You can use this tool to develop, test, and deploy on up to 50 GB of disk storage. There are no time limitations or feature restrictions. Egocentric Network Study Software EgoNet allows you to create the questionnaire and gather and analyze all social network data of a website on the Internet.
It also provides sets of data and comprehensive measures that can be used for further analysis by other tools. Plus Point : Includes relationship-based survey tool for organizational network analysis. With Polinode you can upload arbitrary network data for online visualization and analysis. It can handle tens of thousands of nodes and calculate computationally demanding metrics on these networks such as centrality, closeness, betweenness, and many more. Polinode also comes with a fully integrated relationship-based survey tool, which allows you to run surveys with tens of thousands of respondents.
Mathematica provides state-of-the-art functionality for creating and analyzing complex networks. It has about 5, built-in functions covering all areas of technical computing — all effectively integrated so they work perfectly together. High-level functions allow you to identify communities, discover cohesive groups, and visualize the results. A full suite of social network measures makes it easy to explore networks, rank actors from their centralities, and provide recommendations based on similar actors.
Social network analysis is a research technique developed primarily in communication science and sociology. It focuses on patterns of relations among individuals and among groups such as states and businesses. Social network analysis has been extensively used to understand behavior between individuals or organizations through their linkages on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. It is also used in intelligence and law enforcement activities.
The National Security Agency, for example, exploits its electronic surveillance systems to produce data required to conduct this kind of analysis on networks associated with national security such as terrorist cells. Businesses and private organizations use social network analysis to support activities like information system development analysis, customer behavior analysis, and business intelligence needs.
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Commetrix Best for : Analyzing dynamic network change and lifecycles Commetrix is a dynamic network visualization and analysis software that provides easy exploratory yet comprehensive access to network data. Key Features Renders 2D and 3D networks of communication Allows for time-based observation of growth of the network Splits network into groups based on the network structure Overall, Commetrix allows you to observe the detailed lifecycle of a communication network of thousands of concurrently changing relationships.
Social Network Visualizer Best for : Analyzing graphs and social network characteristics, and creating HTML reports This user-friendly, cross-platform tool allows you to draw social networks on a virtual canvas, load field data from a file, or browse the Internet to create a network of connected webpages. Key Features Advanced metrics for social network analysis such as centrality and prestige indices Fast algorithms for community detection Structural equivalence analysis Social Network Visualizer calculates standard graph and network cohesion metrics like density, eccentricity, clustering coefficient, etc.
Key Features Annotate graphs, entities, and relations with metadata Filtering mechanism lets you focus on specific portions of a graph Allows you to analyze large sparse graphs with more than , nodes JUNG supports the implementation of numerous algorithms, including random graph generation, clustering, optimization, network distance calculation, and statistical analysis.
Tulip Best for : Visualizing semantic networks Tulip is a lightweight framework for analyzing and visualizing relational data. Key Features Domain-specific visualizations Graph clustering Visual attribute mapping The framework supports a wide range of algorithms for graph visualization, including graph drawing algorithms, metrics algorithms, clustering algorithms, and visual attribute mapping algorithms.
Statnet Best for : Implementing recent advances in network modeling based on ERGM Statnet is a suite of R packages that perform a wide range of data management, visualization, and statistical network analysis tasks.
Key Features Optimized for speed and robustness Provides a unifying coherent framework for modeling Provide a complete stochastic representation of the process of network formation The broad functionality of Statnet is powered by a central Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm that can easily handle networks having several thousand nodes.
Netlytic Best for: Analyzing online interaction with large online communities Netlytic is a cloud-based social network analyzer that is capable of automatically summarizing textual data and discovering communication networks from publicly accessible social media posts. Key Features Discovers popular topics or hot discussions Maps geo-coded social media data Allows you to conduct social science research on online communities Overall, the platform can help you find and visualize who is talking to whom within a community, how they are talking about, how often they are communicating, how they actually feel about the topic they are discussing, and the behavior and strength of their interactions with each other.
NetworkX Best for : analyzing massive graphs having more than 10 million nodes and million edges NetworkX is a Python library for creating and analyzing the structure and dynamics of complex networks. Key Features Includes many standard graph algorithms Network structure and analysis measures Construct random graphs and synthetic networks This tool makes it easy to draw networks in 2D and 3D, and find subgraphs, cliques, and k-cores. Cytoscape Best for : Performing advanced analysis and modeling on massive datasets Cytoscape helps you visualize complex networks and integrate them with many different types of attribute data.
