Which software for your network monitoring? Here are our top 10 tools
Of all the different types of IT supervision, network supervision is particularly popular.
Why is it so popular? Because it enables a single technician to monitor the smooth running of your entire IT infrastructure, whatever its size.
From user-friendliness and assistance to competitive pricing and rationalization of resources, there are many reasons to equip yourself with network supervision software, whether you're a CIO, the head of an IT department in a large company, or the outsourcing manager of a small or medium-sized business.or Managed Service Provider (MSP), i.e. a service company that remotely manages its customers' IT systems.
What is network supervision?
Network supervision refers to monitoring the proper functioning of IT networks and the IT services connected to them.
More specifically, network monitoring covers :
- quality (bandwidth),
- Internet connection security,
- but also, by extension, to the status of connected services and hardware: servers, printers, workstations, etc.
Network supervision is one of 3 types of IT supervision, along with system supervision (low-level) and application supervision.
Top 10 network monitoring software
Efficient supervision requires monitoring software that centralizes information on network health on behalf of IT departments.
Comparative table of the 10 best network monitoring software packages
1 of 6
 Atera |  Centreon MAP |  Nagios XI |  ManageEngine OpManager |  PRTG |  SolarWinds RMM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For companies with 1 to 5000 employees | For companies with more than 250 employees | For all companies | For all companies | For all companies | For all companies |
| See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software |
| Learn more about Atera | Learn more about Centreon MAP | Learn more about Nagios XI | Learn more about ManageEngine OpManager | Learn more about PRTG | Learn more about SolarWinds RMM |
Atera
Atera is proprietary software in SaaS mode. This comprehensive, intuitive tool invoices the technician, not the equipment being monitored, and covers all the needs of IT specialists:
- RMM (remote monitoring management), i.e. remote monitoring and management of IT systems and networks,
- network discovery (network analysis, detection of aging equipment, etc.),
- remote access,
- professional services automation (PSA), etc.
Atera
CACTI
CACTI is an open source software rarely used on its own.
It is most often used in conjunction with a more comprehensive monitoring solution such as Nagios.
CACTI's strength lies in its ability to visualize any type of structured data, making it very easy to read its network infrastructure within a Web interface.
Centreon
Centreon is a French open source software package specializing in network and system monitoring. Designed for mission-critical IT environments, it offers complete visibility over the performance of equipment, applications and services.
With its modern web interface, customizable dashboards and powerful alerting engine, Centreon appeals to SMEs and large enterprises alike. A robust, local solution with a nose for breakdowns.
Centreon MAP
Nagios
Nagios is an open source tool that has been the benchmark for monitoring since 2000.
It covers the full range of information system needs (more extensive than network monitoring), and offers useful features for managing network infrastructure, such as multi-level notifications and monitoring support management.
Nagios XI
OpManager
OpManager is a SaaS supervision solution that gives you total control and visibility over network management.
OpManager is particularly advanced and comprehensive in this field.
It boasts a highly ergonomic interface for optimal use of resources.
ManageEngine OpManager
PRTG
PRTG is a proprietary network monitoring tool in SaaS mode that is designed to be very easy to use, although its functionalities are perfectly suited to professionals.
Its rapid installation, automatic network detection and incident anticipation make it a strong ally for IT asset managers.
PRTG
Solarwinds
SolarWinds is a proprietary software package designed for enterprise network monitoring. It stands out for its ability to map the entire infrastructure, monitor bandwidth and detect anomalies in real time.
Its intuitive interface provides a clear view of network performance, enabling you to act quickly in the event of a problem. Modular and comprehensive, it adapts to the needs of IT Departments and Managed Service Providers alike. A powerful ally for maintaining control, even in the densest environments.
SolarWinds RMM
WhatsUp Gold
WhatsUp Gold is proprietary software in SaaS mode. It is a comprehensive, modular and highly intuitive network supervision tool for SMEs and ETIs, offering you :
- 360° visibility of your supervised IT infrastructure,
- monitoring of all your network resources,
- as well as a dashboard updated in real time, showing all your interconnections. From now on, it's easy to identify and resolve potential network failures!
Zabbix
Zabbix is an open source network monitoring software recognized for its robustness and flexibility. It enables real-time monitoring of the status of equipment, servers and applications, all via a clear, customizable web interface.
Its dynamic alerts, detailed reports and broad compatibility make it a strategic choice for IT teams. Free but far from basic, Zabbix combines performance and freedom of use.
Zenoss
Zenoss is a general-purpose, open-source network monitoring software. Its specialty, however, is monitoring computer network nodes. Its central dashboard centralizes important information for IT managers.
The challenges of network monitoring
Guaranteeing maximum service levels
Continuous monitoring of your IT network is essential for any company with more than ten employees.
This is the critical size at which a network failure can lead to a loss of business that is detrimental to the company.
