SoftPerfect Switch Port Mapper 3.1.10

Overview

SoftPerfect Switch Port Mapper is a tool to manage network switches that helps to govern what network traffic is moving around and how it is directed.

The software can provide reporting on what is directly connected to switch ports and those ports that do not presently have active connections. With each network switch with an active connection, the software will list the MAC address, IP address and host names of all computers that are linked to that port. Further information includes the network card vendor and the speed capacity of the port, with discarded frames and erroneous frame counters provided to help with possible connectivity troubleshooting issues.

A table format is used to display current switch port information. The ARP table is pulled form the router in order to show the IP detail for each connection device. A scan is performed of the subnet to provide the mapping of the MAC to IP addresses. There is also a console for running scripts in an organized, structured manner. For users who prefer a GUI, there is one provided in place of the console.

Other programs and tools can be launched directly from this application which can make this a mini network launcher of sorts. The software is compatible with standard and bulk operations for SNMPv1, SNMPv2c and SNMPv3.

Installation

The software required 1.2 MB of available space to complete the setup package.

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

SoftPerfect Switch Port Mapper requires Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7 or Windows Server 2003.

Interface

The interface is basic but reasonably modern.

There is a menu system at the top with menu options for File, View, Actions and Help.

There is also a row of small toolbar buttons which have floating tool tips to indicate what action that each button will carry out when clicked on.

The managed devices can be selected from a drop down list. Below this is a readout with a series of columns that will provide more information. These include columns for Port ID, Port name, Status, Speed, Duplex, Client MAC Address, Client IP Address, Client Host Name, Client Hardware Vendor, Errors, Discards, VLAN, and LLDP.

Pros

• Network switch port mapper
• View the connected clients on a given network switch
• View the MAC address, IP address and host names of all computers connected to that port
• Network card vendor and the speed capacity of the port, discarded frames and erroneous frame counters information can all be seen
• Analyze connectivity issues with the switch using the information available in this app
• Requires managed network equipment with SNMP support

Cons

• Requires a reasonable knowledge of networking in order to understand all the network jargon and get a real benefit out of the application

Alternatives

Easy Net Switch is a useful program in order to switch between network profiles.

Conclusion

SoftPerfect Switch Port Mapper is a workable network switch mapper that can display the connections on a given network switch.