Pingplotter 5 Review. Visualization and search of network problems
Monitor availability and performance of network resources is difficult without the use of specialized tools. Some of them are designed for professionals, others slightly easier. This post is about a more affordable version.
This is autotranslated version of this post.
PingPlotter — a graphical version of the Traceroute utility to test the availability of network resources and identify connection problems.
The app is available on Windows, macOS and, ironically, iOS devices. Yes, Android users are screwed.
What can Pingplotter
For the review I picked the version for Windows and when downloading from the official site Google Chrome 84 has issued a warning stating that it is safe to download the file.
Chrome is not an antivirus, but still worth having this in mind. VirusTotal also sees no problems.
PingPlotter is available in PRO, Standard and Free version. Immediately after installation you have access to all features of the application within two weeks. Utility itself is designed for experienced users, and immediately after starting, it looks something like this.
The newcomer will obviously be difficult to figure out what to do next. But prosharenny the user will be able to quickly settle into PingPlotter.
To get started with the utility you need to specify the url or IP that you want to ping to specify the interval of ping. After that, the application clearly displays detailed information about the availability of the resource.
On the chart there are several columns:
- The number of hops;
- The number of packets sent during the period;
- IP address and DNS host;
- Average, minimum, and last response time in milliseconds;
- The percentage of lost packets;
- Graphical representation of response time.
- Latency.
In the menu "Alerts" you can configure alerts on the resource. For this you need to choose what to do when the event occurs. You can specify the entry in the log, export to PP2-file (PingPlotter), sound notification, perform REST request to change a report, to realign the route, to send the image, display the alert in the tray, send an email, add a comment, start the application.
Regardless of the final step, in General, setting up alerts look the same. Below shows an example for writing to a Log file. The other alert types are similar, and their purpose is clear from the title. So tell us more about each, I will not.
In General, you choose conditions under which to perform the action, and specify the ultimate action.
A list of all monitored resources is stored on the tab "All Targets". It is possible to view the availability of all resources or to proceed to a detailed monitoring of specific addresses.
Other features
PingPlotter, in addition to independent monitoring and analysis, offers several other interesting features.
Tab work resource, you can share the screenshot of the report. This creates a public link to the transition on which the receiver will be able to see monitoring data. An example of such links here.
The report can be saved locally as an image or CSV file.
In the section "Tools" is a tool for monitoring local network. You can view the IP and Mac address of network devices, the manufacturer of the network cards, the hostname, and information about ping and protocols used.
The report can also be exported to CSV, and all or some devices to add to the main window for continuous monitoring. Or you can move to the analysis of a particular device. Statements similar to that of network resources.
A list of resources you can import and export to the app (optional). It's not necessarily to follow everything at once.
In addition to managing sessions, PingPlotter can be run in the form of workspaces. Each of them can monitor different resources, and switch between them.
If you purchase a license you will be able to manage PingPlotter and see all reports via Cloud Connect. That is, through the browser to do all the same steps locally on your computer.
If you do not understand something in the interface or confused in the app on the developers site has detailed instructions. It is written in simple and clear, but in English
The version for iOS
the iOS version of PingPlotter a little cut down in opportunities compared with the desktop.
Like on the computer, you can start monitoring the remote resource, and to obtain for him a detailed schedule. The report can be saved as a screenshot or PP2 file. To view the data collected PP2 files can be opened in the desktop application PingPlotter.
Keep a list of resources impossible, but you can load a previous session or use history monitoring.
The cost
The price PingPlotter depends not only on publications but also on the type of license and number of devices.
Standard starts from $6.99 per month (or $39,99 for one-time buy). Professional $29 and $349, respectively.
The essence of the differences between versions is very simple. Free need for home users to gather and provide expert information about the state of the network.
Standard will suit professionals who need to understand the state of the network. The it professionals, gamers, and others.
And Professional need have Internet service providers, VoIP companies, and similar mega-corporations.
In this section the cost of the license seems fairly adequate for any type of use.
PingPlotter utility is clearly not for everyone. A visual representation of the Traceroute is probably the best description for her.
To the layman the information provided will not give absolutely no understanding of the work resources. PingPlotter nothing tries to explain or give recommendations. It only provides the necessary tools for data collection and independent analysis.
If Traceroute and command line for you — the last century, and charts and reports — your dream, then PingPlotter, you might like to try.