SolarWinds NTM 2026.2.0 (Network Topology Mapper)

Overview of SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper

SolarWinds NTM is a professional-grade application designed to generate comprehensive network maps through automated discovery. Unlike manual diagramming methods that quickly become outdated, NTM leverages multiple discovery protocols to build accurate, living maps of your IT ecosystem.

The software operates on a simple yet powerful principle: scan your network once, and build multiple maps from that single scan without rescanning. This approach saves valuable resources, bandwidth, and time while maintaining consistency across all your network documentation.

Key Features of Network Topology Mapper 2026.2.0

NTM 2026.2.0 comes equipped with a robust feature set designed to meet the demands of modern network management:

• Multi-Protocol Discovery: Automatically discovers network topology using ICMP, SNMP, WMI, CDP, VMware, Microsoft Hyper-V, and other discovery methods. This comprehensive approach ensures visibility across physical, virtual, and cloud environments.

• Automated Network Mapping: Generates network diagrams that visualize device details, dependencies, and geographic configurations with just one scan. The automated mapping eliminates manual errors and significantly reduces the time required to create accurate network documentation.

• Multi-Layer Visualization: Provides insight into both OSI Layer 2 and Layer 3 network configurations, essential for understanding network functionality at multiple levels. Different discovery methods identify physical devices, virtual nodes, and cloud-level infrastructure.

• Map Navigator: Guides users through complex multi-level network diagrams with a searchable interface for pinpointing specific nodes and configurations. This feature streamlines network management in large, complex environments.

• Export Capabilities: Exports network diagrams to Microsoft Visio, Network Atlas, PDF, and PNG formats. This interoperability ensures seamless integration with existing documentation workflows.

• Change Detection: Automatically monitors for new devices, changes, and unknown systems, maintaining an accurate record of your network. Scheduled scans keep maps current without manual intervention.

• Compliance Support: Helps meet regulatory compliance requirements for standards such as PCI, SOX, HIPAA, and FIPS 140-2. Maintain multiple network maps to satisfy auditing needs.

• Customizable Graphing: Allows customization of nearly every mapping and display aspect, from text styling to subnet maps. You can even add custom discovery tools for specialized devices.

What’s New in NTM 2026.2.0

Version 2026.2.0 represents the latest evolution of SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper. While detailed release notes are available through SolarWinds documentation, this version focuses on maintaining compatibility with current Windows environments, including Windows Server 2025 and Windows 11 support.

The 2026.2.0 release continues the legacy of reliable automated discovery while incorporating updates to underlying frameworks and protocols to ensure optimal performance in modern IT environments. The software maintains its support for FIPS compliance, critical for organizations operating in regulated industries.

System Requirements

Before installing SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper 2026.2.0, ensure your system meets the following requirements:

Operating System Requirements:

• Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit)

• Microsoft Windows 11 (64-bit)

• Microsoft Windows Server 2016

• Microsoft Windows Server 2019

• Microsoft Windows Server 2022

• Microsoft Windows Server 2025

Hardware Requirements:

• CPU: 2.66 GHz or faster processor (faster recommended for large environments)

• RAM: 500 MB minimum

• Hard Drive Space: 10 GB minimum

Software Requirements:

• .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 and 4.8

Language Support:

• English, German, Japanese, Chinese

Network Port Requirements:

• 161/UDP for SNMP statistics collection

• 443/TCP for VMware Virtual Center or ESX server communication

• 17778/HTTPS for SWIS API access when exporting maps

• 135/TCP and dynamic ports for WMI communication

SolarWinds strongly recommends installing Network Topology Mapper on a server that is not public or internet-facing.

Installation Guide

Installing SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper 2026.2.0 follows a straightforward process:

1. Verify System Requirements: Confirm your Windows system meets the operating system, hardware, and .NET Framework requirements.

2. Download the Installer: Obtain the installation package from the SolarWinds customer portal.

3. Run the Installer: Execute the installation file with administrator privileges.

4. Configure .NET Framework: If prompted, install .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 and .NET 4.8 as prerequisites.

5. Complete Setup: Follow the installation wizard to complete the setup process.

6. Launch NTM: After installation, launch SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper and prepare for initial configuration.

How to Use the Software

Creating Your First Network Map

1. Create a New Scan: Click “New Scan” in the NTM interface.

2. Configure Credentials: Add SNMP community strings, WMI credentials, and VMware credentials as needed for discovery.

3. Define Network Segment: Identify the network segment through subnet or IP ranges. You can also choose to ignore nodes that only respond to ICMP (ping).

4. Start the Scan: Initiate the discovery scan and allow NTM to map your network.

5. Review and Customize: After the scan completes, rearrange objects on the map, add or delete devices as needed.

6. Save and Export: Save your map and export to Visio, Network Atlas, PDF, or PNG formats.

7. Generate Reports: Create inventory reports and export them to CSV for documentation.

Advanced Configuration Options

For more sophisticated mapping needs, consider these capabilities:

Scheduled Scans: Set custom scan intervals to automatically detect changes and ensure maps remain current. This feature is critical for monitoring evolving network topologies.

Custom Graphing Criteria: Map specific areas by configuring IP addresses or ranges, and exclude nodes or addresses to focus on relevant infrastructure.

