UVexplorer vs. SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper

In comparing UVexplorer vs. SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper (NTM) you will find they are both powerful tools for visualizing and understanding network infrastructures. They provide insights into network operations and help administrators troubleshoot issues, manage resources, and plan for network expansions or changes. Here is a comparison of the two tools:

1. Company Reputation and Support: SolarWinds had a strong reputation and is known for its suite of IT management tools. As a well-established company, SolarWinds offers comprehensive support options, including online resources, a robust user community, and dedicated support channels. SolarWinds was also the victim of a download vulnerability that has caused serious reputation issues in the industry. UVexplorer, while not as well-known, has been in the industry for 7+ years, offers support and resources for their users, and is a fast growing network topology tool.

2. Features and Functionality: Both UVexplorer and SolarWinds NTM offer robust features for network discovery, mapping, and monitoring. Both products offer automatic discovery and mapping of network devices. In order to discover the networks both products implement SNMP V1, V2, V3, WMI, and VMware. UVexplorer also discovers with SSH, Telnet and HTTP/Web access. These discoveries include detailed information about each device and customization options for network maps.

UVexplorer and SolarWinds NTM provide troubleshooting tools like Traceroute, Enhanced Ping, Lookup IP Address, Lookup Hostname, CPU gauge, and SwitchPort Manager. In addition to these troubleshooting tools, UVexplorer also provides a SNMP MIB Walker, Jack Lookup, Putty, VLAN POE Management and Port Management.

One of the larger differences is the Configuration Backup feature in UVexplorer. SolarWinds NTM does not offer this feature at this time. The UVexplorer configuration backup will save your ‘Startup’ and ‘Running’ configurations from the router, switch and firewalls. UVexplorer will display the differences between configurations and notify IT admin of any changes to the configuration files.

SolarWinds NTM captures asset details and Layer 2 maps that can be exported to Visio, PNG, PDF, Map – Image and Network Atlas. UVexplorer is not able to export to Network Atlas, but it will export to those formats and to LucidChart, SVG, Visio, HTML, MHT, DOCX, TXT, RTF, XLSX, CSV, Paessler PRTG, Hudu, IT Glue, AssetPanda and PatchManager.

3. Ease of Use: Both tools prioritize user-friendly interfaces and intuitive controls. SolarWinds NTM might have a slight edge in this regard due to its streamlined, modern user interface and well-documented features. UVexplorer has an edge on providing advanced asset details, network change notification, device grouping, assets report, stale port report, connectivity report, and full Windows inventory

4. Scalability: Both tools are capable of managing large and complex networks. UVexplorer is well-known for the speed of it’s discovery and the depth of the details captured.

5. Integration: SolarWinds NTM can integrate with other SolarWinds products to provide a comprehensive IT management solution. UVexplorer provides integration into PRTG, LucidChart, AssetPanda, HUDU and IT Glue.

6. Pricing: SolarWinds products are priced at a premium. UVexplorer, on the other hand, is a more cost-effective solution, but provides more results than SolarWinds NTM.

Conclusion

It’s essential to consider your organization’s unique needs, constraints and issues when choosing a network mapping tool. In comparing UVexplorer vs. SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper you will find they are capable tools, but the best choice for depends on your specific network size, budget, integration needs, and preference for the user experience and support.