Documentation forNetwork Topology Mapper

Frequently Asked Questions for NTM

What does "Requests made" mean in discovery?

Request made represents the sum of the SNMP, WMI, VMware and ICMP requests sent by the NTM discovery engine to all of the nodes. This number will increment through the discovery process and will be several times larger than the number of nodes discovered.

Why does my map show unidentified devices or unknown device types connected to one of my routers or switches?

NTM can determine that an unknown device is connected to a specific interface on a fully discovered device using the IP address of the discovered device’s interfaces and the IP address of the unknown device.

Why are some unknown devices shown with no connectivity?

Devices that only respond to ICMP and cannot be determined to be directly connected to a known device can only be shown as unknown devices. Use the Ignore nodes that only respond to ICMP (ping) discovery option to discover only connected devices.

What database does NTM use?

NTM 2.3 uses Microsoft SQL Server Compact 4.0 SP1. You have to install the database manually before installing NTM 2.3. The database is not accessible from outside the system on which NTM is installed.

What does the log adjuster tool do?

Log adjuster allows you to change the level of event logging for NTM. This may be required if you are troubleshooting an issue with SolarWinds Technical Support. Do not change the settings in this tool unless you are requested to do so by Technical Support.

What does the Create Tech diagnostic file tool do?

The diagnostics tool creates files for SolarWinds Technical Support. This may be required if you are troubleshooting an issue with SolarWinds Technical Support. Do not use this tool unless you are requested to do so by Technical Support.

What does the Grab SNMPWalk tool do?

The SNMPWalk tool begins with the specified Root OID and queries the device for each OID in sequence, displaying its current value.

What does the Discovery Log Utility do?

For any node discovery the Discovery Log records devices for which SNMP information could not be retrieved.

How long does it take to complete a discovery?

The length of discovery depends on several factors including:

  • The IP range or size of the network specified.
  • The number and type of nodes discovered.
  • The number of methods used in discovery (SNMP, ICMP, VMware API, WMI).
  • The number of discovery hops allowed.
  • The number of networks directly connected to discovered devices.

What can I do to speed up discovery?

Some options include:

  • Eliminate any discovery methods that do not apply to the network.
  • Use a specific IP Address Range rather than a seed device or a subnet.
  • Use a zero hop count discovery.

What do the Spanning Tree State numbers mean?

  • 1 = disabled
  • 2 = listening
  • 3 = learning
  • 4 = blocking
  • 5 = forwarding

NTM supports only Common Spanning Tree (CST) data; IEEE 802.1Q.

Which map layout option should I use?

The layout options are available to make it easier for you to use maps in a format that you prefer. You can use the layout that makes the best fit for your network and any existing maps you have.