based file format and printing, but is otherwise reasonably limited. The basic Network Notepad includes a rudimentary discovery system based on the Cisco Discovery Protocol.

The editing screen gives you access to all the icons you need to visually depict your network. While Network Notepad offers some useful features, the interface is very basic.

You can purchase Network Notepad here. Edraw Max is powerful all-in-one network diagramming software that allows you to draw flowcharts, fishbone diagrams, design floorplans, UML diagrams, office layouts, and much more. You can create more than types of diagrams, from technical diagrams to dynamic infographics.

This solution includes a huge number of professionally designed templates and symbols, helping you get inspired and hit the ground running with your design. You can get started with Edraw Max quickly and easily, with access to powerful toolkits that let you customize every detail of your diagrams. The interface is intuitive and user friendly, making this a good option for beginners. Edraw editor includes libraries of network and IT equipment in different styles, including 3D, Detailed, and Basic.

Edraw installs on macOS, Linux, and Windows. A free trial is available for download. Just something to keep in mind when downloading it. The newer versions of Visio now have added functionality that allows people to comment on your Diagrams through either Visio itself or through a Browser using Sharepoint and even goes as far as built in Instant messaging using either Microsoft Skype for Business or Lync.

Bundled into the software are over 70 pre-built templates and thousands of Shapes, including IT focused elements that represent Active Directory components, as well as detailed network components and Network appliances and routes. Visio also has shapes and components for Datacenter, help desk, HVAC layouts, Enterprise and Home network diagramming and many more options. Its truly a fully featured diagramming tool for not only business professionals, but for IT professionals who need serious diagramming capabilities.

One downside to Visio is the inability to scan Networks and automatically populate your diagram for you natively, although you can do this with an add-on for Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer called Visio Connector , which can be used to scan your network and view the results in a fairly thorough Visio diagram.

We've reviewed all the aforementioned Network Mapping Software packages listed above and Highly Recommended you do the same, as each software has its pro's and con's and Extensive list of Features and Functionality. If you need a piece of software that will automatically map out Network Diagrams for you and keep it up-to-date, then try one of the software packages from above. You then have the option to adjust the layout. Runs on Windows and Windows Server.

Start day free trial. This is a cloud-based system. Available for Windows Server and Linux. ConceptDraw Pro This design tool has libraries of icons that are specific to networking, such as typical depictions of switches, routers, servers, and desktops. The package can also be used to create other types of charts, diagrams, and presentations.

Runs on Windows and macOS. Lucidchart This diagram design tool comes with a series of templates to depict different types of network diagrams, such as L2, L3, and security views. Intermapper A network discovery and automated topology mapper that also supports network performance monitoring. Diagram Designer Free A nice, free diagramming tool that you can also get the source code for.

Installs on Windows. LanFlow A diagram editing tool with icons for network topology mapping. Network Notepad A network diagram designer with an autodiscovery add-on to automatically collect network topology data. Available in free and paid versions, this tool installs on Windows.

Available for Windows and Windows Server. What should you look for in network mapping tools? We reviewed the market for network diagram topology software and analyzed the tools based on the following criteria: A range of options that include monitoring tools and graphics editors The ability to demonstrate different device types with specific icons The option to amend generated network maps Layout options, such as connections, site, and world views Export capabilities to integrate layout images into presentations and documents An opportunity for a cost-free assessment through a free trial or a demo system Value for money that is provided by a tool that has additional capabilities With these selection criteria in mind, we have assessed available network mapping tools, including software for all the major operating systems.

Editors Rating. Reviews Tutorials hardware Software Search for:. Cons: Would like to see a longer trial period. Pros: Has one of the best interfaces for network mapping Uses live network mapping to pull in new devices, and reflects changes in the network right away Features data flow analysis to help administrators understand dependencies as well as performance metrics between devices The subscription model makes DataDog accessible to any size business.

Cons: Would like to see a longer 30 day trial period. Pros: Supports network and server monitoring capabilities built into the topology map Has an option to simulate and track physical connections, great for messy switches and larger complex networks Uses both Ping and SNMP to discover devices, making it more thorough than some smaller tools Maps are automatically redrawn when a device changes, keeping it up to date and accurate every time it is viewed Available on both Linux and Windows.

Cons: Is a feature-rich tool that requires time spent with the product to fully learn all of its features. Pros: Lightweight tool that uses very little system resources Supports Visio file format Integrates well with other tools like Office and Google, making it a flexible option for users who use those tools Supported on Windows and Mac. Cons: No auto-discover functionality Does not support live devices in any way, is strictly a charting software Graphics and interface feel outdated.

Pros: Uses a simple color scheme and interface that makes maps look great Features a free and paid version Can import maps saved in Visio format, making this a good option if you plan to ditch Visio Team version allows for collaboration Is available multi-platform as well as on iOS and Android devices.

It automatically discovers and maps out your network topology and shows you the structure of your network in easy-to-view diagrams. From a single network scan, NTM can build multiple maps, allowing you to compare and choose the map best suited to your needs.

You can try NTM free for 14 days. For a more comprehensive network topology mapper with additional features, I recommend SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor.

NPM includes packet-level network topology insights including cloud and VMware environments and also offers great Wi-Fi heat mapping tools. You can see hop-by-hop packet paths and instantly know where issues are occurring. NPM includes troubleshooting features and alerts and is designed to be an easily scalable and reliable centralized network management tool. This is my pick if you want a truly comprehensive tool for provisioning and maintaining your network topology.

You can get more information about the features of this network mapping tool here. PRTG Network Monitor is another comprehensive network topology mapping software offering network monitoring for the entire network, including network traffic, application performance, cloud services, and database capacity as well as network uptime, security, and hardware longevity.

You can use it for network topology mapping, as it allows you to create maps using the PRTG map designer. This software is on the pricier end for what it offers. Another great option for network mapping software is the Intermapper tool by HelpSystems. The Intermapper tool has both network mapping and network performance monitoring features, and it has cross-vendor support for Cisco, Apple, Dell, and more. With an intuitive and clear display, it provides a fully customizable network map, allowing you to see real-time network health with color-coded animations.

You can choose either device-based pricing or a flat fee for unlimited devices. Visio is the Microsoft diagramming and vector application for creating maps and charts including network maps. Generally, automatic network mapping tools may be more suitable for troubleshooting and security purposes.