As networks grow in size and complexity, managing them is also increasingly difficult. One of the challenges that you may face is keeping track of the physical devices that connect to your network switches.
In this article, we will discuss the basics of switch port mapping. We’ll talk about why such a tool is essential, and how to start with automating the process. Read on to learn all the crucial components of automated network switch port mapping.
What is switch port mapping?
Switch port mapping is a process of discovering the physical connectivity between network devices, such as switches, routers, and access points. To put it another way, mapping your switches allows you to visualize the utilization of ports for capacity planning and troubleshooting purposes.
Why is switch port mapping important?
Switch port mapping is an essential tool and it can help you to:
- Identify the devices which connect to each port on a switch
- Monitor network traffic and usage
- Troubleshoot network issues quickly and efficiently
- Keep track of changes to network topology
- Maintain network security by identifying unauthorized devices which connect to a network
What are the main switch port mapping benefits?
Traditional switch port mapping involves manually tracing cables and connecting them to devices. Without a doubt, this process can be time-consuming, error-prone, and disruptive to the network. However, using switch port mapping tools that work automatically can help. After all, such tools can quickly and easily discover the connectivity of your network devices to reduce errors.
To sum up, switch port mapping provides several benefits for managed service providers (MSPs), including:
- Monitor Network Traffic and Usage: Monitor network traffic and usage by knowing which devices are connected to which port. In such way, you can identify any potential bottlenecks in the network and take appropriate measures to improve performance.
- Troubleshoot Network Issues: Troubleshoot network issues quickly and efficiently. You get a comprehensive view of your network infrastructure, including the physical connectivity between devices. As a result, you can identify potential issues and troubleshoot quickly.
- Keep Track of Changes: Network topology constantly changes. Adding or removing new devices from a network instantly changes the topology. Switch port mapping allows you to keep track of these changes and update you the network documentation accordingly.
- Maintain and Enhance Network Security: If an unknown device connects to your network, this can pose a security risk. Switch port mapping helps you identify new devices. You can then take appropriate action to secure the network or block a device at the firewall level.
Domotz automated switch port mapping
For many managed switches, Domotz automatically detects and associate devices to the port they connect to.
To clarify, Domotz’s automated switch port mapping allows you to discover and map the physical connectivity of your network devices. Most importantly, this process doesn’t involve manual tracing. To explain, Domotz will display individual information for each switch port, such as max throughput, current upload, and download rate. Check out more on how automated network mapping tools work.
Here is what Domotz can do for you:
- More Visibility and Control: Automatic device discovery, port mapping, and classification allow you to gain greater visibility for the devices connected to each switch port.
- Group Switch Data in a Centralized Handy Overview: Get details about your devices connected to switches using the network topology map feature.
- Detect Issues in Advance: Instead of waiting for something to go wrong, Domotz notifies you if a device gets moved. In such a way, you can proactively monitor your devices to detect issues before your customers notice.
- Solve Remotely: When something goes wrong, you can use Domotz remote power management functionality to solve problems without visiting a site or spending time on the phone. Most of all, you can power devices on or off and reboot them from Domotz. With Domotz Power over Ethernet (PoE) functionality, you can control individual ports on a managed network switch like Cisco, NETGEAR, and many more.
- Greater Network Diagnostic: Diagnostics and bandwidth consumption history for each network switch port.
Here are five simple steps to start using switch port mapping with Domotz:
- Sign up for Domotz Pro: You can sign up for a free trial, which gives you access to all the platform’s features.
- Install the Domotz Agent: Easily install Domotz on various operating systems and platforms like Ubuntu, Raspberry Pi, Synology, and more. Check out all the Domotz installation options.
- Configure SNMP on Your Switches: Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) manages and monitors network devices like switches, routers, and access points. Learn more about how SNMP works. Just enable SNMP on your switches and configure them to allow SNMP queries from the Domotz Agent.
- Discover All Connected Devices: Once your Domotz Agent and SNMP work correctly on your switches, you can start discovering your devices. Our network monitoring software will automatically scan your network and discover all the devices connected to your switches. This will include IP addresses, MAC addresses, hostnames, and more.
- Map Your Switch Ports: The automated switch port mapping tool will visually represent your switches and their ports. Use them to easily navigate the map to understand how devices are connected to each other.
Conclusion
To conclude, switch port mapping tools are a vital component of network monitoring. Try Domotz if you want high-quality software with automated switch port mapping and network monitoring.
Ready to get started?
Check out our Managed switches and PoE guide, or contact our support team.
Further reading:
- Guide to automated network mapping tools
- IT/OT convergence monitoring
- Domotz installation options
- How SNMP works – what is SNMP
