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SolarWinds Orion Network Tools Overview
- Orion Network Performance Monitor (EDITOR’S CHOICE) This is the core module of the Orion platform and it provides a network discovery service that populates a device inventory within the dashboard. You also get a network topology map and continuous device status monitoring. Access a 30-day free trial.
- Orion Network Configuration Manager Perfect, lock, and save network device configurations with this tool that scans for changes and restores the archived version if a device is tampered with.
- Orion NetFlow Traffic Analyzer Add this unit to the NPM to get packet scanning, protocol analysis, and traffic flow metrics.
- Orion IP Address Manager This package includes DNS and DHCP servers as well as an IPAM to make a full DDI solution.
- VoIP & Network Quality Manager See the QoS, MOS, and IP SLA of your network connections and fine-tune performance to get better VoIP delivery.
Our methodology for selecting an Orion network tool
We reviewed the market for network monitoring and monitoring systems on the Orion platform and tested tools based on the following criteria:
- A network monitoring system that includes a high degree of setup automation
- Cross-modular tools that expand each individual purchase
- Components that all appear in the Orion console under different tabs
- Analytical tools as well as live monitoring systems
- Software that runs on Windows Server
- A reporting engine with options to share activity summaries
- Value for money from a package that can slot together to create a larger integrated monitoring package
1. Orion Network Performance Monitor (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
Orion Network Performance Monitor Read Our Full Review… Rating: 
| Download (30-Day Trial)
SolarWinds’ Orion Network Performance Monitor is designed to help you locate, troubleshoot and fix network performance issues and downtime. Orion NPM gives a top-down view of the network, mapping out various data points for analysis.
Key Features:
- The core Orion module
- Network discovery
- Hardware inventory
- Network topology mapping
- SNMP-based monitoring
Why do we recommend it?
SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor is the leading network monitoring system in the world and the star product of the SolarWinds brand. This system polls devices using the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) and regular SNMP responses from device agents enable the package to compile a network inventory and topology map.
Orion NPM Overview:
- Up to 10 different views of your entire network with drill-down capability.
- Can be deployed without consulting or installation services from Solarwinds
- Upgrade-friendly with capility for add-on a hot standby engine, multiple polling engines, and additional web servers
- Enables NetFlow traffic analysis, VoIP monitoring, IP address management, network configuration management, as well as application and server performance management.
Who is it recommended for?
This is a package for large companies. The tool is able to simultaneously track all network devices, which is a task that is impossible to perform manually on large networks. The automated monitoring system increases its value with larger networks. This system raises an alert if a device develops a problem.
Pros:
- Identifies network changes and automatically updates the inventory and map
- Constantly polls network devices for status reports
- Network path visualization
- Connection testing
- Alerts for status problems
Cons:
- No SaaS version
EDITOR'S CHOICE
SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor is our top pick for an Orion network tool because this is the core package that sets up the Orion console with device details. You don’t need to enter information about your switches, routers, and firewalls because the NPM scours the network and finds them, populating a system inventory with all of their attributes. The tool constantly replays that discovery routine so it automatically spots any changes you make to your network layout and rewrites the inventory accordingly. The package will generate a network topology map on demand and this plan is based on the information stored in the inventory. So, when the inventory gets updated, you will automatically see those changes reflected in the network map the next time you open it. The NPM also polls network devices for status reports and receives urgent notifications if a device is in trouble. The tool will display alerts in the Orion dashboard and also forward them to your technicians by email or SMS.
Download: Get a 30-Day Free Trial
OS: Windows Server
2. Orion Network Configuration Manager
Orion Network Configuration Manager | Download (30-Day Trial)
Orion Network Configuration Manager is designed to speed up and simplify the management of network config files in multi-vendor network environments via a simple web UI that enables easy access to device configuration data and templates. Additionally, Orion Network Configuration Manager continually monitors router and switch configurations for changes that could be user-impacting.
Key Features:
- Archives configurations
- Scans network devices
- Spots changes
- Restores approved settings
Why do we recommend it?
The Orion Network Configuration Manager fits well with the other network monitoring systems from SolarWinds. The service scans each device’s configuration, enables changes to be made, and then takes an image. Device configuration images are stored and the manager continuously checks on the current settings of each device, restoring the original image if changes are detected.
