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16 Best Network Administrator Tools of 2025: Monitoring, Configuration, Security and Bandwidth Management

Networks are the essential structure in the fast-growing field of information technology that makes it easier for organisations to communicate and share data. They act as the foundation for smooth interactions between workers, departments, and other interested parties. Network administrators play an important role in ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of these networks. Their responsibilities include configuring network equipment, diagnosing connectivity difficulties, putting in place security measures, and optimising performance.

The professionals are responsible for ensuring that networks remain operational, secure, and dependable at all times. They continually monitor network traffic, identify vulnerabilities, and implement risk mitigation measures.

Additionally, network administrators are responsible for remaining current on the latest technology breakthroughs and industry best practices to respond to changing risks and problems.

Whether you troubleshoot connectivity issues, monitor performance or ensure your network is secure, the right network tools can save time and effort.

So, in this post, we will look at some of the most popular network administrator tools available on the market. However, let us first understand what network administration is.

Network Administrator Tools

What is Network Administration?

Network administration is the process of managing an organisation’s computer networks. Its primary goal is to guarantee that these networks function properly, securely, and reliably. Network administrators are responsible for configuring, managing, and supporting network infrastructure, which includes both hardware and software components.

Their responsibilities include configuring networks, diagnosing problems that develop, monitoring performance, and administering security measures. They work promptly to resolve any issues that develop to keep the networks working efficiently and without interruptions. They also focus on adopting security measures to secure the organisation’s data and systems against cyberattacks.

In simple terms, network administration is a diverse field that requires a combination of technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and adaptability.

Network Administrator Tools: Monitoring, Security and Bandwidth Management

This overview highlights key tools for network monitoring, configuration, security, and bandwidth management, showcasing their features to support efficient network administration and improve overall network health.

Network Monitoring Tools

A network monitoring tool is software that monitors and analyses the performance and availability of computer networks. It continually gathers data on network devices, traffic, and services, delivering real-time information about network health. Administrators may use these technologies to quickly discover issues, including outages, congestion, and security breaches.

The top network monitoring tools are:

Wireshark

Wireshark is a robust packet analyser programme that enables network administrators to collect and analyse network data in real-time. It offers precise information about each packet, such as its source, destination, protocol, and contents. Administrators can use Wireshark to troubleshoot network difficulties, detect aberrant traffic patterns, and diagnose problems like network congestion or security breaches.

Nagios

Nagios is an open-source monitoring system that enables administrators to identify and address network failures and performance issues. It monitors network devices, services, and applications and sends notifications when problems occur. Nagios provides proactive monitoring and may be tailored to an organisation’s particular requirements. It is extremely scalable and commonly used in both local and large settings.

SolarWinds NPM

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM) is a full-featured network monitoring tool that delivers real-time visibility into network performance and device health catered for enterprise environments. It includes capabilities like network topology mapping, performance monitoring, and customisable warnings. SolarWinds NPM enables administrators to proactively discover and resolve network issues, optimise performance, and maintain the dependability of important network infrastructure.

Additional features include:

  • Real-time network performance
  • Customizable dashboards and Alerts
  • Auto Discovery of diverse network devices
  • Detailed reports and analytics

While SolarWinds and Nagios are mainly used for high-level monitoring of your environment, Wireshark is mostly used to inspect your traffic and get a more detailed view of your network packets. The table below compares the various features of the 3 different tools.

FeatureWiresharkNagiosSolarWinds
Primary FunctionPacket Capture and AnalysisMonitoring Infrastructure healthMonitoring Performance and scalability
Monitoring ScopePacket LevelHosts, Applications and ServicesNetworks, Applications and Devices
AlertingNone – Manual DiagnosisConfigurable Alerting SystemMonitoring Infrastructure Health
Ease of useSteep Learning CurveRequires initial setup of monitoring system and pluginsIntuitive GUI, Resource intensive
CostFree and Open sourceFree (Nagios Core) / Paid (Nagios XI)Paid(with Free Trial)

Network Configuration Tools

A network configuration tool is software that automates the configuration and administration of network devices such as routers, switches, and firewalls. It streamlines activities such as device configuration, deployment, and upgrades, assuring consistency and efficiency throughout the network infrastructure while lowering the risk of human mistakes.

Top configuration tools:

PuTTY

PuTTY is a flexible terminal emulator that is commonly used to configure network devices using protocols such as SSH, Telnet, and serial connections. It offers a straightforward yet powerful interface for accessing and operating network devices, making it a popular choice among administrators and engineers.

Attune

Attune is a comprehensive IT Automation and Orchestration solution from AttuneOps, designed to simplify and streamline network administration tasks. This tool stands out for its ability to automate scripts, commands, and processes exactly as they would be entered manually into a terminal such as PuTTY.

Multi-device coordination is streamlined through its interface, allowing simultaneous operations across different devices and environments. Provides rapid debugging and editing capabilities during job runs, allowing for in-job script modifications without the need to restart the process.

