Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Network Lights VS Zenmap

Compare Network Lights VS Zenmap and see what are their differences

Network Lights logo Network Lights

Network Lights is a Windows program, which blinks keyboard LEDs (Light Emitting Diode) indicating outgoing and incoming network packets on network interface.

Zenmap logo Zenmap

Zenmap is the official cross-platform GUI for the Nmap Security Scanner.
  • Network Lights Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-26
  • Zenmap Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-04-01

Network Lights features and specs

  • Real-time Network Activity Monitoring
    Network Lights provides a visual representation of network activity by utilizing the keyboard lights, allowing users to easily monitor data transfer without opening additional software.
  • Resource Efficiency
    The application is lightweight and does not consume significant system resources, making it an ideal choice for users who want to monitor network activity without burdening their system.
  • Simple Installation
    Network Lights is easy to install and configure, even for users who are not tech-savvy, enabling prompt access to its monitoring features.
  • Non-intrusive Interface
    By using keyboard lights to display network activity, the tool does not require any additional windows or interfaces, keeping the desktop uncluttered.

Possible disadvantages of Network Lights

  • Limited Functionality
    Network Lights only provides basic network activity monitoring through keyboard LEDs, which may not meet the needs of advanced users looking for more comprehensive network analysis tools.
  • Hardware Dependence
    The effectiveness of Network Lights relies on the presence and operation of keyboard indicator lights, which may not be available or functional on all keyboards.
  • Lack of Detailed Analytics
    The tool does not offer detailed analytics or logging of network activity, which might be necessary for troubleshooting or detailed network management.
  • Potential for Distracting Light
    The flashing of keyboard lights in response to network activity can be distracting to some users, especially in low-light environments.

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.

Network Lights videos

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Zenmap videos

Scan for Open Ports w/ Zenmap - Review

More videos:

  • Tutorial - Zenmap Tutorial - Network Scanning Tool

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Network Lights and Zenmap)
Monitoring Tools
27 27%
73% 73
Security
0 0%
100% 100
Exception Monitoring
100 100%
0% 0
Tool
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 Network Lights and Zenmap

Network Lights Reviews

We have no reviews of Network Lights 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.

Network Lights mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Network Lights yet. Tracking of Network Lights 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 Network Lights and Zenmap, you can also consider the following products

FreeMeter - Monitor network bandwidth (C#.NET 2k/XP+). Desktop and Systray graph.

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

TrafficMonitor - TrafficMonitor is a network monitoring suspension window software in Windows.

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

NetSpeedMonitor - NetSpeedMonitor is a lightweight Network Monitoring Toolbar for your Windows Taskbar

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