Orion NCM lets you skip manually Telnet-ing or SSH-accessing your devices to update configuration settings. Orion NCM’s reporting features create and analyze compliance reports to ensure your devices are keeping up with regulatory and in-house policy requirements.
Orion NCM Overview:
- Get instant visibility into any dependency issues between configuration management errors and network performance
- Real-time alerting for config changes to prevent and resolve to unauthorized, unscheduled, or erroneous device config changes
- Config policy violation detection enabling compliance with federal regulations and corporate standards
- Fully automatic backup routines for all network device configurations rapidly changing network topologies
Who is it recommended for?
As with most of the Orion systems, this package is particularly suitable for use by large organizations. The automated monitoring of network device configurations is a security service that blocks tampering by intruders. The settings of switches and routers can be used to enforce access policies and privileged access to these devices is a major goal of all hackers.
Pros:
- Supports the standardization of network device configurations
- Detects unauthorized configuration changes
- Restores approved configurations
- Manages configuration archives
Cons:
- Doesn’t cover endpoints
3. Orion NetFlow Traffic Analyzer
Orion NetFlow Traffic Analyzer | Download (30-Day Trial)
Orion NetFlow Traffic Analyzer captures data from continuous streams of network traffic and converts that raw data into highly-readable charts and tables that tells you exactly what your network usage looks like, who’s using it and where. Orion NTA also has CBQoS monitoring to ensure the policies preset are actually providing mission-critical traffic with the highest level of priority. Orion NTA gives you a top-down view of your network traffic, any bottlenecks, lets you identify and isolate high-bandwidth users.
Key Features:
- Flow protocols
- Protocol analysis
- Capacity planning
Why do we recommend it?
Orion NetFlow Traffic Analyzer is a companion module for the Network Performance Monitor. While the NPM tracks network device statuses, the NetFlow Traffic Analyzer uses flow protocols to extract traffic data. The tool can be used to gather Mean Opinion Score data for VoIP transmissions and helps you implement queuing to improve the performance of interactive applications.
Orion Netflow Traffic Analyzer Highpoints:
- Locates which users, applications, and protocols are using the most network bandwidth and reveals the IP addresses of the top users or devices on the network
- Monitors the pulse of the network by capturing raw flow data from network devices, including Cisco® NetFlow v5 or v9, Juniper® J-Flow, IPFIX, and sFlow®
- Helps you drill down into traffic details on certain network elements, using multiple views to get the view you need
- Helps you source fault, performance, and configuration problems through integration with Orion Network Performance Manager and Orion Network Configuration Manager
Who is it recommended for?
This is a good service for managing large networks. It helps you get maximum value from existing hardware rather than having to go out and buy more equipment to expand network capacity. You can buy this tool and the Network Performance Monitor together in the Network Bandwidth Analyzer Pack.
Pros:
- Integrates with the network performance monitor
- Enhances the network topology map with bandwidth usage statistics
- NetFlow, sFlow, J-Flow, NetStream, and IPFIX
Cons:
- Can’t be operated as a standalone system
4. Orion IP Address Manager
Orion IP Address Manager (IPAT) | Download (Free)
Basically, this free tool is designed to replace keeping track of IP address allocation and permissions in a giant spreadsheet. We especially like this tool for keeping track of VMs and mobile devices on the network, particularly due to the rate of change in IP address allocation in virtual platforms.
Key Features:
- DDI solution
- IP address scanning
- Subnetting
Why do we recommend it?
The SolarWinds IP Address Manager is actually what is known as a DDI. As well as providing the IP Address Manager (IPAM), the package includes a DNS server and a DHCP server. You can choose to use Microsoft DNS and DHCP servers instead. This system scans for abandoned IP addresses and updates DHCP and DNS servers accordingly.
Orion IP Address Manager (IPAM) helps you plan and schedule IP address space allotments through LUCID web UI. IPAM is available as a standalone free tool separate from use only with other Orion modules. Highly recommended.
IP Address Management Software Features:
- Manage your entire IP infrastructure from an easy web-based console
- Keep your subnets and DHCP scopes from filling up with preventative alert notifications
- Run maintenance scans on your Cisco IOS DHCP and Microsoft® DHCP servers for IP address changes
- Create IPv6 subnets and plan your IPv6 migrations
- Create, schedule, and share reports showing IP address space percent utilization
- Coordinate team access with role-based access control to keep track who made each change
- Determine what device had a specific IP address at a given point in time with historical address tracking
- Scan and track unused IP addresses for free and only pay for managing the IP addresses that you are using
- Locate non-responsive IP addresses to optimize your IP allocations
Who is it recommended for?
