A physical network map gives you a visual representation of all the material elements of your network and the connections between them.Ī logical map is more abstract than the physical network map. There are three levels of maps to consider-physical, logical, and functional.Ī physical network map diagrams all the actual components of your network, including cords, plugs, racks, ports, servers, cables, and more. While open-source network mapping tools can create a physical network map, they may not offer automated scanning to ensure the map is always up to date. There are two main levels of maps to consider: physical and logical. Skip to Best Network Mappers list > What Are Network Maps? For top-line solutions I recommend SolarWinds ® Network Performance Monitor and Network Topology Mapper, both easy-to-use tools capable of mapping your network along with providing important data and performance metrics. There are a number of quality tools on the market, paid and free, which I’ll go into after a review of the network mapping process. I’ve found using a network mapping tool is a much better approach-especially if it can map your network for you automatically. But approaching this process manually with a large or complex network can quickly become overwhelming. Mapping your network is vitally important for keeping on top of how it’s performing, as well as for pinpointing bottlenecks or network issues, and troubleshooting problems.

Free network utility tools