• Registered: 2016-11-14
  • Posts: 1

Topic: Help! Network audit and software i could use

Need help at monitoring our network. My boss didn't tell us about his requirements when our IT department (consisting of two people, including me) was building the network and haven't had any issues with that. But a week ago he decided to take a look at hardware and software, which is installed on PCs with inventory numbers, etc. We have a pretty small network with two servers and 50 nodes but it`s too much to handle using your own hands. I've tried Spiceworks and it was too slow at scanning. With Total Network Inventory software audit tool I managed to scan network but had to take a look at some software like Autodesk manually. Any tips here for future? I need a tool (or tools) to check network automatically. Freeware, if possible.

  • Registered: 2022-07-18
  • Posts: 151

Re: Help! Network audit and software i could use

A network audit involves analyzing the current state of a network's hardware, software, and security to identify potential issues and areas for improvement. Here are some steps you can take to conduct a network audit and software you can use:

Identify the scope of the audit: Determine which devices and components on the network you want to audit, such as servers, routers, switches, firewalls, and workstations.

Inventory devices: Create an inventory of all the devices on the network, including their IP addresses, hardware specifications, and software configurations. Software tools such as Lansweeper or Spiceworks can help automate this process.

Review network architecture: Examine the network topology and identify any potential bottlenecks, areas of high traffic, or outdated equipment.

Analyze network traffic: Use network traffic monitoring tools such as Wireshark or SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor to analyze traffic patterns and identify potential security issues.

Check network security: Review the security policies, access controls, and authentication mechanisms in place to ensure they are up to date and effective. Use tools such as Nmap or Nessus to scan for vulnerabilities.

Document findings: Document the findings of the audit, including areas for improvement and potential solutions.

Regards,
Rachel Gomez

  • From: Chicago
  • Registered: 2023-03-24
  • Posts: 5

Re: Help! Network audit and software i could use

Useful!!

4 Reply by ExciteBrand (edited by ExciteBrand 2023-11-16 11:45:37)

  • Registered: 2023-11-16
  • Posts: 1

Re: Help! Network audit and software i could use

Nagios Core: An excellent open-source solution for network monitoring. It tracks network health, performance, and availability. It's a bit complex to set up but very powerful once configured.

Zabbix: Another robust open-source tool, suitable for monitoring network performance and health. It's user-friendly and provides comprehensive data visualization features.

PRTG Network Monitor: Offers a freemium model with a limited number of sensors for free. It's great for monitoring bandwidth, identifying network issues, and getting real-time data.

Wireshark: This is more for packet analysis but can be useful for troubleshooting specific network issues. It's open-source and widely used.

https://translate.google.com/: A scalable, open-source network monitoring tool. It's suitable for general network health monitoring and can be configured for specific requirements.

5 Reply by Eva Anna (edited by Eva Anna 2023-12-20 06:45:27)

  • Registered: 2023-12-20
  • Posts: 2

Re: Help! Network audit and software i could use

Hi there! It sounds like you're dealing with quite a challenge in monitoring your network. For automated network monitoring, consider trying tools like Nagios or Zabbix, which provide comprehensive monitoring capabilities. They can help you keep track of hardware, software, and overall network health. Both are freeware and widely used in IT environments. Additionally, for software audits, tools like PDQ Inventory or Lansweeper can assist in automating the process, saving you valuable time. Hope these suggestions help streamline your network management.