💡 As an example, if your network is unavailable or difficult to access 1% of the time, that's 87 hours of work impacted (multiplied by the number of employees).
So it's very important to be able to detect the risk of incidents or optimizations to be carried out before facing a serious technical problem.
Monitoring network activity also ensures that you are properly informed in the event of a problem, and that the right action plan is rapidly put in place.
Protecting information systems
The other aspect of network supervision concerns network security. Cybercrime, viruses, phishing and other intrusions cause damage worth over 100 billion euros in France alone (2024 figures).
To effectively combat these ever-increasing attacks (particularly on mobile networks), IT Departments need to be equipped with technologies that enable them to identify their strengths and weaknesses, and to react quickly to any attempt.
The role of supervision is therefore to guarantee a continuous level of quality, often referred to as SLA for Service Level Agreement, to prevent the risk of service disruption/intrusion, and to react quickly to incidents.
How does it work?
Network monitoring can be implemented on the basis of log analysis, command results and local scripts, but it is above all on the basis of standard protocols such as SNMP that network monitoring works.
Numerous software packages are available for this purpose. The open source community is particularly active in this field, which is why many open source software packages are available, such as ZENOSS or CACTI, mentioned earlier in this article.
These software programs can assist the technician with SMS or email alerts, but also by proposing concrete solutions to resolve or anticipate a problem.
They offer varying degrees of functional coverage, but are generally suitable for all types of business.
Functionalities can range from simple log analysis, router and firewall monitoring, to more advanced real-time information system management, network, database and server administration.
Why opt for network monitoring software?
Whether you're an SME or a large multinational, effective network monitoring requires high-performance monitoring software:
- perform constant network analysis and diagnostics;
- ensure that network processes are running smoothly at all times;
- centralize key monitoring data and network health information;
- send alerts to IT team members as soon as an anomaly is detected.
Of course, network monitoring needs vary from one company and business to another.
Fortunately, there are many flexible monitoring tools on the market, available for download in all languages, from both open source (often free) and proprietary (licensed) monitoring software publishers.
How to choose network monitoring software
Summary table of our selection
| Software | User type | Key benefit | 3 key features | Entry price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atera | SME / SMB / MSP | All-in-one (RMM + supervision + ticketing) | Real-time supervision, automated alerts, patch management | From €149/month |
| CACTI | Senior system administrator | Open source with advanced graphical interface | RRDTool graphics, SNMP polling, template management | Free |
| Centreon | Enterprise / Key accounts | Scalable open source with business view | Auto-discovery, SLA-oriented supervision, API/Cloud integration | Free offer |
| Nagios | Enterprise / Network experts | Extremely customizable | Service monitoring, advanced alerting, custom plugins | Free offer |
| OpManager | SMB / Enterprise | Simple, powerful interface | Network maps, flow analysis, automatic discovery | Starting at €214.47 |
| PRTG | Network administrators at all levels | Fast, intuitive deployment | Customizable sensors, interactive dashboard, dynamic alerts | Starting at €137 |
| SolarWinds | Large-scale enterprises | Comprehensive professional tools | Network Performance Monitor, NetFlow, advanced reporting | From €5.25 / month |
| WhatsUp Gold | Multi-site companies | Intuitive network visualization | Automatic mapping, SNMP, customized notifications | Free offer |
| Zabbix | Open source experts | Power and scalability at no cost | SNMP / IPMI / JMX collection, dashboards, custom scripts | On quotation |
| Zenoss | Large IT environments | Modular, cloud-friendly architecture | Hybrid supervision, AIOps, dependency management | On request |
What criteria should you look for in good network monitoring software?
Not all tools are created equal. Some do the bare minimum, while others play in the big league. To make the right choice, keep an eye on these key points:
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a clear, ergonomic interface: good supervision software doesn't have to require six months' training. Information must be legible, well organized and easy to use;
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intelligent alerts: there's no need to be woken up at 3 a.m. for a micro outage. Choose tools that trigger relevant, configurable and prioritized notifications;
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broad functional coverage: bandwidth, servers, workstations, printers... The broader the view, the better. And if it also offers application monitoring, jackpot!
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standards compatibility: SNMP, WMI, NetFlow... Check that the software speaks the right network languages;
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scalability: is your company growing? The software needs to keep up without exploding in flight;
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support and community: open source or pay-as-you-go, good software comes with up-to-date documentation, responsive support and an active community.
What to remember about network monitoring tools?
A computer network is as critical as the human nervous system.
Guaranteeing its availability and security is therefore of paramount importance. Network supervision software provides the monitoring, analysis, alerting and assistance tools that IT decision-makers need.
Among these tools, open source software takes up a very large share of the offer. However, proprietary software offers more sophisticated ergonomics and more advanced human assistance functions.
Article translated from French