Subdue Best for : Finding structural, relational patterns in data representing entities and relationships Subdue is a graph-baed knowledge discovery system that represents data using a labeled, directed graph. Subdue can carry out various learning tasks, ranging from clustering and graph grammar learning to supervised and unsupervised learning, Key Features Discovers repetitive and interesting patterns within a graph Finds discriminating patterns from a set of classified graphs Identifies both exact and inexact isomorphic substructures within a graph Apart from social network analysis, it has been successfully applied in a number of fields, including anomaly detection, CAD circuit analysis, protein structure analysis, and DNA gene transcription sites.
Graphviz Best for : Implementing different types of graph layouts Graphviz is an open-source platform that can render data in the form of easy-to-understand diagrams.
Key Features Offers numerous libraries and tools, including those for utility, graphics, and drawing Unique ability to connect several graphs by creating nodes and edges Saves diagrams in common formats such as images and SVG for web pages It also has several useful options to create or edit graphs, such as tabular node layouts, hyperlinks, color, fonts, line styles, custom shapes, etc.
NetMiner Best for : Exploratory and confirmatory analysis and visualization of large network data With NetMiner , you can explore complex network data visually and interactively. Key Features Comprehensive network measures and models Pre-designed statistical procedures and charts What-if network analysis The data structure in NetMiner contains a dataset with multiple data items. Although the software is not completely free, it comes with a day trial period.
SocioViz Best for : Finding hottest emerging topics of discussion on Twitter SocioViz is a social media analytics platform designed for digital journalists, social researchers, and media marketers. NetworKit Best for : Network scientists and engineers to increase their understanding of network phenomena NetworkKit is an open-source toolkit for analyzing networks of any size ranging between one thousand to several billion edges. Key Features Includes community detection algorithms Describes how networks form and evolve specific structural features.
Seamlessly integrates with Python libraries for scientific computing and data analysis NetworkKit provides functions to transform graph objects to NetworkX, and thus connect two different modules. GraphStream Best for : Handling the graph evolution GraphStream is a Java library that focuses on the dynamics aspects of graphs.
R Best for : Representing, modeling, and mapping complex networks R programming language is packed with numerous packages relevant for social network analysis: igraph for generic network analysis network for manipulating and displaying network objects sna for performing sociometric analysis tnet for performing analysis of weighted or longitudinal network Bergm for Bayesian analysis for exponential random graph models networksis for simulating bipartite networks with fixed marginals All existing packages that can be used for social network analysis have their own features.
Pajek Best for : Drawing a 3D layout of graphs Pajek is an excellent program for analyzing and visualizing large networks. It has three main goals: Split a large network into smaller ones that can be processed efficiently Provide users with powerful visualization tools Implement a set of efficient sub-quadratic algorithms to examine large networks With Pajek, you can find clusters in a network, extract vertices that belong to the same clusters and show them separately in-depth local view , shrink vertices in clusters, and show relations among clusters global view.
Gephi Best for : Creating social data connectors to map communicate organizations and small-world networks Gephi is like Photoshop but for graph data — users interact with representations, manipulate the structures, shapes, and colors to discover hidden patterns.
Key Features Real time visualization for networks up to , nodes and 1,, edges Includes state-of-the-art algorithms layout algorithms Allows you to create complex filter queries without scripting In addition to conventional network analysis, Gephi has been used in various research projects in journalism and academia.
Graph-Tool Plus Point : Fast computation; Powerful visualization This is a Python module for the statistical analysis of complex networks. InfiniteGraph Plus Point : Can handle some of the most difficult queries for any database InfiniteGraph is cross-platform, cloud-enabled, designed to handle very high throughput.
EgoNet Plus Point : Collects data and presents it in a useful manner Egocentric Network Study Software EgoNet allows you to create the questionnaire and gather and analyze all social network data of a website on the Internet. Polinode Plus Point : Includes relationship-based survey tool for organizational network analysis With Polinode you can upload arbitrary network data for online visualization and analysis. Mathematica Plus Point : Extensive collection of graph operations and modifications Mathematica provides state-of-the-art functionality for creating and analyzing complex networks.
Whether you are mapping people, systems, or concepts in general, if you are focused on relationships we've got you covered. Explore the complex web of loyalties, interests, influence, and alignment of key players around important issues. Understand and engage complex systems more effectively using systems maps and causal loop diagrams. Capture the structure of personal networks and reveal key players.
Visualize the informal networks within your organization and see how work really gets done. Keep track of the evolving relationships among community members and resources. Brainstorm complex ideas and relate individual concepts to the bigger picture.
Unfold convoluted series of events using Lombardi diagrams. With Kumu you'll be up and running in seconds, no technical background required or software to install. This software runs on Windows environments.
Creately is a neat chart-creating tool that has specialized templates and icons for network mapping. However, you could use this designer in conjunction with a basic network explorer, such as LANTopoLog to get the best of both worlds. The package includes a large selection of templates , which each come with a set of icons. The layouts available include WAN views that feature city and cloud icons. You also get the standard LAN layout option and you can even create rack views.
