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How to build a network map

What is network mapping?

Network mapping is the process of creating a visual representation of a computer network, including its devices, connections, and topology. This graphical representation called a connectivity map or network diagram, helps IT professionals understand, document, and manage their system infrastructure effectively.

Why do you need to use a network map?

There are several reasons why network mapping is essential for organizations:

  • Visualization: web schema provides clear and comprehensive documentation of the connections infrastructure, making it easier for IT teams to understand and troubleshoot issues. In the event of a grid outage or security breach, having an up to date layout can significantly reduce the time it takes to identify and resolve the problem.
  • Planning and optimization: by visualizing the network topology, IT professionals can identify bottlenecks, plan for upgrades, and optimize system performance. Net mapping allows administrators to see where traffic is concentrated and make informed decisions about adding new devices, upgrading existing ones, or redistributing the load.
  • Compliance: network mapping helps organizations meet regulatory requirements by providing accurate documentation of their IT infrastructure. Many industries have strict guidelines for security and data protection, and having a detailed infrastructure diagram is often a prerequisite for compliance.
  • Security: identifying all devices connected to the web is crucial for maintaining system security and preventing unauthorized access. A network blueprint can help administrators spot rogue devices or suspicious activity and take appropriate action to mitigate the risk.
  • Collaboration: network maps provide a common language for IT teams to communicate and collaborate effectively. By having a shared understanding of the grid topology, team members can work together more efficiently to resolve issues and implement changes.

Mapping and monitoring in one solution

Total Network Inventory (TNI) is a comprehensive grid management solution that combines connection mapping with inventory management and monitoring capabilities. This all-in-one approach simplifies system administration and provides a centralized platform for managing your IT infrastructure.

TNI allows you to visualize all the equipment in your network and monitor the health and performance of devices in real time. This combination of features allows you to quickly identify and resolve issues, optimize web performance, and ensure the smooth operation of your IT environment.

Creating a topology map for your local network

Total Network Inventory Standard edition offers a range of features for network inventory and management, including:

  • Automatic network scanning and discovery. TNI scans your web, discovers devices, and eliminates the need for manual data entry, ensuring an accurate and up-to-date inventory.
  • Detailed hardware and software inventory. TNI collects detailed information about each device on your grid, including hardware specifications, installed software, devices connected and configuration details. This information is crucial for effective asset management and compliance reporting.
  • Customizable reporting and alerting. TNI provides a wide range of customizable reports that allow you to analyze your system inventory and track changes over time. You can also set up alerts to notify you of critical events or changes in your net.

Total Network Inventory Professional edition includes all the features of the Standard edition, plus:

  • Software license management. TNI Professional provides advanced tools for managing software licenses across your grid. You can track license usage, assign licenses to specific devices, and ensure compliance with license agreements.
  • Advanced network topology mapping capabilities. TNI Professional includes enhanced mapping features, such as the ability to create multiple map segments and projects, add custom images and annotations, and control devices directly from the map.
  • Interactive system diagram with real-time status updates. The network diagram in TNI Professional is fully interactive, allowing you to monitor device status in real-time. You can quickly identify issues and take corrective action directly from the map.
  • Sensors data. The software gathers data from hardware and provides comprehensive reports on physical sensors: CPU and GPU fan rotations, HDD and SSD temperatures, and other sensors that operate on a device.
  • Support for unlimited chart segments and projects. TNI Professional allows you to create an unlimited number of map segments and projects, enabling you to manage large and complex networks with ease.

How to build a network map using our software

Building a network map using Total Network Inventory is a simple process:

  • Start by downloading the TNI installer from our website and running it on your computer. The installation process is straightforward and should only take a few minutes.
  • Once TNI is installed, initiate a network scan to automatically discover devices and their connections. TNI will scan your network tree and collect detailed information about each device, including its hardware specifications, installed software, and configuration details.
  • After the scan is complete, you can create a system layout by dragging and dropping the discovered devices onto the map canvas. TNI's intuitive interface makes it easy to arrange devices and create a clear and accurate representation of your net topology.
  • Once you have added devices to the map, you can customize the diagram by adding annotations, images, and other visual elements. TNI provides a range of customization options, allowing you to create a map that meets your specific needs and preferences.
  • With TNI's real-time monitoring capabilities, you can keep track of device status and performance directly from the network map. This feature allows you to quickly identify and resolve issues, ensuring the smooth operation of your network.
Customize network diagram

TNI's automatic network scanning and discovery feature eliminates the need for manual data entry, ensuring an accurate and up-to-date representation of your net topology.

Advantages of working with Total Network Inventory

  • Flexible and intuitive web visualization.
  • Powerful graphic design tools for customizing the network blueprint.
  • Direct device control from the map (ping, scan, and run actions).
  • Support for unlimited chart size and complexity.
  • Multiple projects for segmenting large networks.

By combining network mapping with inventory management and monitoring, TNI provides a comprehensive and powerful solution for managing your IT infrastructure efficiently. Investing in an all-around tool like Total Network Inventory can significantly improve your system management efficiency.

21 November 2024

TNI 6.3.5: Network map export and UI improvements

This version brings network map export, several quality-of-life changes for database storages management and a number of important updates for scanning agents.

06 September 2024

Total Network Inventory 6.3: Improving DB management!

The latest update of Total Network Inventory, which enhances database management capabilities, making work with TNI storage even much easier.