Network Notepad CDP Tool Review: Features, Setup, and Alternatives
Network Notepad is a staple for network administrators who need a lightweight, no-nonsense tool to draw network diagrams. However, manually mapping out a complex topology can take hours. That is where the Network Notepad CDP (Cisco Discovery Protocol) Neighbor Tool comes in.
This review breaks down what the CDP Tool does, how to set it up, and the best alternatives if it does not fit your needs. What is the Network Notepad CDP Tool?
The Network Notepad CDP Tool is a freeware add-on designed specifically for the professional version of Network Notepad. It automates the diagramming process by pulling data directly from your network hardware.
Using the Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP) or Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP), the tool queries a starting network device, discovers its neighbors, and automatically draws the links inside Network Notepad. Key Features
Automated Topology Discovery: Learns how devices connect to one another without manual tracing.
Multi-Protocol Support: Works with Cisco’s proprietary CDP and the open-standard LLDP.
Multi-Vendor Compatibility: Discovers hardware from Cisco, HP, Extreme, and other major vendors.
On-the-Fly Diagramming: Automatically drops discovered devices and interconnecting lines onto your canvas.
SNMP Integration: Uses SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) versions 1, 2c, or 3 to safely query device neighbor tables. How to Setup and Use the CDP Tool
Setting up the CDP tool requires a few prerequisites, but the actual execution is straightforward. Step 1: Prerequisites Before you begin, ensure you have the following: Network Notepad Professional Edition installed.
The CDP Tool package downloaded from the official Network Notepad website.
SNMP enabled on your network switches and routers, with the correct read-only community strings or SNMPv3 credentials handy. Step 2: Installation Extract the downloaded CDP Tool ZIP archive.
Copy the executable files into your Network Notepad installation directory (usually C:\Program Files (x86)\Network Notepad Professional).
Open Network Notepad, navigate to Options > User Defined Tools, and link the CDP tool executable to a button or shortcut if it does not appear automatically. Step 3: Running a Discovery Open a blank or existing diagram in Network Notepad.
Select or draw a single “seed” device (your core switch, for example). Right-click the device and launch the CDP Tool. Enter your SNMP credentials and IP address.
Click Discover. The tool will fetch the neighbor table, map the interfaces, and draw the adjacent hardware right onto your screen. Pros and Cons
Completely Free: Excellent utility for budget-conscious IT departments.
Saves Hours of Time: Eliminates manual data entry for device interconnections.
Lightweight: Does not require heavy server infrastructure or databases to run. Dated Interface: The UI looks like Windows XP-era software.
Steep Learning Curve: Requires an understanding of SNMP configurations to work properly.
Semi-Automated: It maps neighbors step-by-step rather than doing a massive enterprise-wide scan at once. Top Alternatives to Network Notepad CDP Tool
If you find the Network Notepad CDP tool too manual or visually outdated, several modern alternatives offer full network discovery and mapping. 1. SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper (NTM)
Best For: Enterprise environments needing deep, automated scans.
Why Choose It: NTM automatically discovers your entire network using ICMP, SNMP, WMI, and CDP/LLDP. It builds comprehensive, presentation-ready maps and updates them automatically when the topology changes. Downside: It is a commercial, paid product. 2. NetBrain Best For: Large enterprises and automated troubleshooting.
Why Choose It: NetBrain goes far beyond simple diagramming. It uses “Dynamic Mapping” to create live diagrams that display real-time performance data and traffic paths. Downside: Very expensive and overkill for small networks. 3. OpenAudIT
Best For: Open-source enthusiasts who want asset management.
Why Choose It: OpenAudIT scans your network and stores the configuration of everything it finds. It features a web-based portal that can output network visualizations and inventory logs. Downside: Requires a dedicated server/application setup. The Verdict
The Network Notepad CDP Tool is an incredible asset for network engineers who already love Network Notepad and want a free way to speed up their documentation. While its interface is basic, its ability to parse CDP and LLDP tables via SNMP saves massive amounts of manual drawing time.
However, if you manage an enterprise network with hundreds of nodes and need automated, real-time map updates, investing in a commercial solution like SolarWinds NTM or NetBrain is the better path forward. To help tailor this guide further, let me know:
What is the approximate size of the network you are trying to map?
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