Network Topology Mapper
Progress® WhatsUp® Gold allows you to automatically create interactive network topology maps using Layer 2 and Layer 3 detection methods.
Visualize Complex Networks
Current networks are large, dynamic, and form the backbone of business continuity. To maintain optimum performance and network health, as well for better operational troubleshooting to maintain business continuity, a robust view of the network is essential—and a network topology mapper can provide this.
Understand Interdependencies
By visualizing the network’s devices, their interconnections, location, and interdependencies, administrators can monitor network devices, proactively identify failures/bottlenecks, and reduce the MTTR, thereby maintaining disaster recovery/business continuity. Moreover, a detailed topology map is now essential for compliance regulations like PCI-DSS.
WhatsUp Gold Device Dependency MapCreate In-Depth Network Topology Maps
WhatsUp Gold network discovery and network mapping tool uses Layer 2 and Layer 3 discovery methods to create in-depth network topology maps showing all network elements including routers, switches, VLANs, physical and virtual servers and workstations. The tool comes with a high degree of customization, and any aspect of the topology and individual links can be hidden/displayed.
Built-in features include drag-drop functionally; displaying device-monitor correlation displayed on the map; displaying device details like attributes and status alongside the device icon; and a choice of spoke/hierarchical/custom views. By correlating Layer 3 addressing to Layer 2 maps, WhatsUp Gold network monitoring provides an in-depth, integrated Layer 2/3 topology map that shows both IP and interface-level connectivity.
Automated discovery removes the guesswork and manual labor traditionally required to map complex networks, saving time and reducing human error. IT teams benefit from instant, accurate visibility into every connected device and how they interact, empowering faster onboarding, easier audits, and streamlined change management. This level of automation increases operational efficiency and frees up resources for more strategic initiatives.
Real-time monitoring gives IT teams the ability to stay ahead of issues before they become service-impacting problems. With instant visibility into device performance and status, teams can proactively respond to bottlenecks, outages, or irregular traffic. This reduces downtime and MTTR and maintains a more reliable user experience, reinforcing trust in IT services and reducing business disruptions.
Seamless integration with other network tools creates a more unified and efficient IT ecosystem. Teams gain a holistic view of the network, combining topology data with performance metrics, alerts, and logs in one place. This reduces silos, accelerates troubleshooting, and enhances overall decision-making. It ultimately lead to better service delivery and more strategic IT operations.
Key Benefits of WhatsUp Gold’s Network Topology Mapper:
2/3 Discovery
WhatsUp Gold’s automated network topology mapper utilizes a combination of discovery methods, including SNMP, ARP, ICMP, SSH, LLDP, and vendor-specific protocols, to identify all connected devices and their interconnections. This approach helps to maintain a comprehensive and accurate representation of the network's physical and logical topology.
You can automatically generate topology maps that update in real-time as the network evolves. This dynamic network mapping capability allows administrators to visualize current network configurations and quickly identify changes or issues.
Identify and map dependencies between devices, enabling the suppression of redundant alerts. For example, if a core switch fails, the system recognizes that downstream devices are affected due to this failure, helping to prevent multiple unnecessary alerts and aiding in faster root cause analysis.
WhatsUp Gold network mapping software offers the ability to tailor network maps with custom images, annotations, and organizational layouts. Administrators can create views that align with specific monitoring needs or organizational structures, enhancing clarity and usability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a network topology?
A network topology refers to the arrangement of devices and how they connect and communicate within a network. Understanding your network topology is crucial for managing performance, planning capacity, and troubleshooting issues efficiently.
How does a network topology mapping software work?
Network topology mapping software automatically discovers connected devices and visualizes how they’re linked, using protocols like SNMP, ARP, and LLDP. It creates interactive maps that reflect both physical and logical layouts, updating dynamically as your network changes.
How does a network topology map help in troubleshooting?
Topology maps provide real-time visibility into device status and interdependencies, helping teams quickly pinpoint the root cause of network issues. Instead of reacting to multiple alerts, admins can trace the problem to a single failed connection or device and reduce Mean Time to Repair (MTTR).
What’s the difference between Layer 2 and Layer 3 network topology mapping?
Layer 2 mapping shows the physical connections between devices—like switches, access points, and VLANs, while Layer 3 focuses on logical IP-level connections such as routing paths. Combining both gives a complete view of how data flows across the network.
How do businesses use network topology mappers for compliance?
Businesses use topology maps to document their infrastructure for audits, track device inventory, and demonstrate security controls. For regulations like PCI-DSS or HIPAA, this level of visibility maintains network segmentation and access controls are properly implemented and maintained.