NetBox
NetBox is an open-source infrastructure resource modeling platform that combines IP address management and data center infrastructure management to create a single source of truth for your entire network.
UVexplorer
UVexplorer is a network discovery and mapping software providing automated Layer 2 topology maps and real-time inventory tracking to help you maintain complete visibility over your IT infrastructure.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | NetBox | UVexplorer |
|---|---|---|
| Website | netbox.dev | uvexplorer.com |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Free | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 14 days free trial | ✓ 15 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2016 | 2014 |
| Headquarters | Worcester, USA | Salt Lake City, USA |
Overview
NetBox
NetBox serves as the central nervous system for your network infrastructure by providing a comprehensive source of truth. You can model everything from physical cabling and rack layouts to IP address allocations and virtual machines within a single, unified interface. By consolidating your documentation into one platform, you eliminate the need for scattered spreadsheets and disconnected tools that often lead to configuration errors and downtime.
The platform is designed specifically for network engineers and systems administrators who need to maintain strict control over complex environments. You can use it to track hardware lifecycles, manage VLANs, and document power connections with high precision. Because it prioritizes data integrity, you can integrate it into your automation workflows to ensure your live network always matches your intended design, reducing manual overhead and improving reliability.
UVexplorer
UVexplorer provides you with a clear, automated view of your entire network infrastructure. Instead of manually drawing diagrams, you can run deep discoveries that identify every device, link, and port on your network. It automatically generates detailed Layer 2 topology maps that show exactly how your switches, routers, and endpoints connect, saving you hours of manual documentation work.
You can track your hardware and software inventory in real-time, receiving alerts when devices go offline or when unauthorized changes occur. The platform integrates directly with PRTG Network Monitor, allowing you to export your discovered maps and keep your monitoring dashboards up to date without manual data entry. It is designed for IT administrators and MSPs who need to troubleshoot connectivity issues quickly and maintain accurate compliance records.
Overview
NetBox Features
- IP Address Management Track your IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, subnets, and VRFs with hierarchical visualization to prevent IP conflicts and exhaustion.
- Equipment Modeling Define your device types, modules, and components once to quickly deploy accurate digital twins of your physical hardware.
- Rack Management Visualize your data center layouts with 2D rack elevations that show exactly where your equipment and cables are located.
- Cable Tracing Map every physical connection from port to port across your entire facility to simplify troubleshooting and maintenance tasks.
- Virtualization Tracking Manage your virtual machines, clusters, and resource assignments alongside your physical infrastructure for a complete environment view.
- Circuit Provider Tracking Store details for your external circuits, providers, and termination points to keep your wide area network documentation organized.
- Power Mapping Document your power distribution units and individual feeds to monitor capacity and ensure your critical systems have redundancy.
- Custom Scripts and Reports Run automated validation checks and generate custom reports to ensure your data remains accurate and meets your standards.
UVexplorer Features
- Automated Network Discovery. Scan your entire network to identify every IP-connected device, including detailed hardware and software inventory data.
- Layer 2 Topology Mapping. Generate accurate visual maps that show physical connections between switches, routers, and wireless access points automatically.
- PRTG Integration. Export your discovered device maps directly into PRTG to keep your monitoring environment synchronized and up to date.
- Asset Inventory Tracking. Maintain a detailed database of serial numbers, firmware versions, and installed software across all your networked devices.
- Network Change Alerts. Receive instant notifications when new devices join your network or when existing configurations are modified without authorization.
- Configuration Management. Back up and compare device configurations over time to quickly identify changes that might be causing connectivity issues.
Pricing Comparison
NetBox Pricing
- Self-hosted deployment
- Full API access
- Community-led support
- Complete data modeling
- Customizable plugins
- Everything in Community, plus:
- Fully managed hosting
- Automatic backups
- 99.9% uptime SLA
- Standard support
- Single sign-on (SSO)
UVexplorer Pricing
- Up to 500 network devices
- Automated network discovery
- Layer 2 topology mapping
- Inventory reporting
- Basic device notifications
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Unlimited device discovery
- Advanced PRTG integration
- Scheduled network scans
- Configuration backup and restore
- Priority technical support
Pros & Cons
NetBox
Pros
- Extremely flexible data model fits almost any network
- Robust API makes network automation much easier
- Active community provides frequent updates and plugins
- Eliminates documentation silos across different teams
- Clean interface makes complex data easy to read
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial setup
- Self-hosted version requires significant Linux expertise
- Cloud pricing is high for small businesses
- Native reporting features can feel somewhat limited
UVexplorer
Pros
- Automated mapping saves hours of manual Visio work
- Deep integration with PRTG simplifies monitoring setups
- Generous free tier for small network environments
- Accurate detection of Layer 2 port connections
Cons
- Interface feels dated compared to modern web apps
- Initial discovery configuration has a slight learning curve
- Requires Windows environment for local installation