LanTopoLog: Visual Network Mapping with Switch-Level Insight LanTopoLog is a niche but practical tool for Windows admins who want to visualize their LAN topology — not just by IP range or ping response, but by actual switch port connectivity. It queries SNMP-enabled switches, matches MAC addresses to hosts, and builds a live topology diagram with port-to-device resolution.

While the interface is dated, the underlying idea is still rare among free tools: physical layer visibility without expensi

Angry IP Scanner: A Cross-Platform Tool for Quick Network Scans Angry IP Scanner is a simple but effective network scanning utility that’s gained popularity among system administrators and security analysts for one reason — speed. It’s open-source, works on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and doesn’t need a deep configuration before running useful scans.

Despite the name, it’s not “angry” at all — it just does the job fast, with a focus on usability and portability. What It Can Do

SoftPerfect Network Scanner: Fast, Practical Scanning for Busy Admins There’s no shortage of network scanners out there, but SoftPerfect Network Scanner tends to land on the USB drives of people who actually work in the field. It’s quick to launch, doesn’t need installation, and gets straight to the point: what’s online, what ports are open, and what can be seen without poking the firewall too hard.

This tool’s been around for years — and it shows, in a good way. No bloat, no surprises, just ef

PRTG Freeware Edition: Enterprise-Level Monitoring at Zero Cost PRTG Freeware Edition is the fully functional, zero-cost tier of Paessler’s powerful network monitoring suite. While commercial versions scale up for large infrastructures, the Freeware edition is ideal for small teams or standalone admins who need visibility into their systems — and don’t want to build an entire monitoring stack from scratch.

With its web-based interface, auto-discovery, and deep sensor library, it offers serious