What it Does SolarWinds' free Network Device Monitoring
software makes it easy to check and health of a server or router. It works
in real-time and
you get a desktop dashboard that sends a 'Bat' alert if your device is
unavailable.
Devices to Check
The Network Device Monitor will lead you through setting up your device,
while it relies on SNMP, you don't have to be a MIB expert, just select from
the drop-down menus.
Routers Switch Firewalls
Pre-Built Monitors Get started with one of the
SolarWinds collection of
monitors for popular network devices. Alternatively, create your own custom
network device monitoring template.
Thanks to this free Network Device Monitor, you can compile custom MIBs to monitor virtually any statistic on an SNMP-enabled
network device.
Import (Templates) from Thwack One of my favourite buttons is
'Import from Thwack (SolarWinds forum / community).
Download templates for your NDM here.
Management Information Base (MIB) No appraisal of
Network Device Monitor would complete without a few words about MIB. The
idea is that MIBs are hardware independent, and their information files that
tell network management systems how to retrieve data using SNMP. MIB
files describe objects using a special text format (Abstract Syntax Notation
One ASN.1).
NDM Protection Hackers are always trying to invade
other people's networks. Analysis by this device monitor could give
you early warning of attacks from these invaders, as a result you could
repair problems swiftly.
I found the hardest part of the install was remembering where I
downloaded the zip file! From there it was all downhill, just a matter
of extracting the .msi file, clicking on the licence agreement, and then
watching the install wizard perform the setup.
After the install completes the Network Device gismo launches, and you are ready to
begin. Should you need locate the program later look on the
start menu, or if all else fails navigate to:
Should you need to uninstall, then go to the Control Panel, Programs,
scroll down to 'S' for SolarWinds Network Device Monitor. It's a sign of a good
freeware program that it uninstalls easily and completely. See
more on
Thwack forum.
The only real
problem is that you can only check one device at a time. To be fair,
this is a free tool, great to see if this type of monitor is of any use, if
you want to use this technology serious then SolarWinds supply, and charge
for, a 'big brother' tool called
Network Traffic Analyzer.
SolarWinds' free utility makes it easy to check the performance and health of a router or
firewall. Monitoring your devices relies on standard SNMP MIBs which are
implemented by each vendor. Download the Network Device Monitor and
then make your selection from 'Choose Monitor' pick list.
Additional Free and Trial Network Software
Here are my reviews of tried and tested applications to monitor your network. Most of these
utilities are free, while the others
are the full program, but time restricted.
SolarWinds are a great source of free specialist tools. A constant
theme is a free gadget for testing, backed-up with a comprehensive suite for
programs for larger organizations. I like the way that big companies
subsidise their smaller brethren... until they become large companies!
Guy Recommends:
SolarWinds' NPM - Network Performance Monitor
SolarWinds' performance monitor is designed for detecting network outages,
making it easy to see what's working, and what needs your attention.
This utility guides you through creating network maps; it also helps
identifying whether the
root cause is faulty equipment, or resource overload. Give NPM a try.