The Creately system allows you to set up accounts for members of your team and there is a collaboration feature built into the tool, which enables you to grant editing or viewing access to other users. The software can be installed on Windows , Linux , and macOS and access can be granted to users of mobile devices that run iOS or Android.
You can also opt to get Creately as a Cloud service. You can try the package by accessing a demo account. The Strike Network Diagram tool is a dedicated network map creator with autodiscovery capabilities. The package features a graphics editor, which is the main utility of the software. The editor includes a library of IT icons that you can drag and drop onto the design pad.
Views available within the package include a real-world map , which is based on Google maps. The autodiscovery feature will even trace your connections across the internet, plotting the location of each router as it passes through the real-world map. This software runs on Windows environments and you can get it on a day trial. Related post: Network Magic Alternatives. As you can see from our list, there is a wide range of mapping tools available to you.
The best tool for your project will depend on whether you are creating a new network or adapting an existing one.
Sometimes, you would be better off being able to create your own topology maps through a graphics tool. This is particularly the case if you are designing a new network or planning to extend an existing one.
You could just create your own drawing in any graphics package, including the free Paint that is integrated into Windows. However, to be considered as a specific network design support tool, a graphics package needs to have the following attributes:. In our related post on network topologies , we get into a lot of detail on each of the common network topologies and their appropriateness for each situation.
We also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type. These are the most common network topologies:. Network mapping is a visual record of the layout of all devices in the network. It shows how those devices connect together. Topology mapping is often partnered by an autodiscovery feature that discovers all of the devices to be mapped and records their connections. Network mapping gives you an easy-to-recognize look at the layout of the network.
It is easier to digest than a dry list of devices and their connections. With a topology map, you can trace paths end-to-end from one device to another. Our research indicates that the SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper is the best software to draw network diagrams because this creates the network topology diagrams automatically while letting you make manual adjustments.
For most purposes, you will also be served well by using Microsoft Visio , Intermapper , Lucidchart , and ConceptDraw Pro along with most other tools mentioned in this post. The best topology for networks is the star topology. All devices are linked to a switch with a cable plugging into a separate socket for each device. Switches themselves are then linked together in order to cover the entire enterprise. Wireless networks model the star topology. A logical network diagram shows the links between all devices in a schematic style.
A physical network diagram adjusts the links between devices to accurately depict distances. Some network topology mappers will show the real network with actual device locations plotted onto floor plans and real-world maps. The easiest way to get a full map of all devices on your network is to use a network topology mapper.
Do you have a favorite network mapping tool? Do you use any of the topology tools on our list? Leave a message in the comments section and share your experience with the community. Related: Guide to Network Topologies.
Spiceworks Network Mapping Tool website is borked. And i found a post in their community forums from a potential user that suggests it relies on Flash for operation. I understand. Spiceworks seems to have given up the fight. It was really, really good a while back and I put it in my top 10 for a lot of articles but recently, I have been going back through my work and toning down my enthusiasm for Spiceworks.
Thanks, Stephen. Thanks for the tip. However, we periodically review each of our recommendations and when we cycle through this list, we will consider your suggestion. We appreciate your engagement. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.
Learn how your comment data is processed. Comparitech uses cookies. More info. Menu Close. We are reader supported and may receive a commission when you make purchases using the links on our site. Getting a layout of your network really helps your planning and management processes. We show you the best network mapping software which was put together to benefit network administrators. Stephen Cooper.
Auto-detects all updates and changes to your network in real-time. Available for Windows Server and Linux. Microsoft Visio A graphics package with a library of network symbols.
Intermapper Get network maps generated automatically through network discovery or draw your own from scratch. Lucidchart A chart editor with a library of network symbols.
It can import maps from other utilities for editing. ConceptDraw Pro A graphics editor with a network symbol library. Can import and export maps. LANFlow A chart creation and editing package with a network symbol library. NetProbe A full network monitoring system that includes a live map feature.
Runs on Windows. Network Notepad A network map graphic editor that includes network discovery features. D3M A network map editor for sales agents that can generate quotes. Creately Available as downloadable software or as a cloud service, this is a network map creation editor.
The best network mapping software What should you look for in network mapping and topology software? We reviewed the network mapping and topology software market and analyzed the options based on the following criteria: Automated device discovery for topology mapping data sources A live redrawing of the map to account for recent layout changes A choice of views, such as all devices or just Layer 2 The ability to integrate with live device status data A system that can map wireless networks and WANs as well as LANs A free trial or money-back guarantee for no-risk assessment A price that offers a good deal for the amount of services provided.
Cons: Would like to see a longer trial period. Key Features: Network autodiscovery and vizualization Tagging and filters enhance search capabilities Live mapping and traffic patterns.
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