Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

netperf VS Zenmap

Compare netperf VS Zenmap and see what are their differences

netperf logo netperf

Netperf is a benchmark that can be used to measure the performance of many different types of networking. It provides tests for both unidirectional throughput, and end-to-end latency. - HewlettPack...

Zenmap logo Zenmap

Zenmap is the official cross-platform GUI for the Nmap Security Scanner.
  • netperf Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-07
  • Zenmap Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-04-01

netperf features and specs

  • Comprehensive Performance Testing
    Netperf is a versatile benchmarking tool that provides a robust suite of tests for evaluating various aspects of network performance, such as throughput, latency, and transaction rates. This allows users to gain a detailed understanding of network performance under different conditions.
  • Wide Protocol Support
    The tool supports a range of protocols including TCP, UDP, and SCTP, as well as a variety of test configurations. This flexibility allows users to tailor the tests to match specific network conditions and requirements.
  • Open Source
    Being open-source, Netperf is free to use and can be easily accessed by anyone. This encourages community involvement, fostering an environment where users can contribute to and improve the tool.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    Netperf runs on a variety of operating systems, including Linux, UNIX, and Windows, making it a versatile choice for network performance testing across different environments.

Possible disadvantages of netperf

  • Command-Line Interface
    Netperf primarily operates through a command-line interface, which can be complex and unintuitive for users who prefer graphical user interfaces or are not experienced with command-line operations.
  • Steep Learning Curve
    New users may find it challenging to properly use Netperf due to its wide array of options and configurations. Understanding all the nuances of the tool to perform effective tests can require a significant learning effort.
  • Limited Documentation
    While there is documentation available, it may not be as extensive or as user-friendly as needed, which can make it hard for beginners to quickly find the information they need to execute specific tests.
  • Specialized Use Case
    Netperf is highly specialized for network performance testing, which limits its utility outside of networking contexts. Users seeking a tool with broader capabilities beyond network measurement might need to look elsewhere.

Zenmap features and specs

  • User-friendly Interface
    Zenmap provides a graphical interface that makes it easier for users to conduct network scans without needing to memorize command-line options.
  • Visualization Tools
    It includes tools for visualizing scan results, such as network topology diagrams, which can help in understanding network structure and vulnerabilities.
  • Profile Management
    Supports saving scan configurations as profiles, enabling quick re-runs of common scans with predefined settings.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    Zenmap is available for multiple operating systems including Windows, Linux, and macOS, making it versatile for different environments.
  • Integration with Nmap
    Leverages the powerful capabilities of Nmap, a well-known network scanning tool, providing advanced scanning options and performance.

Possible disadvantages of Zenmap

  • Performance Overhead
    The graphical interface can add additional performance overhead compared to the command-line version of Nmap, which may be noticeable during large scans.
  • Learning Curve
    Despite its graphical interface, Zenmap still requires a certain level of understanding about network scanning concepts and Nmap parameters to effectively use it.
  • Limited Customization
    While it supports many Nmap features, some advanced customization options available in the command-line version may be less accessible or harder to implement in Zenmap.
  • Security Risks
    Running a graphical network scanning tool can attract unwanted attention on shared or monitored systems as it might appear in process lists or leave trace logs, potentially indicating a security tool is being used.
  • Complexity in Large Data Sets
    When dealing with very large data sets or complex networks, the visual output can become cluttered or difficult to interpret efficiently.

Analysis of Zenmap

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Zenmap is a good tool.

Why this product is good

  • Zenmap is the official graphical user interface (GUI) for the Nmap Security Scanner, which is highly regarded for its ability to discover hosts and services on a computer network. Zenmap simplifies Nmap's complex functionality, making it more accessible to users who may not be as comfortable with command-line operations. It provides features such as network inventory, managing service upgrade schedules, and monitoring host or service uptime. Additionally, Zenmap is open-source and supports multiple operating systems, making it flexible and widely available.

Recommended for

  • Network administrators who need to map out or monitor their networks.
  • Security professionals performing security audits or vulnerability assessments.
  • IT personnel responsible for managing enterprise networks.
  • Enthusiasts interested in learning more about network security and scanning techniques.

netperf videos

netperf

Zenmap videos

Scan for Open Ports w/ Zenmap - Review

More videos:

  • Tutorial - Zenmap Tutorial - Network Scanning Tool

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to netperf and Zenmap)
Monitoring Tools
20 20%
80% 80
Security
0 0%
100% 100
Network & Admin
100 100%
0% 0
Log Management
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare netperf and Zenmap

netperf Reviews

We have no reviews of netperf yet.
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Zenmap Reviews

15 Best Nmap Alternatives Network Security Scanner
The aim of the Zenmap app is to learning the Nmap tool easy for newbies to use and at the same time giving the best-advanced features to Nmap professionals.
Top 5 Best Port Scanners
Zenmap is not a new port scanner, but the official NMAP Front End interface (GUI). For those who are not familiar with command line terminals, Nmap creators launched this GUI release that will allow you to scan remote hosts in a fancy and friendly way.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Zenmap seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 11 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

netperf mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of netperf yet. Tracking of netperf recommendations started around Mar 2021.

Zenmap mentions (11)

  • Upgrading my opnsense setup. Today I am trying to give names to all my devices checking what is connected to my network, need help.
    Another way would be to use nmap from a Linux machine or virtual machine using: $ sudo nmap 192.168.0.1/24 where the subnet address is replaced with yours. They have a graphic interface, that I haven't used, but you might want to test it. It's called zenmap https://nmap.org/zenmap/. Source: about 2 years ago
  • What is this eye icon on the taskbar? Never seen it before.
    I agree with this but the eye is not exactly the same. https://nmap.org/zenmap/. Source: over 2 years ago
  • SSL / TLS scanning utility (internal) ?
    There's also the GUI version if you want. https://nmap.org/zenmap/. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • If OpenSSL Were a GUI
    I... Kind of like it? Not the fact that using such a GUI would be almost impossible, like the humorous example of an "engineer oriented UI" in the Silicon Valley series https://www.reddit.com/r/SiliconValleyHBO/comments/4nvvnl/pied_pipers_easytouse_tools/ which might be confusing for most people. But rather the fact that all of the complexity the software has is laid bare, so that nobody could mistakenly assume... - Source: Hacker News / almost 3 years ago
  • Share your greatest free tools
    I'll have to give Advanced IP Scanner a look to compare, but I like Zenmap so there's another option if you need one! Source: about 3 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing netperf and Zenmap, you can also consider the following products

iperf - A TCP, UDP, and SCTP network bandwidth measurement tool

Nmap - Nmap Free Security Scanner, Port Scanner, & Network Exploration Tool. Download open source software for Linux, Windows, UNIX, FreeBSD, etc.

JPerf - This project gives a better UI and new functionalities to the initial JPerf 1.

Angry IP Scanner - Open-source and cross-platform network scanner designed to be fast and simple to use

TamoSoft Throughput Test - TamoSoft Throughput Test is a utility for testing the performance of a wireless or wired network.

Nessus - Nessus Professional is a security platform designed for businesses who want to protect the security of themselves, their clients, and their customers.