Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Zenmap VS SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

Compare Zenmap VS SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager and see what are their differences

Zenmap logo Zenmap

Zenmap is the official cross-platform GUI for the Nmap Security Scanner.

SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager logo SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

SolarWinds is a leading provider of powerful and affordable IT infrastructure management software. Make IT look easy.
  • Zenmap Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-04-01
  • SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-10-23

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.

SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager features and specs

  • Automated Configuration Backup
    SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager (NCM) automatically backs up device configurations, reducing the risk of data loss and ensuring easy recovery in case of misconfigurations or device failures.
  • Compliance Management
    NCM includes compliance management tools that help organizations adhere to industry standards and internal policies by monitoring and reporting on configuration compliance across the network infrastructure.
  • Change Management
    The software provides a robust change management system that logs all changes made to network device configurations. It helps in auditing and verifying that changes are authorized and properly implemented.
  • Multi-Vendor Support
    NCM supports a wide range of network device vendors, making it versatile and useful in heterogeneous network environments.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The intuitive user interface makes it easy for network administrators to manage configurations, set up compliance rules, and monitor network health.

Possible disadvantages of SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

  • High Cost
    SolarWinds NCM can be expensive, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. The licensing and maintenance costs can add up over time.
  • Complex Initial Setup
    The initial setup and configuration of NCM can be complex and time-consuming, requiring a good understanding of the network environment and the software itself.
  • Resource Intensive
    Running SolarWinds NCM can be resource-intensive, requiring substantial server resources, which may necessitate hardware upgrades for optimal performance.
  • Learning Curve
    While the interface is user-friendly, there is still a learning curve for users who are not familiar with network configuration management systems. Training may be required to fully utilize all features.
  • Occasional Performance Issues
    Some users report occasional performance issues, such as slow load times and glitches, particularly in large, complex network environments.

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.

Analysis of SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

Overall verdict

  • SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager is generally considered a good tool for network configuration management.

Why this product is good

  • The tool offers comprehensive network automation and management capabilities, including configuration backups, compliance management, vulnerability assessments, and automatic updates. It helps in reducing downtime by allowing quick restoration of configurations and supports various network devices, making it suitable for diverse IT environments. Users appreciate its easy integration with other SolarWinds products and its user-friendly interface.

Recommended for

  • Network administrators looking to automate configuration tasks.
  • Organizations needing compliance and vulnerability checks for network configurations.
  • IT departments that require a reliable solution for configuration backups and disaster recovery.
  • Enterprises already utilizing other SolarWinds tools, seeking seamless integration.

Zenmap videos

Scan for Open Ports w/ Zenmap - Review

More videos:

  • Tutorial - Zenmap Tutorial - Network Scanning Tool

SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager videos

SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager Overview

More videos:

  • Review - What is SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Zenmap and SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager)
Monitoring Tools
74 74%
26% 26
Security
84 84%
16% 16
Log Management
0 0%
100% 100
Security Monitoring
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 Zenmap and SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

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.

SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager Reviews

We have no reviews of SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Zenmap seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 12 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.

Zenmap mentions (12)

  • Would you like to be a movie star by contributing to open source?
    It is a command line tool that also has an official GUI called Zenmap. - Source: dev.to / 3 months ago
  • 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: over 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: almost 3 years ago
  • SSL / TLS scanning utility (internal) ?
    There's also the GUI version if you want. https://nmap.org/zenmap/. Source: over 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 / over 3 years ago
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SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager yet. Tracking of SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Zenmap and SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager, you can also consider the following products

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

Cisco DNA Center - Find and resolve network issues with Cisco DNA Center. Provides software-based network automation and assurance. Control and manage intent-based networks.

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

F5 Advanced Firewall Manager - Stop even the most massive and complex DDoS attacks with BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager: advanced data center protection against layer 3โ€“4 threats.

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

Junos Space Security Director - Quickly understand threats & how to remediate them with Junos Space Security Director. This responsive network security management application empowers your security team to keep your company safe.