Top 5 Online Tools a Networking Expert Must Have

As online systems become more complex, networking experts must find new ways to solve complex problems of the modern era. And what better way to do that than to utilize some online tools for your assistance?

The smart resources help networking experts pinpoint connectivity problems, significantly reducing downtimes and combating cyber threats for enterprises.

Join us in today’s post to uncover five such online tools that can help streamline workflows and boost the productivity of the IT workforce. 

We will discuss the tools’ features, pricing, and other highlights in detail so that you can easily decide on implementing the appropriate solutions.

Top 5 Must-Have Tools for Networking Experts

Before we move on to our list of top 5 online tools for networking experts, we just need to clarify one thing. 

Sure, such smart resources share our burden in troubleshooting issues and keeping online systems afloat, but there’s still no replacement for manual reviews. Humans, with their years of experience, intelligence, and ability to act on instincts, are still superior to some tools.

This takes us to the point that these tools must be used while being supervised by professionals to achieve the best results.

1. Wireshark

Wireshark is a powerful network protocol analyzer that detects anomalies in your networks and helps you fight off cyber threats. It is also vital for understanding online traffic patterns, enabling you to install relevant solutions in time.

Key Features:

• Deep Inspection of Hundreds of Protocols: Decrypt protocols for IPsec, WPA/WP2, SSL/TLS, etc., to deeply understand network behavior.

• Browse Captured Network Data: Wireshark allows you to see all the captured data through its intuitive GUI or the TShark utility.

• Download Data in Multiple Formats: Access all the collected information as an XML, CSV, or plain text file for record-keeping and documentation.

Pricing:

Free to Use.

2. Nmap

One of the biggest challenges for networking experts is protecting online systems from getting hacked or hijacked. Nmap (Network Mapper) clears out everything by scanning your network for open ports and vulnerabilities.

Key Features:

• Availability of Other Utilities: Along with a network scanner, Nmap offers Ncat, a debugging tool, Ndiff, a utility to compare scan results, and Nping, a packet generation and responses analysis tool. Thus making it a comprehensive package for network experts.

• High Scalability: Nmap doesn’t shy away from complex, large-scale networks, making it a perfect addition for enterprise-level workflows.

• Runs on All Major Computer OS: Nmap is a utility that offers great flexibility as it runs on Linux, Windows, MacOS X, and other major operating systems.

Pricing:

Free to Use.

3. MAC Address Lookup

Boasting a simplistic user interface, the MAC Address Lookup tool is a must-have tool for network experts trying to troubleshoot and fix issues in the online infrastructure. Get the vendor details from the tool for different physical devices and quickly start your RMA and troubleshooting procedures.

Key Features:

• Effective Device Management: See and document all details for the devices connected to your network for easy device management.

• Quickly Download Results: Save the results of scans as JSON or CSV files for better documentation.

• Highly Accurate Functionality: Always reliable functionality so that your RMA/troubleshooting processes are accurate.

Pricing:

Free to Use.

4. PuTTY

PuTTY is a lightweight SSH and Telnet client that helps network experts remotely manage and configure devices. It is a solid addition to enterprises that look to transfer data over the internet through secure protocols without risking any leakages.

Key Features:

• Terminal Emulation: PuTTY makes it feel that you are right into the system when working on it. Its emulated environment makes it easy to manage servers and other networking devices.

• SSH Support: The support for Secure Shell (SSH) ensures that every remote session is secured from cyberattacks and hijacks.

• Session Management: Save connection configurations, making it easy for you to connect with frequently accessed servers.

Pricing:

Free to Use.

5. Internet Speed Checker

The final tool on our list is the Internet Speed Checker, which allows networking experts to see the state of their internet connectivity. The tool checks for upload/download speeds along with the latency (ping) and jitters that the network is experiencing.

Key Features:

• Choose the Host Server: The Internet Speed Checker automatically picks the host server closest to you for better results. However, networking experts can also choose this option according to their will.

• Get Reliable Results: With this online tool, you can get the connection status of your status quickly and reliably. 

• Available in Multiple Languages: Internet Speed Checker supports 15 global languages, making it suitable for networking experts worldwide.

Pricing:

Free to Use.

Final Words

In this post, we reviewed five online tools that a networking expert must have to easily secure systems, ensure connectivity, and troubleshoot issues with no problems.

The options we covered should serve as a starting point; however, you are free to explore other alternatives and apply them according to your needs.

In the end, we recommend utilizing the tools along with the supervision of experts as neither is complete on their own to tackle complex problems of the modern world.