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Netgear launches the Netgear Switch Discovery tool as an application to discover, configure, and monitor all Netgear-managed switches. It makes it possible for a system administrator to have many Netgear switches in a single managed united graphical user interface. This article explains the various capabilities and necessities of Netgear Switch Discovery Tool, describes the processes of using it to discover and manage switches, responds to some common questions (Q & A), and ends with a conclusion.

How Does Netgear Switch Discovery Tool Work?

The Netgear Switch Discovery Tool works by scanning the local network using the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) to discover all Netgear switches that have SNMP enabled. Once discovered, it retrieves the configuration, status and performance details of the switches using SNMP GET requests.

The key steps in how the Netgear Switch Discovery Tool works are:

• Network Scan: The NSDT performs an SNMP network scan to detect all Netgear switches with SNMP enabled on the local subnet. It uses the standard SNMP port 161 to detect switches.
• Discovery: On detecting a Netgear switch, it retrieves the device details like IP address, MAC address, model, firmware version etc. using SNMP.
• Configuration: It reads the configuration details like VLANs, interfaces, ACLs etc. configured on the switches using SNMP.
• Monitoring: It periodically polls the switches to retrieve performance metrics like interface traffic, CPU/memory utilization for monitoring.
• Management: You can use the NSDT GUI to view details, apply configuration changes, back up/restore configs, upgrade firmware and reset passwords on remote switches.

Key features of Netgear Switch Discovery Tool

Some of the key features of Netgear Switch Discovery Tool include:

Discovery of Netgear switches

It can automatically discover all Netgear switches connected to the same Layer 2 network segment. This helps in getting instant visibility of all Netgear devices on the network.

Centralized management

It allows centralized management and configuration of multiple Netgear switches from a single console instead of logging into each device individually.

Configuration backup and restoration

The configuration settings of Netgear switches can be backed up and restored using this tool for easy configuration management.

Firmware management

It helps upgrade the firmware of multiple Netgear switches simultaneously without logging into each one individually. Firmware images can also be downloaded from within the tool.

Port configuration and monitoring

Key port parameters like speed, duplex mode, flow control etc. can be centrally configured and monitored for all switch ports. Port status, utilization and errors can also be viewed.

Switch monitoring

Traffic statistics, CPU and memory utilization of switches can be monitored centrally. Logs and alerts from multiple switches are consolidated in one place.

User access control

Role-based access control facilitates granular permission management for users/groups to access switches and their settings.

How to use Netgear Switch Discovery Tool?

Here are the step-by-stepNetgear launches the Netgear Switch Discovery tool as an application to discover, configure, and monitor all Netgear-managed switches. instructions to use Netgear Switch Discovery Tool:

Step 1: Download and install the tool

The tool is available for download from the Netgear support site as a Windows-based application. Install it on a management workstation/PC.

Step 2: Launch the discovery process

Launch the tool and click on “Discover” from the navigation menu on the left. This will scan the local subnet to find all Netgear switches.

Step 3: View discovered switches

After discovery is complete, all discovered Netgear switches will be listed on the left panel. Click on any switch to centrally manage it.

Step 4: Configure ports and features

Select the switch and navigate to ports/features to view/configure them like speed, flow control, VLANs etc. Changes are saved on the switch.

Step 5: Backup and restore configuration

Configuration settings can be backed up from the switch as a file for future restoration if needed.

Step 6: Monitor switch activities

Real-time monitoring dashboards provide traffic statistics, CPU/memory charts, logs etc. for enhanced visibility.

Step 7: Upgrade firmware

Download new firmware package and deploy it to multiple switches simultaneously with a click.

FAQs about Netgear Switch Discovery Tool

Here are some commonly asked questions about Netgear Switch Discovery Tool:

Q. What switches are supported?

The tool supports discovering and managing Netgear managed switches like GS110MX, GS308, FS105, FS108E, and some ProSAFE stackable switches.

Q. Can switches be grouped?

Yes, discovered switches can be logically grouped together for easy management as a single group.

Q. Is authentication required for management?

Yes, user authentication is required to access switches. The tool supports local authentication as well as LDAP/Radius servers.

Q. Can traffic be monitored centrally?

Yes, key traffic counters like ingress/egress packets, bandwidth utilization etc. can be monitored in real-time for all ports collectively.

Q. Can logs be exported?

System logs from switches can be exported as a text file from within the tool for reporting and troubleshooting purposes.

Q. Is there any license required?

No, the Netgear Switch Discovery Tool is a free software and does not require any periodic license renewal.

Conclusion

To sum up, it is a miraculous tool that allows to discover, configure, monitor Netgear switches distributed across a network at once and upgrade firmware for several devices at once. It has a convenient GUI that allows for smooth, everyday management of switches; in addition, switch reporting and analysis are included.Combined with robust security features, it offers an efficient network management solution for SMBs to deploy, manage and maintain Netgear switching infrastructure with minimal effort.