Every network administrator has their own set of tools they use to be happy on a daily basis to help them do their job. Here's my list, and because each of these free programs are in my toolbox.
PuTTY - PuTTY is a Telnet application very versatile for use, if you spend a lot of your day trying to Cisco devices. PuTTY allows a number of different ways to connect a device with raw, Telnet, rlogin, ssh, and using the latest version of PuTTY SerialConnection. The last option series is very useful for network administrators because HyperTerm is no longer available with Windows Vista and you still need a serial connection for new routers and switches. PuTTY is also very individual and can vary from a USB drive to run on your computer, without installation.
8 Port Wireless N Router
Sniffer - Sniffer In fact, there are applications that I keep in my toolbox, and wireshark Smsniff. Both programs are free to download and use, but theDifference is that the functionality Wireshark more when it comes to filters. Smsniff but can be run from a USB drive without installation on the workstation. I use Wireshark lowest of the network where I am generally slow across the network or an entire VLAN Monitor is to identify the problem. Smsniff where I can use on a single machine, this machine is if I have a problem, but I do not know why. I just ran on the affected computer Smsniff and then watch the network trafficthat is on them. If there is a network problem, I'll see reflected in the track of Smsniff and have no time to configure port mirroring or creating a laptop on track to achieve waste.
Pumpkin - Pumpkin is a free program that can download and use FTP to host the computer as an FTP server. I use to program the key for the transmission of images back and forth from the Cisco switch or router to my computer. This program is very useful whenhave a switch or router in front of you need to return everything quickly.
NetScan - NetScan is a very useful tool that seeks to address within each subnet or VLAN table and tell you who will respond. NetScan will also seek to resolve the IP address to a DNS name for you. I use this tool a lot when I just want to see who connected to a VLAN, and I wonder if someone should not be connected, or connected via DHCP.
NetStumbler - NetStumbler was athe first "war driving" programs, you might get a pick up other people's wireless networks. I use this tool at regular intervals from the opposite reason I want to be able to verify the presence of rouge access points on the network. I just have this little tool and walk around my office to see what wireless devices to see. I have a couple of employees who wanted to work inside or outside of his office, adding a wireless access point so that it can be found.
So, who are 5Tools I believe that every network administrator needs to have in their toolkit. For ease of use, small size and versatility have made my top 5 tools. Check out my other items, including 5-Tools Every PC must have tech.
5 free tools that every network administrator must8 port wireless n router