Network Diagram and Documentation
I am looking for a free tool that can help me setup the current environment that i have. I work for the hospital and the network is all over. I am looking for some software, that will go out and grab everything for me, if possible, and draw it out. Any recommendations would be helpful ... i have Citrix, AIX, Linux, Microsoft, Cisco, etc environment.
Software/Hardware used:
Software/Hardware used:
ASKED:
August 27, 2009 7:29 PM
UPDATED:
April 4, 2012 2:55 PM
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Answer Wiki:
Check out the <a href="http://www.netscantools.com/spmapmain.html">Switch Port Mapping Tool</a> from NetScanTools. This question has also been asked before on this site so you should be able to search for <a href="http://itknowledgeexchange.techtarget.com/itanswers?s=automated+network+diagram&searchtype=IT+Answers">previous answers here</a>.
Another good tool if the switches are Cisco is the Cisco Network Assistant tool. You can get that on the Cisco website.
You can also use Cisco Packet tracer , a software with which you can try creating simulation of real world scenario.(Download it from Cisco site)
There is also a free add on to Visio available here : http://www.bestsecuritytips.com/xfsection+article.articleid+184.htm
To see all answers submitted to the Answer Wiki: View Answer History.
The problem with all these tools is that they can miss some devices, which you are likely to find in the network, such as unmanaged layer 2 devices and hubs. Use these tools to get a ‘rough’ idea of the network topology, then go round and physically map all the elements. Get yourself some cable tie labels, and label the important cables around the network, as you go, and document what is in the distribution cabinets.
Doing this process, although laborious, will make it much easier to manange in the future. And if you keep it up to date, your sucessor will know what a good guy you were, as you will have saved him the same heartache !
A network analyzer such as OmniPeek or CommView may help as well.
Just in case you read this …..
http://www.spiceworks.com/signup/thankyou.php
check it out
NetBrain’s Personal Edition is a free network diagram tool. It can create dynamic diagram in seconds and document your diagram with just one-click. But it has some limitations such as it just supporting up to 6 devices.
If you have budget, I recommend you to try its Operator Edition. It’s a really cool network diagramming and network documentation tool. You can try it here: http://www.netbraintech.com/instant-trial
Also, you can find other free tools for network diagramming recommended by others here:
http://www.techmixer.com/free-diagram-software-to-replace-visio-for-diagramming-purpose/
SpiceWorks has a pretty good one:
http://www.spiceworks.com/free-network-mapping-software/