Netdisco
What it is
Netdisco is a web-based network management tool for administrators, suited to networks from small to very large. It gathers IP and MAC address information into PostgreSQL using SNMP, command-line interfaces, or device APIs. Administrators can search by a machine’s address to find its connected switch port, then turn that port off or change its VLAN or PoE status. The software inventories hardware by model, vendor, software, and operating system, and can retain historical information about system IPs and locations. Network diagrams provide a view of topology, while an API supports searching and retrieving data. Netdisco includes a web interface, a backend daemon that gathers network data, and a command-line interface. It runs on Linux or Unix and Docker images are available. Installation requires Perl 5.10 or later and PostgreSQL 9.6 or later; the first setup also requires manual discovery of a network device that knows its neighbors. Plugins can customize the interface and backend, including adding commands and actions. The software is free and distributed under a BSD license.
For and against
For
- Locates devices by IP or MAC address.
- Can disable switch ports or change VLAN and PoE status.
- Inventories hardware and retains IP and location history.
- Includes network diagrams, an API, and plugins.
- Free software distributed under a BSD license.
Against
- Requires Perl 5.10 or later and PostgreSQL 9.6 or later.
- Initial setup requires manual discovery of a network device.
- Maker says it runs on Linux or Unix.
The verdict
Netdisco combines device lookup, port controls, inventory, history, diagrams, and API access in one network management tool. Its initial device discovery and documented software requirements are important setup considerations.
Who it suits
Netdisco suits network administrators who need to locate devices, manage switch ports, and maintain hardware and connection history. It can be used for networks ranging from small to very large.
Plans and prices
Netdisco
Open source software · self-hosted
Read 9 Oct 2026 · metacpan.org
On the record
- API and customization
- It provides an API for searching and retrieving data, plus a plugin subsystem for customizing the web interface and backend daemon.metacpan.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Architecture
- The application includes a lightweight web server, a backend daemon for gathering network data, and a command-line interface for troubleshooting.netdisco.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Customization
- Netdisco has plugin mechanisms for customizing the web interface and backend daemon, and plugins can add commands or actions.metacpan.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Data collection
- It collects IP and MAC address data into PostgreSQL using SNMP, CLI, or device APIs.netdisco.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Deployment
- Netdisco runs on Linux or Unix systems, is self-contained apart from PostgreSQL, and provides container images.metacpan.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Device lookup
- It can locate a machine by MAC or IP and show the switch port where it is connected.metacpan.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- History and visualization
- It keeps historic data about system IPs and locations and can show network diagrams.netdisco.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Initial discovery
- A first-time installation requires manually discovering one device that speaks CDP, FDP, or LLDP and knows its neighbors.metacpan.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- 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.metacpan.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Intended scale
- The project describes Netdisco as suitable for networks ranging from small to very large.netdisco.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Inventory
- It can inventory network hardware by model, vendor, software, and operating system.metacpan.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Inventory and history
- It inventories network hardware by model, vendor, software, and operating system, and can keep historic data on system IPs and locations.netdisco.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- License
- App::Netdisco is open source software under a BSD license.metacpan.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Locate devices
- It can locate a machine by MAC address or IP address and show the switch port where it is connected.metacpan.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Port actions
- It can turn off a switch port or change a port’s VLAN or PoE status.netdisco.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Port control
- It can turn off a switch port or change a port’s VLAN or PoE status.metacpan.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Netdisco is a web-based network management tool designed for network administrators.metacpan.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Requirements
- Netdisco requires Perl 5.10 or later and PostgreSQL 9.6 or later.metacpan.org · read 9 Oct 2026
