NetCrunch automatically (and periodically) discovers TCP/IP nodes in order to create an accurate view of the network and to draw maps of logical and physical topologies. To make the network discovery process complete, the program is shipped with predefined filtered views and pre-configured Monitoring Polices. Discovered devices are automatically classified and added to the relevant views.

Network Services

Besides finding nodes, NetCrunch also detects network services they are providing. The program currently recognizes more than 65 network services and allows adding custom service definitions to be discovered and monitored.

ICMP & SNMP

The program uses both ICMP & SNMP (v1-3) protocols for discovery. For a more accurate representation of the network, it also scans other network resources like Active Directory, Workgroups, and eDirectory.

Classifying Devices

Having scanned the network, NetCrunch determines whether the discovered asset is a server, router, switch, printer, or any other device. Version 5 introduces new node classifications to make them more flexible to manage.

Monitoring Dependencies

After completing the network scan, NetCrunch determines network relations between nodes and intermediate routers to set up monitoring dependencies for each node. Properly setting up dependencies is essential in monitoring large networks spread across distant locations. Dependences play a critical role in avoiding a number of false events caused by router or switch malfunction (event suppression).