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Netdisco

netdisco.org

Free plan WebLinuxAPISelf-hosted
Visit netdisco.org
Spec score 8.3 #8 of 39 in Network Topology Mapping Software

What it is

Netdisco is free, self-hosted network management software for administrators of small through very large networks. It gathers IP and MAC address data into PostgreSQL through SNMP, command-line interfaces, or device APIs. A lookup by MAC address or IP can show the connected switch port, which administrators can disable or change for VLAN or PoE status. Netdisco inventories hardware by model, vendor, software, and operating system, and preserves historical system IP and location data. It can draw network diagrams and expose search and retrieval through an API. The distribution includes a web interface, backend daemon, and command-line interface; the maker says it runs on Linux or Unix and provides Docker images. Installation requires Perl 5.10 or later and PostgreSQL 9.6 or later. The first setup requires manually discovering a network device that knows its neighbors. Plugins can add interface or backend commands and actions.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Netdisco is a web-based network management tool designed for network administrators.Read 9 Oct 2026 · metacpan.org
Deployment
Netdisco runs on Linux or Unix systems, is self-contained apart from PostgreSQL, and provides container images.Read 9 Oct 2026 · metacpan.org
Support
The project points users to its Libera IRC channel and community email list for questions.Read 9 Oct 2026 · netdisco.org
License
App::Netdisco is open source software under a BSD license.Read 9 Oct 2026 · metacpan.org
API and customization
It provides an API for searching and retrieving data, plus a plugin subsystem for customizing the web interface and backend daemon.Read 9 Oct 2026 · metacpan.org
Architecture
The application includes a lightweight web server, a backend daemon for gathering network data, and a command-line interface for troubleshooting.Read 9 Oct 2026 · netdisco.org
Customization
Netdisco has plugin mechanisms for customizing the web interface and backend daemon, and plugins can add commands or actions.Read 4 Oct 2026 · metacpan.org
Data collection
It collects IP and MAC address data into PostgreSQL using SNMP, CLI, or device APIs.Read 9 Oct 2026 · netdisco.org
Device lookup
It can locate a machine by MAC or IP and show the switch port where it is connected.Read 9 Oct 2026 · metacpan.org
History and visualization
It keeps historic data about system IPs and locations and can show network diagrams.Read 9 Oct 2026 · netdisco.org
Initial discovery
A first-time installation requires manually discovering one device that speaks CDP, FDP, or LLDP and knows its neighbors.Read 9 Oct 2026 · metacpan.org
Initial setup
A first installation requires manually discovering at least one network device; the documentation suggests choosing one that supports CDP, FDP, or LLDP and knows its neighbors.Read 4 Oct 2026 · metacpan.org
Intended scale
The project describes Netdisco as suitable for networks ranging from small to very large.Read 9 Oct 2026 · netdisco.org
Inventory
It can inventory network hardware by model, vendor, software, and operating system.Read 9 Oct 2026 · metacpan.org
Inventory and history
It inventories network hardware by model, vendor, software, and operating system, and can keep historic data on system IPs and locations.Read 4 Oct 2026 · netdisco.org
Locate devices
It can locate a machine by MAC address or IP address and show the switch port where it is connected.Read 4 Oct 2026 · metacpan.org
Port actions
It can turn off a switch port or change a port’s VLAN or PoE status.Read 9 Oct 2026 · netdisco.org
Port control
It can turn off a switch port or change a port’s VLAN or PoE status.Read 4 Oct 2026 · metacpan.org
Requirements
Netdisco requires Perl 5.10 or later and PostgreSQL 9.6 or later.Read 9 Oct 2026 · metacpan.org
Topology and API
It can display network diagrams and search or retrieve data through an API.Read 4 Oct 2026 · netdisco.org

Plans and prices

Netdisco Free Open source software · self-hosted Read 9 Oct 2026 · metacpan.org

Every Netdisco plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free BSD-licensed self-hosted software
  • Locates devices and connected switch ports
  • Can change VLAN or PoE status
  • Maintains hardware inventory and history
  • Provides diagrams, API, and plugin support

Limits

  • Requires self-hosted deployment
  • Needs Perl 5.10+ and PostgreSQL 9.6+
  • Initial setup requires manual device discovery
  • Runs on Linux or Unix

Who it suits

Netdisco suits network administrators managing environments from small offices to very large networks. It fits teams able to run Linux or Unix self-hosted software and its required database.

Verdict

Netdisco combines device location, port actions, inventory, history, diagrams, and API access in one self-hosted system. Its installation prerequisites and initial discovery step require administrator preparation.

Where Specifiction places it

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