Multiple Purpose-Built Maps: Most environments cannot be described by a single map. Create multiple purpose-built maps focused on specific sites, network segments, or device types.

Best Use Cases

SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper excels in several scenarios:

Network Documentation: Automate the creation and maintenance of accurate network diagrams for operational documentation and disaster recovery planning.

Compliance Auditing: Generate maps and reports to support regulatory compliance requirements for PCI, SOX, HIPAA, and other standards.

Change Management: Monitor infrastructure changes by scheduling regular discovery scans and comparing results to previous maps.

Network Visualization: Create easy-to-understand visual representations of complex network topologies for communication with management and non-technical stakeholders.

Troubleshooting: Navigate complex network maps with the Map Navigator feature to quickly locate specific nodes and configurations.

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages

• Automated Discovery: Eliminates manual network diagramming through ICMP, SNMP, WMI, CDP, VMware, and Hyper-V discovery.

• Time Efficiency: Build multiple maps from a single scan, saving resources and bandwidth.

• Comprehensive Export Options: Export to Visio, Network Atlas, PDF, and PNG formats.

• Compliance Readiness: Supports regulatory compliance requirements.

• Multi-Layer Visualization: Insight into both OSI Layer 2 and Layer 3 network configurations.

• Change Detection: Automatic monitoring for new devices and changes.

Limitations

• Windows-Only: Limited to Windows operating systems for installation.

• Resource Intensive: CPU demands increase with environment size.

• Licensing Costs: Commercial software with associated licensing fees.

• No Cloud Discovery: Focuses on on-premise infrastructure discovery.

• Limited Automation: Automation surface limited compared to full CRUD-capable topology tools.

Alternatives to SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper

Several alternatives offer similar functionality depending on specific requirements:

ServiceNow Service Mapping: Market leader with 65.54% share in network mapping category; offers comprehensive service dependency mapping tightly integrated with IT service management workflows.

Ekahau: Second-ranked alternative with 16.04% market share; focuses on wireless network design, planning, and mapping with specialized capabilities for Wi-Fi environments.

iBwave: Holds 4.66% market share; specializes in in-building wireless network design and planning with specific focus on cellular and DAS (Distributed Antenna System) deployments.

AdRem NetCrunch: All-in-one network monitoring system supporting agentless monitoring across SNMP, servers, virtualization, and cloud platforms. Features dynamic views, automated discovery, and extensive alerting capabilities.

Domotz: IT infrastructure monitoring and management with plug-and-play setup, mobile access, and comprehensive monitoring features. Designed for service providers, MSPs, and enterprises.

NetBrain: Focuses on dependency path mapping and automated network documentation with advanced troubleshooting capabilities.

ManageEngine OpManager: Offers topology-aware device imaging with SNMP and WMI capabilities plus built-in monitoring, alerting, and reporting features. It ties topology to time-series metrics and RBAC-controlled monitoring behavior.

Auvik: Cloud-based network monitoring and management with automated discovery, mapping, and documentation tailored for MSPs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper used for?
A: SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper is a network mapping tool that automatically discovers and maps network topology using multiple discovery methods including SNMP, WMI, VMware, and more. It generates comprehensive network diagrams and helps maintain accurate network documentation.

Q: What version of Windows does SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper support?
A: NTM 2026.2.0 supports Windows 10 and 11, and Windows Server versions 2016 through 2025. Earlier versions also supported Windows 8 and 7 desktop OS.

Q: How much does SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper cost?
A: Pricing information is available through SolarWinds sales representatives. As a commercial enterprise-grade solution, licensing costs vary based on deployment size and requirements.

Q: What is the difference between SolarWinds NTM and Network Atlas?
A: NTM automatically updates network maps through scheduled discovery scans, while Network Atlas maps remain static and require manual updates. NTM maps are topology-based, while Network Atlas can include applications, systems, and services.

Q: How does SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper discover network devices?
A: NTM discovers devices using multiple protocols: ICMP for ping-based discovery, SNMP for device information, WMI for Windows systems, CDP for Cisco devices, and VMware/Hyper-V for virtualization environments.

Q: Can SolarWinds NTM export maps to Visio?
A: Yes, NTM can export network diagrams to Microsoft Visio, Network Atlas, PDF, and PNG formats.

Q: Is SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper suitable for large enterprise networks?
A: Yes, though hardware requirements scale with environment size. Faster CPUs and adequate resources are recommended for large environments, and discovery scheduling must be planned carefully.

Q: Does NTM support compliance reporting?
A: Yes, NTM helps maintain network maps to meet regulatory compliance requirements including PCI, SOX, HIPAA, and FIPS 140-2.

Final Thoughts

SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper 2026.2.0 represents a significant tool for network administrators seeking to automate the challenging task of network documentation and mapping. By leveraging multiple discovery protocols, NTM provides comprehensive visibility across physical, virtual, and cloud environments while maintaining maps through scheduled scans. The ability to build multiple maps from a single scan and export to common formats like Visio and PDF makes it adaptable to various organizational workflows.

While resource considerations may apply for very large deployments, NTM’s automated approach fundamentally reduces the manual effort required to maintain accurate network documentation. For organizations struggling with out-of-date diagrams or manual mapping processes, SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper offers a mature, enterprise-ready solution.