6 Best SNMP Tools for Network Monitoring and Management

Quick Definition: SNMP, or Simple Network Management Protocol, is a crucial tool used by network analysts and engineers to monitor and manage network availability, performance, and security. Additional tools leverage SNMP to provide advanced functionality and enhanced network topography visualization. 

Network monitoring and management are essential to maintaining network availability and performance. Using the right tools can make network performance monitoring and management easier, reducing the time spent troubleshooting issues and providing more time for network optimization. One method network engineers and analysts use to accomplish this is SNMP, short for Simple Network Management Protocol. 

This article covers six tools network engineers and analysts use to monitor security, performance, and device health. You'll see how SNMP powers real-time updates and alerts for faster issue resolution.

6 Best SNMP Tools for Network Monitoring and Management

SNMP tools collect and analyze network performance and security statuses and visualize their impact on the network, making it easier to identify potential issues quickly. As networks have grown in size and complexity, SNMP tools have become more necessary. The visualization these tools provide is invaluable to helping organizations maintain their networks.

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM)

SolarWinds NPM is one of the best-known names in networking. It offers a wide variety of robust features to help users monitor, analyze, and visualize their network’s health. Between its real-time SNMP monitoring and user-friendly visualization tools, SolarWinds NPM ensures you are always aware of your network’s health, any issues, and their impacts the moment something happens.

SolarWinds NPM is ideal for mid-sized and larger organizations that require a broad view of their overall network health while zooming in on specific issues and data. SolarWinds also offers a certification called the SolarWinds Certified Professional (SCP), which allows professionals to learn the full ins and outs of the tools and demonstrate their mastery to employers.

ThousandEyes

ThousandEyes is best known for using SNMP to inspect deep into network paths, providing enhanced visibility into overall performance. It also offers the ability to map your network topology into a single view, helping you quickly identify potential points of failure. 

ThousandEyes is ideal for hybrid and multi-cloud environments that need to simplify the visualization of complex networks. ThousandEyes also offers certification and training, helping users get the most from the features this tool has to offer. Read all about it in our SolarWinds vs ThousandEyes comparison.

F5 BIG-IP and Network Monitoring

More commonly referred to simply as F5, this SNMP solution offers advanced SNMP monitoring capabilities that are best paired with the rest of the F5 BIG-IP suite, including options such as AppSec, load balancing, and DDoS protection. The big advantage to F5 is that the whole package of BIG-IP solutions works together seamlessly to maintain network performance and security from top to bottom. 

This solution is ideal for enterprise networks focused on application performance and overall security. F5 offers a range of certification paths for those interested in becoming proficient in using its suite of networking, security, and cloud management tools.

ManageEngine OpManager

ManageEngine OpManager is best known for its variety of features at an affordable price. This solution offers network performance monitoring and detailed reporting, all while integrating seamlessly into the rest of the network’s IT management suite. 

ManageEngine OpManager is a great alternative to some of the pricier SNMP monitoring solutions on the market. It can benefit small-to-medium businesses searching for a cost-effective way to monitor network health. ManageEngine OpManager also offers both free and paid certifications and training to help users properly employ the tool within their environment.

Paessler PRTG Network Monitor

Paessler PRTG Network Monitor is a comprehensive SNMP monitoring solution that provides modular insight into your network. It offers flexible licensing based on the number of sensors your organization needs. The sensors are preconfigured for easy deployment, allowing you to monitor data such as disk usage, connections, uptime, and more. 

Thanks to the modular approach, Paessler PRTG Network Monitor is optimal for just about any network whose needs include scalability. There are also training and certification options available to help not only learn the tool itself, but also to optimize network monitoring strategies overall. 

Nagios XI

Nagios XI is an open-source solution with powerful capabilities and immense plugin support. It also offers customizable dashboards to visualize SNMP monitoring. This platform is highly interoperable with most networks and best serves organizations looking for highly customizable SNMP monitoring capabilities.

Because it is open-source, Nagios XI offers a variety of community-driven training and support, and third-party providers offer certification paths. 

Conclusion

SNMP monitoring tools are crucial to effective, timely network monitoring and management. This article covers just a few of the better-known solutions on the market, each with unique features and differentiators. The tool you choose will depend on factors such as your organization's needs, the size and complexity of your network, and your budget. 

Learn more about troubleshooting and resolving network issues with our BIG-IP LTM Specialist: Maintain and Troubleshoot EXAM 301B Online Training with Bob Salmans.