This system is going to appeal to mid-sized and large companies. Its creation on the Orion platform means that it can be accessed alongside the Network Performance Monitor, the NetFlow Traffic Analyzer, and the Network Configuration Manager in a single console if you also buy those tools.
Pros:
- DDI with built-in DNS and DHCP servers or use Microsoft DNS and DHCP
- A subnet discovery wizard
- Import or export IP address pools
Cons:
- Doesn’t manage overlay networks
5. Orion IP SLA Monitor
Orion IP SLA Manager | Download (30-Day Trial)
SolarWinds’ Orion IP SLA Manager is designed to zero-in on site-specific or WAN-related network performance issues based on the view you would see if you were actually on-site. This is a new add-on for Orion NPM, which helps locate which devices on your network actually support IP SLA and automatically setup operations for those devices. Orion IP SLA also lets you monitor key WAN applications by taking the performance-pulse of underlying network protocols, including DNS lookups, FTP, HTTP, TCP connect, and UDP jitter, while continuing to monitor VoIP call paths.
Key Features:
- Quality of Server metrics
- WAN performance
- IP SLA setup
Why do we recommend it?
The IP SLA Monitor is delivered as part of the SolarWinds VoIP and Network Quality Manager. This tool deepens the monitoring of the connection quality available on a network. This adds features to the Network Performance Monitor and Netflow Traffic Analyzer for time-sensitive traffic.
Who is it recommended for?
The traffic quality analysis services provided by the NetFlow Traffic Analyzer and Network Performance Monitor are enough for most businesses. However, companies that are heavily reliant on video streaming and VoIP traffic will probably need a more detailed monitoring system and so should consider the VoIP and Network Quality Manager.
Pros:
- Keeps a constant track on voice connection quality
- Provides analysis of connections
- Can trace connection quality across the internet
Cons:
- This is a monitoring package and doesn’t include connection management tools
SolarWinds Orion Network Tools FAQs
What is SolarWinds Orion Network Tools?
SolarWinds Orion Network Tools is a suite of network monitoring and management software designed to provide comprehensive visibility and control over IT infrastructure, including network devices, servers, applications, and more.
What are some key features of SolarWinds Orion Network Tools?
Some key features include network performance monitoring, network configuration management, network traffic analysis, server and application monitoring, and IP address management.
Is SolarWinds Orion Network Tools a cloud-based or on-premise solution?
SolarWinds Orion Network Tools can be deployed as an on-premise solution or hosted in the cloud, depending on the specific needs and requirements of your organization.
What types of devices can SolarWinds Orion Network Tools monitor?
Orion Network Tools can monitor a wide range of devices, including routers, switches, firewalls, servers, storage devices, and virtual infrastructure components.
Can SolarWinds Orion Network Tools be customized to my organization's needs?
Yes, the platform is highly customizable, allowing you to create custom dashboards, alerts, and reports to meet your organization's unique requirements.
How does SolarWinds Orion Network Tools handle network configuration management?
The Network Configuration Manager module helps automate and simplify the management of network device configurations, allowing you to track changes, create backups, and enforce compliance with industry standards and best practices.
Can SolarWinds Orion Network Tools monitor server and application performance?
Yes, the Server & Application Monitor module provides in-depth visibility into the performance and availability of servers and applications, helping you identify and resolve issues before they impact users.
How does SolarWinds Orion Network Tools help with IP address management?
The IP Address Manager module simplifies IP address tracking and allocation, allowing you to monitor IP address usage, detect IP conflicts, and ensure efficient utilization of IP address space.
Is SolarWinds Orion Network Tools compatible with virtual environments?
Yes, the platform supports monitoring and managing virtual infrastructure components, such as VMware vSphere and Microsoft Hyper-V environments.
Can I integrate SolarWinds Orion Network Tools with other IT management tools?
Yes, the platform offers integration with many other IT management tools, including ticketing systems, SIEM solutions, and other monitoring tools.
What is the SolarWinds Orion SDK?
The SolarWinds Orion SDK is a set of tools and resources that allow developers to create custom integrations and extensions for the Orion platform.
What kind of support does SolarWinds offer for Orion Network Tools?
SolarWinds offers various support options, including email, phone, online resources, and a community forum.
