What is the best Network tools software around?

[DextrousDave]

Hi All

I'm looking for really good network tools software, that can completely manage my LAN - monitor network activity on all PC's on the LAN (upload/download activity), port scanning, wireless management, assigning IP addresses and just all the general network tasks.
Any suggestions? paid software and freeware suggestions would be appreciated

Thank You

 

[onesixski]

Well if you're looking at IP management and configuration AND network monitors/analyzers, they're different animals really.

For configuration and tweaking for wireless configs, security, IP assigning, etc... I recommend you get DD-WRT for your router (if it's compatible). It's a firmware flash that lets you tweak absolutely everything possible on your router/for your netwok, very robust and the absolute best router OS you can grab. It's free, you just need to make sure you've got a compatible router.

For network monitoring, there are quite a few to choose from. Here's a list of my tops:

1. Colasoft Capsa (freeware+optional upgrade to shareware)
2. Wireshark (freeware, not very intuitive but very powerful)
3. Microsoft Network Monitor (freeware, actually quite useful)
4. Solarwinds networking software (shareware, ultra-expensive but they have a program for everything you'd ever want to do. We used this in the Marine Corps... so it's really enterprise-class but if you like torrenting... might be cool to try haha)

 

[DextrousDave]

thanks man, great answer

 

[surensach]

Networking Tools

Number 1 : Desktop manage Engine Central Best Software For managing every pieces on a network including GPO, USB Restiction , Logon Services, and many tons of features

Remote Desktop Sharing, Access Remote Desktops, Remote Desktop Connection, Share Desktop, Control Desktop from Remote, Remote Desktop Assistance software


Number 2 : This Website has the Tons of Network admin tools , One place stop for all Your Needs

Free Online Network Tools


Number 3 : Network Security Tool Kit (Same like Solarwinds But its Open Source)

It has many features like :
Multi-Tap Network Packet Capture,Network/System Monitoring,Network Intrusion Detection,Network Interface Bandwidth Monitor,Active Connections Monitor,Network Segment ARP Scanner

Network Security Toolkit (NST) | Free Communications software downloads at SourceForge.net


Number 4: Spice works Network management and Monitoring tools , (Identical to Solarwinds Product)



Free Network Monitoring Software for Network Management from Spiceworks


Hope it helps !

Thanks,
Suren