Switch port mapping tools poll the network to fetch port data from devices, such as switches and routers. Information on devices, including port details, are stored in management information bases. If a switch fails, subnets and major parts of your network can go down. If you have problems with your switches, you end up with a lot of problems for your end users. Switches form a fundamental part of your local area network. These devices all perform the same “switching” task, but some (like network hubs) can also carry out additional functions. You might hear the phrase “network switch port” applied to multiple different kinds of devices. The terms “network switch” and “switch port” are not well defined, as they’re unofficial names covering a range of network bridging and connecting technologies. For example, five devices could communicate through a hub without any network traffic having to leave the hub. Switch ports let the connected devices “talk” to each other, and they don’t need to access any additional devices or resources outside of the switch to do so. The switch port is the part of the switch that allows you to connect devices, including computers, routers, network hubs and bridges, and other network switches. What Is a Switch Port?Ī network switch, also known as a switching hub or bridging hub, is a piece of hardware that connects different parts of the network.
My first choice is SolarWinds ® User Device Tracker (UDT), which includes a high-quality switch port mapper and easily integrates with broader monitoring tools to give you comprehensive insights into your network.
In this article, I’ll review what switch ports are and what switch port mappers do, followed by my top picks for tools. Several mapping and management solutions are available, and many provide much deeper insights into how your switch ports are functioning than you’ll get from the ports themselves. Mapping and managing your switch ports also plays a vital role in security processes, enabling you to detect and address crucial threats.
Switch port management is a small but important task for all IT professionals, as it can vastly contribute to network efficiency, saving you time, money, and energy otherwise spent troubleshooting.