HiPerConTracer vs Nmap
HiPerConTracer
nntb.noNmap
nmap.orgSide by side
| Figure | HiPerConTracer | Nmap |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $9,980/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 7 |
| Spec score · Network Diagnostic Software | 8.5 (#7) | 8.1 (#12) |
| Integrations | The importer supports MariaDB/MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB backends. | For OEM integration, the project recommends running Nmap and parsing its XML-formatted output, and also permits other approaches such as parsing normal output or processing its data files. |
| Platforms | The measurement tool lists Linux and FreeBSD as its current multi-platform support; the page also gives build instructions for NetBSD, OpenBSD, Solaris/OpenIndiana, and GNU Hurd. | Official binary packages are listed for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and the project also provides source code for other operating systems. |
| Purpose | HiPerConTracer is a Ping/Traceroute measurement framework for running regular measurements among sites. | Nmap is a free and open-source utility for network discovery and security auditing. |
| Support | The project directs users to its GitHub issue tracker for bug reports, issues, and questions. | The free version has no warranty and is supported by a community, while active OEM maintenance subscriptions include commercial technical support. |
Plans
Nmap
- Nmap free end-user licenseFree
- Nmap OEM Small/Startup Company Redistribution License (quarterly term)$9,980 a month
- Nmap OEM Mid-Sized Company Redistribution License (quarterly term)$13,980 a month
- Nmap OEM Enterprise Redistribution License (quarterly term)$17,980 a month
- Nmap OEM Small/Startup Company Redistribution License (perpetual)$59,980, paid once
- Nmap OEM Mid-Sized Company Redistribution License (perpetual)$89,980, paid once
- Nmap OEM Enterprise Redistribution License (perpetual)$119,980, paid once
In their own words
HiPerConTracer
HiPerConTracer is a free, GPL-licensed framework for Ping and Traceroute measurements on Linux and self-hosted systems. It supports ICMP and UDP, multi-homing, parallel measurements, network load balancing, and nanosecond-precision timing through Linux software and hardware timestamping. A shared and static libhipercontracer library lets other software integrate its measurement functions. Framework tools can view, merge, convert, sync, collect, import, query, and manage results; conversion includes CSV output. The Importer supports MariaDB, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB. The Sync Tool transfers result files to a remote Collector using Rsync and SSH, while a Reverse Tunnel Tool maintains an SSH reverse tunnel for nodes without publicly reachable addresses. Documentation recommends TLS for database connections and separate database users. The current stable release is version 2.2.12, announced October 6, 2026. Ready-made packages are listed for Linux and FreeBSD; other named systems require source builds.
Nmap
Nmap is a free, open-source utility for discovering networks and auditing security. It uses raw IP packets to identify available hosts, services and versions, operating systems, and packet filters or firewalls. Scanning options include TCP and UDP ports, OS and version detection, and ping sweeps. Network administrators can use it to inventory systems, plan service upgrades, and monitor host or service uptime. The Nmap Scripting Engine runs bundled or user-written scripts in parallel for networking tasks such as discovery and vulnerability checks. The suite also includes Zenmap, a graphical interface and results viewer; Ncat for data transfer and debugging; Ndiff for comparing scan results; and Nping for packet generation and response analysis. Most port-scan types require privileged access to send and receive raw packets, although unprivileged users can run connect and FTP bounce scans. Nmap is not a comprehensive vulnerability scanner. End-user use is free, but redistribution in commercial products requires an OEM license. Quarterly OEM licenses start at $9,980.00 per 3 months for eligible small or startup companies.