Documentation forNetwork Topology Mapper

Getting Started with Network Topology Mapper (NTM)

  See this video: Automate Network Discovery and Mapping with SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper.

Scan and map your IT infrastructure:

  • Network devices
  • Servers
  • Virtualization hosts and more

Why use NTM?

  • Automate device discovery and mapping: Automatically discover network topology using ICMP, SNMP, WMI, CDP, VMware, Microsoft Hyper-V, and leverage multiple network discovery methods.
  • Build multiple maps from a single scan: Build maps without having to rescan to save resources, bandwidth, and time.
  • Export network diagrams to Vision: Export network diagrams to Visio, Network Atlas, PDF, and more.
  • Auto-detect changes to Network Topology Mapper: Monitor for new devices, changes and unknown systems to ensure and accurate, up-to-date record of your network.
  • Maintain multiple network maps to meet regulatory compliance: Use network maps to help meet compliance requirements for PCI, SOX, HIPSS and FIPS 140‑2.

NTM vs Network Atlas

NTM NPM

Topology-based approach: see where things are connected, ignore things not relevant.

When you already have everything in NPM and just want to extend your maps.

One map is rarely enough to comprehensively discover your environment: you can designate sub-admins to discover just their segments of network.

NA maps can be rolled-up: when you need the maps to contain applications, systems, services, interfaces, IPSLAs

Maps are updated automatically

Maps in Network Atlas are static: you need to update them manually

Create a map

  1. Create a new scan:
    1. Click New Scan.
    2. Add SNMP community strings, WMI and VMware credentials.
    3. Identify the network segment (subnet, IP ranges).
    4. You can ignore nodes that only respond to ICMP (ping).
    5. Kick off the scan.
    6. Map is created.
  2. Rearrange objects on the map, add devices or delete devices you don't want to see.
  3. Save the map.
  4. Export (Network Atlas Maps, PDF and Maps, PNG, or Visio).
  5. Create reports (such as make an inventory report and export it to csv).

Tips

  • Nodes discovered are shown on the left.
  • Change which links are displayed.
  • Most environments cannot be described by a single map. Create multiple purpose-filled maps.
  • Create a map focused on the network gear of a site.
  • Drag and drop required switches.
  • Publish to SharePoint: Export to Visio and export it.
  • Raw tabular data: Generate inventory report, export to CSV, and save.