Attune is a powerful and versatile tool for network administrators, offering a range of automation and orchestration capabilities that are essential for managing complex IT environments efficiently and effectively. Its adaptability, debugging features, and support for both physical and virtual environments make it an invaluable asset for modern network administration.

Cisco Packet Tracer

The Cisco Packet Tracer is a simulation tool developed exclusively for Cisco networking equipment. It enables users to create, manage, and debug virtual network environments that simulate real-world settings. Packet Tracer is frequently utilised in educational settings, allowing students and professionals to acquire hands-on experience with Cisco technology in a safe and regulated environment.

GNS3

GNS3 (Graphical Network Simulator – 3) is a powerful open-source network simulation tool that allows users to simulate complex network topologies. Unlike Packet tracer, GNS3 supports integration with multiple devices from different network vendors like Juniper, Arista and more. GNS3 also integrates with Virtual machines from VMware Workstation, and Virtualbox and can also simulate containerized deployments through a docker integration allowing it to simulate real-world scenarios.
GNS3 is great for engineers who are preparing for high-level exams (CCIE and CCNP) and Network engineers designing highly specialized and complex networks.

EVE-NG

Similar to GNS3, EVE-NG (Emulated Virtual Environment Next Generation) is another powerful network emulation platform but with a more modern architecture and more enterprise-focused features. It allows users to emulate, design and test complex networks with devices from multiple vendors, unlike GNS3 and packet tracer EVE-NG runs in a VM making it simple to manage. EVEN-NG is ideal for specialized engineers designing complex Enterprise Networks.

Netbox

Netbox is an open-source Information Resource Modelling (IRL) tool designed to help organizations document and manage their IT infrastructure. It is commonly used by network engineers for Inventory management, IP Address Tracking and Network topology Visualization.

Some useful features include:

  • IP Address Management (IPAM)
  • Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM)
  • Device Management
  • Secrets Management

TFTP Server

A TFTP Server is a lightweight file transfer protocol, it is mostly used by network engineers to upload/download device configuration backups and update files as well as provide a PXE boot server.

It is a simple and lightweight server that can easily be configured when needed though its lack of security features makes it unsuitable for use as a production-ready file server.

Security and Firewall Tools

Security and firewall tools are software or hardware solutions that safeguard computer networks from unauthorised access, malicious activity, and cyber attacks. They monitor and regulate incoming and outgoing network traffic, enforce security regulations, and identify and block suspicious activity to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of network assets.

The top security and firewall tools are:

Nmap

It is a powerful tool for network research and security audits. It searches networks to find devices and open ports, delivering vital information about network structure and potential vulnerabilities, making it an indispensable tool for network managers and security specialists.

Wi-Fi Analysers

Wi-Fi Analysers (e.g., NetSpot, inSSIDer): It optimises wireless networks by analysing interference, signal quality, and channel congestion. They assist network managers in determining ideal settings, troubleshooting connectivity difficulties, and improving overall Wi-Fi performance.

Snort

Snort is an open-source intrusion detection and prevention system (IDPS) that examines network data for unusual activities. It analyses packets in real-time, notifies administrators of possible security risks, and may automate measures to prevent or mitigate attacks, improving network security posture and threat detection capabilities.

Wazuh

Wazuh is a free and open-source Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and Extended Detection and Response (XDR) platform. It helps network administrators monitor, detect and respond to security threats across their IT infrastructure.

Wazuh packages the following tools into one:

  • Log analysis and SIEM
  • Host Intrusion and Detection
  • Vulnerability Detection
  • Threat Intelligence and Security Alerts
  • File Integrity Monitoring
  • Compliance and Auditing

Wazuh enables engineers to set up a cost-effective SOC center which in turn ensures the security of your infrastructure. It is an excellent choice for organizations looking to enhance security, monitor threats and ensure compliance without incurring expensive licensing costs.

Bandwidth Management Tools

Bandwidth management tools are software solutions for monitoring, controlling, and optimising network bandwidth utilisation. They assist administrators in monitoring bandwidth use, prioritising traffic, and enforcing regulations to ensure equitable allocation of network resources. These techniques are critical for ensuring network performance, reducing congestion, and increasing efficiency.

Top bandwidth management tools:

NetFlow Analyzer

A network management tool that uses the NetFlow protocol to visualise and analyse bandwidth utilisation. It collects and analyses flow data from network devices to get insights into traffic patterns, application usage, and bandwidth consumption.

SNMP

It is a standard protocol that collects and organises performance data from network devices such as routers, switches, and servers. It enables network managers to actively monitor device status, measure performance data, and discover faults.

Conclusion

Network management is critical for efficient IT operations and secure networks. Various tools help administrators manage and optimise network infrastructure. Keeping up with new technologies becomes essential for successfully navigating the digital realm. Administrators use a combination of skills and technologies to guarantee that networks run smoothly in the digital age.

Post Written by Shivam Mahajan
Shivam Mahajan is an editor skilled in SysOps, Tech, and Cloud. With experience at AttuneOps and other companies, he simplifies complex technical material for easy understanding.

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