Switch Center Workgroup

An SNMP based tool to remotely manage a number of networked devices and to monitor their performance.

Pros: Switch Center is a management suite to manage networked devices from a remote location. Any device which is compatible with SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) BRIDGE-MIB can be controlled using Switch Center. It has the capability to perform discovery of the network devices in real time. Users, and nodes will also be discovered at real time during the discovery phase including such information as what port numbers are being used at what IP addresses. Once devices have been discovered and are connected, they can be monitored as well as managed by using the Switch Center. These devices include switches, routers, hubs, printers and other resources. There is support for SNMP versions 1 through 3 and OSI layer 2 and 3 technology is used during the discovery phase. Network connectivity and statistics are displayed in real time, while being recorded in the background. Recorded information is available in the form of reports and through the central viewer. Database of recorded information can be exported using SQL and HTML for further analysis in the future. SNMP traps and other alerts are automatically forwarded to the Switch Center so that appropriate action can be taken by the administrator. Daily and weekly reports are sent to a pre-specified email.

Cons: There are no real limitations. It does almost everything that is asked of it. The interface if a little on the simpler side is still fully functional. The only thing is that it could have had more alert and notification options: both in terms of what alerts or notifications are generated (i.e. what the trigger event is) and also in what way the alert or notification is presented (more options in type of alert, sound and where these alerts can be sent).

Overall:5 stars. It is a tool that does the job adequately

Switch Center is network management and monitoring software for managed switches and hubs from any vendor supporting SNMP BRIDGE-MIB that helps to discover, monitor, mapping and analyzing networks topology, connectivity and performance. The workgroup version supports one network switch.
Switch Center can be connected through any network port without the need of remote agents or special network configuration. The unique monitoring engine provides complete network connectivity and performance of local and remote network nodes and interconnecting switch trunks. The software supports SNMPv1/2 and SNMPv3 discovery options including Ten Giga switch ports. The built-in central viewer supports multiple management levels and provides automatic network mapping using OSI Layer 2 and Layer 3 topology including real-time reports, statistics and alerts. The Workgroup version supports one network switch.
Switch Center key features:
Real-time network discovery and monitoring.
Nodes and users discovery including port location.
Multi vendors network switch ports mapper and scanner.
Real-time network connectivity supporting graphical views.
Real-time reports and statistics including exporting capabilities.
Database exporting capability supporting SQL and HTML for online updating.
Central viewer supporting multiple levels of management users and access permissions.
Ten Giga switch ports scanning and monitoring.
Support SNMPv1/2 and SNMPv3 scanning.
Email and SNMP trap alerts forwarding.
Daily and weekly e-mail reports.