Learn about our PRTG Connector

Paessler recommends using UVexplorer with PRTG

ManageEngine’s OpManager and UVexplorer are two of the most popular network mapping tools available. However, they have some key differences in terms of their features, capabilities, and usability.

OpManager is a Zoho product, managed and supported in India. It is offered as a freemium model with graduated pricing. OpManager focuses on the full network management tasks, with monitoring being their primary focus – layer 2 network mapping is included as part of their offering. The trial of OpManager is cloud-based and managed by Zoho (on-prem options are available).

The OpManager interface provides the full network management features and Layer2 Discovery is under Maps:

For Layer2 Discovery to work, OpManager requires the Router IPv4 Address, Start IP and End IP and adding multiple IP ranges. The discovery will use CDP, LLDP, IPROUTE, FDB mechanisms to find connections.

For in-depth discovery, OpManager can implement SNMP v1, v2, v3 credentials, as well as Telnet, SSH, WMI, VMware, Citrix, Nutanix, UCS, Cisco ACI, and IPMI:

These credentials are used throughout OpManager for monitoring and network management.

The network map OpManager creates displays devices and their connections:

UVexplorer is a UV Networks product, managed and supported in the USA. Free trials are available and licensing is graduated on the number of network interfaces (physical and virtual ports). UVexplorer is primarily focused on layer 2 network mapping and configuration backup. The software include basic monitoring and network troubleshooting tools with all licenses. The trial of UVexplorer is on-premise and Windows-based (On-premise, cloud-based option is available with UVexplorer Server).

UVexplorer focuses on the network maps and you can begin the discovery from initial startup:

The initial discovery can be setup and run in 5 minutes.

UVexplorer allows you to add multiple credentials for your network discovery:

These credentials allow for configuration backup, Layer2 mapping and asset discovery lists.

UVexplorer creates displays devices and their connections:

Comparison Chart

Here are the key differences between ManageEngine OpManager and UVexplorer:

Feature	ManageEngine OpManager	UVexplorer
Focus	Overall network monitoring and management	Network asset discovery, configuration backup and mapping
Strengths	Wide range of monitoring capabilities, affordable, user-friendly interface	Granular network mapping, configuration comparison & backup, basic device monitoring, many integrations
Weaknesses	Can be resource-intensive for large networks, some advanced features require additional licenses	Limited alerting capabilities, complex server-side setup
Pricing	Perpetual license based on the number of devices monitored	Annual subscription based on the number of physical and virtual ports
Ease of Use	Easy to set up and use, web-based interface	Steeper learning curve, complex server-side configuration
Mapping Capabilities	Network devices, applications, servers, virtual machines	Network devices, applications, servers, hyper-vs, virtual machines, VLANs
Reporting and Alerting	Basic out-of-the-box reports, customizable dashboards, limited alerting options	Customizable reports, limited alerting, data export to many platforms, i.e.
Integrations	Wide range of IT management tools and technologies	Wide range of integrations including LucidChart, PRTG, Slack, Lansweeper, ServiceNow, AssetPanda, PatchManager, HUDU and IT Glue
Support	Free community forum, paid support options	Phone and email USA-based support

Conclusion

If you are looking for a comprehensive network discovery and mapping tool that is easy to use, then UVexplorer is a good choice. If you need a tool for full network management, then OpManager is a good option.

Here are some specific scenarios where you might choose one tool over the other:

ManageEngine OpManager:
- You need a comprehensive network management tool.
- You need cloud management of your network.
- You need a freemium model with ability to scale.
UVexplorer:
- You need to quickly and easily get an overview of your network topology.
- You need to create detailed network diagrams.
- You need to backup configurations from routers, switches and firewalls.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which tool is right for you is to test both of them and see which delivers your requirements.