Netdisco is an open-source application that’s designed as a web-based network management tool. With this tool, you can manage several remote network devices. This is set through SNMP. With the features of Netdisco, you can fing the end-user system’s switch port via their MAC or IP addresses. Since data is stores in SQL databases, the application is fast and very scalable. Netdisco is open-source so there is consistent work being done to upgrade it. The application was first developed in the University of California, Santa Cruz. To this day, people join in to improve the application.
Pros of using Netdisco as an open source tool
One of the best things about Netdisco is that it is easy to administer. There are web interface and command line interface options. You can also quicly expand the application to include other network devices.
Cons of using Netdisco as an open source tool
One of the cons with using Netdisco is that, with its continued development, there might be some version conflicts. You will continually need to track latest releases and patches. And, since it’s open source, there might be malicious entities set in sabotaging your Netdisco installation.
In any case, many attest to the reliability of Netdisco as an application. It is worth trying.