Every network administrator needs networking tools in order to troubleshoot difficulties related to diverse network conditions. Since not all tools can solve every problem, a variety of tools are needed to resolve different situations. Whether you're managing complex enterprise networks or troubleshooting performance issues, using the best networking tools & software for network engineers can make all the difference. With 2025 bringing new advancements and challenges, selecting the right solutions is more important than ever.
In this blog we have compiled a list of 7 best networking tools & softwares for network engineers which will make you productive & efficient. Whether you're an IT professional or an aspiring network engineer, these tools will enhance your workflow, improve security and optimize network performance.



Table of content:

1. 7 Best Networking Tools & Software for Network Engineers
2. Software
1. Cisco Packet Tracer for Testing
2. GNS 3
3. EVE-Ng-Advanced
3. Client Tools for Managing Devices

1. Putty
2. Bitvise
3. WinSCP
4. SecureCRT

  4. Monitoring Tools

  5. Conclusion

7 Best Networking Tools & Software for Network Engineers

Software

These softwares are the most effective tools for designing, diagnosing, and resolving network difficulties. Here is a list of some of the trustworthy software that is utilised:

• Cisco Packet Tracer for Testing

This is a beginner-friendly network simulation software designed for learning and practice. It helps users to create and test network topologies in a virtual environment, making it an excellent tool for students and professionals looking to build their networking skills.
This software has an easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface, allowing users to add, modify, or remove network components effortlessly. With Packet Tracer, you can simulate real-world networking scenarios, configure devices, and troubleshoot issues—all without needing physical hardware. One of its biggest advantages is cross-platform compatibility. It works on Windows, Linux and applications with iOS and Android operating systems.


Key Features of Cisco Packet Tracer for Testing:

✔ Network Simulation: Allows users to build and test network setups without real devices.

✔ User-Friendly Interface:  A simple drag-and-drop feature makes it easy to create and modify networks.

✔ Multi-Platform Support: Works on Windows, Linux, and mobile devices (iOS & Android).

✔ Real-Time & Simulation Modes: Helps users analyze how networks function in real-world scenarios.

✔ Extensive Device Support: Includes routers, switches, PCs, IoT devices, and more.

✔ Collaboration Tools: Supports multi-user functionality for team-based learning.

✔ Protocol Simulation: Allows testing of protocols like TCP/IP, OSPF, BGP, VLANs, and STP.

✔ Free for Learning: Provided by Cisco as part of its Networking Academy for self-paced learning.

• GNS 3

Graphical Network Simulator (GNS) is an advanced network simulation software that enables users to design, configure, test, and troubleshoot complex network topologies by integrating real and virtual networking devices. This tool is widely used by giant corporations such as NASA, Walmart, and others. This tool is also useful for IT professionals preparing for networking certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE.

Key Features of GNS Software:

✔ Realistic Network Emulation: Simulates real-world network devices, including routers, switches, firewalls and more.

✔ Multi-Vendor Support: Compatible with Cisco, Juniper, Arista, and other network equipment.

✔ Integration with Real Hardware: Can connect virtual simulations to physical network devices.

✔ Cloud and Virtualization Support: Works with VMware, VirtualBox and cloud environments.

✔ Scalability: Allows the creation of small to enterprise-grade network topologies.

✔ Automation & Scripting: Supports Python automation for network tasks.

✔ Packet Capture & Analysis: Integrated with tools like Wireshark for in-depth traffic analysis.

• EVE - NG Advanced

Emulated Virtual Environment-Next Generation, is one of the most professional and versatile tools available for connecting virtual devices to both virtual and physical devices. It serves as a powerful platform for simulating complex network setups, making it ideal for a wide range of tasks such as exploring new networking technologies, testing, and fine-tuning designs before putting them into real-world use. This tool is especially useful for IT professionals like businesses, consultants, trainers, network designers, and service providers who need to simulate and experiment with networks in a safe, controlled environment.

