Best Tool to discover and map network

[aalhajjah]

Hello,

I am having a hard time deciding on best tool to discover our network and map it in a cost-effective manner. Our network is close to 300 hosts and 10 servers. We have cisco switches, routers, and pix. I would like to map it in a way that it updates itself if changes occur. Also, is there a way to display the configurations of the mapped devices. I appreciate all the help.

Thanks.

[jpb]

I've found the Fluke LAN Mapshot software to be an excellent tool to discover and map out a local subnet. It will discover the network and create Visio drawing based on Spanningtree, host, printers, or servers. You can even demo it for 14 days (some maps are disabled in the demo). Price is $400.00 US.

[d.rehfeldt]

For a low cost configuration management solution that I have found useful and feature packed, take a look at Kiwi CatTools at http://www.kiwisyslog.com/products.htm#cattools

You could roll your own Perl scripts, or use those available for free via the Cisco-centric Open Source Community at http://cosi-nms.sourceforge.net/

Your small network of 300 hosts and 10 servers should be easy to diagram in Visio or one of the many diagramming software products. Using a computer with linux you can map your network with Nmap and diagram with the Dia program for free.

[Benjamin Story]

I would recommend NeDi. It is a set of scripts and a web page that allows for dynamic mapping using CDP. It also archives your configs and does some arp tracking. http://nedi.web.psi.ch

[kirk.yapp]

Fluke's Network Inspector can map everything out for you...however it costs mucho $$$. Maybe IPswitch Whatsup Gold, at least its cheaper.

[funsok217]

For a cheap option, I suggest you try IP-tools www.ks-soft.net/ip-tools.eng . You can discover devices on different subnets using this tool. Ipswitch What's up Gold can also be used to map the devices and monitor them real time.