NetCrunch 12.1.1

Overview

NetCrunch is one of the best network monitoring systems that can provide network traffic oversight and improved network controls.

The software can monitor network traffic to look for issues, bottlenecks and problems. Network traffic can be viewed by application type, by port type, by domain, by most communication being sent, and more.

The system can manage up to 3,000 nodes from a single PC. Nodes can be monitored for issues like memory problems, lack of disk space, switch fan issues, and many more.

There are numerous parameters that can be looked at to see what is happening with the network or the hardware it runs on and get ahead of any problems that are surfacing. There are pop-up alerts, email and SMS alerts that can be sent out too.

Installation

The installation completed without any issues.

There was no adware, toolbars, spyware or malware included with the setup package.

NetCrunch requires Windows OS; Windows Server is the best option.

Interface

The interface is modern and beautifully designed. Considerable thought has gone into presenting a lot of information in an attractive manner to make it easier to digest.

There are separate programs for things like Trend Viewer which shows the trend of how the network is being used over time.

Each program as part of NetCrunch is laid out minimally but with enough menu options, navigation tabs and lists to choose within to bring up the necessary information and take action on it.

Pros

• Monitor networks for any issues
• Monitor up to 3000 nodes from one PC
• Monitor VMware ESX and ESXi systems, Windows, Linux, BSD and Mac OS X systems
• View alerts about available memory, free disk space, overly long processor queues, and more
• View network traffic information, by application type, by port type, by domains, by most communication, and more
• See reports on memory usage, free disk space, switch fan state, top problem nodes, processor utilization, and more
• Remotely run scripts on Windows, Linux, BSD or Mac OS X
• Can automatically be set to restart services that have stopped

Cons

• The price is well into the four figures
• Bit of a learning curve

Alternatives

Spiceworks is a free alternative which includes some similar network tools and help desk software too.

Conclusion

NetCrunch is tough to beat for a network management package and hardware monitoring tool. Steep learning curve as there are so many features to use, but will provide the kind of necessary insight into corporate systems that large companies require.