Key Features of EVE-NG Advanced:

✔ Scalable Network Design: You can easily scale your network simulations, from small test labs to enterprise-level networks.

✔ Real Device Integration: Connect real-world physical devices with your virtual network for a more realistic emulation.

✔ User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive web-based interface makes it easy to design and manage complex network topologies.

✔ Collaboration-Friendly: Multiple users can collaborate on the same project, making it a great tool for teams and training scenarios.

✔ Comprehensive Support for Network OS: EVE-NG Advanced supports a variety of network operating systems, including Cisco, Juniper, and others, for comprehensive emulation.

Client Tools for Managing Devices

• Putty

Putty is a popular remote communication software that is free and open-source. It is primarily built for Windows and lets users to safely connect to other computers via the SSH (Secure Shell) and Telnet protocols. One of the best things about Putty is that it includes source code. This implies that developers can customize and adapt it to meet their individual requirements without having to start from scratch. It has a simple & user friendly interface for activities such as server management, file transfer, and network troubleshooting.

• Bitvise

Bitvise is a reliable and secure remote access software designed specifically for Windows users. Unlike many other tools, it focuses heavily on encryption, ensuring that all data transferred remains safe from hackers and unauthorized access. One of the biggest advantages of Bitvise is its ability to simplify remote administration by which you can access it from anywhere. Beyond remote access, it also supports advanced features like IP tunneling and securing complex applications. This makes it a great choice for IT professionals and businesses looking to enhance their network security while maintaining easy remote access.

• WinSCP

WinSCP is an easy-to-use tool for securely transferring data between local computers and distant servers. It is an open-source program for Windows that supports a variety of protocols, including SFTP, FTP, SCP, and even Amazon S3. One of the best features of WinSCP is that it offers secure and encrypted file transfers. It also has scripting and automation tools, which help to streamline repetitive processes and top of that it is completely free to use.

• SecureCRT

It is a commercial tool for SSH, Telnet Client, and Terminal Emulation. It works well on Windows and is now available for Linux and Mac operating systems. It includes a graphical user interface (GUI) with tabs and broad protocol support. It offers user-requested features such as Smart card and GSSAPI compatibility, crucial public assistance, and multiple protocol tunnelling. You can also perform simple file transfers. Additionally, these programs feature extensive terminal emulation capabilities.

Apart from these client tools for managing devices there are some monitoring tools as well.

What are Monitoring Tools?

In order to properly manage web servers, monitoring tools are utilised. By creating graphs, performance reports, and other visual aids, these tools enable you to conduct a thorough analysis. Some of the popular monitoring tools are:-

• PRTG

It enables the network administrator to quickly resolve current network problems by determining their underlying causes. By using this tool, the network's overall performance can be enhanced. Your complete IT infrastructure may be monitored in a matter of minutes with this efficient tool. You may even install the tool's free version on your device to give it a try.

• WhatsUP Gold

This tool allows you to fully examine the functionality, performance, and state of network devices or servers in a cloud. This tool monitors and describes everything using a map from edge to cloud. Numerous programs, virtual computers, wireless controllers, devices, and traffic flows can be thoroughly analysed.

• SolarWinds

This tool allows you to analyze real-time network security. It is utilised in the telecom sector, private security services, government infrastructure, and cybersecurity. The tool assists in maintaining the safety and security of data transfers inside the infrastructure. It enables you to accurately track the situation and come up with a workable solution.

Conclusion

 
Every professional needs a tool in order to complete a particular task. The fundamental requirements for an IT administrator are networking software and tools. The aforementioned tools have all been shortlisted due to their exceptional features, versatility, and ease of use. The list was made with proper consideration for time indications, a reliable alerting system, safe and effective operation, mapping capabilities, framing topology, SNMP integration, automotive response, and many other factors.

These tools are powerful, but to make the most out of them, continuous learning is key. Courses like NDS (Network Data Specialist) provide hands-on experience in working with modern networking software, helping engineers stay updated with the latest advancements in security, automation, and network optimization.