AirCheck G3 vs SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager comparison

The compared NetAlly and SolarWinds solutions aren't in the same category. NetAlly is ranked #8 in NT , and holds a 7.1% mindshare in the category. SolarWinds is ranked #14 in CM , with an average rating of 8.0, and holds a 2.8% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of NetAlly users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 95% of SolarWinds users who would recommend it.

AirCheck G3

Read 13 AirCheck G3 reviews

1,285 Views
1,105 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

SolarWinds Network Configur...

Read 27 SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager reviews

3,158 Views
1,105 Comparison Views

95% willing to recommend

AirCheck G3

SolarWinds Network Configur...

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive Summary

We performed a comparison between AirCheck G3 and SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

Find out in this report how the two Network Troubleshooting solutions compare in terms of features, pricing, service and support, easy of deployment, and ROI.

To learn more, read our detailed AirCheck G3 vs. SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager Report (Updated: September 2020).

Buyer's Guide

AirCheck G3 vs. SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

September 2020

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

AirCheck G3

Average Rating

8.6

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Network Troubleshooting (8th)

SolarWinds Network Configur...

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

6.9

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Configuration Management (14th), Network Automation (4th)

Mindshare comparison

While both are Network Management solutions, they serve different purposes. AirCheck G3 is designed for Network Troubleshooting and holds a mindshare of 7.1%, down 7.6% compared to last year.
SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager, on the other hand, focuses on Configuration Management, holds 2.8% mindshare, up 1.3% since last year.

Network Troubleshooting Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
AirCheck G3	7.1%
Wireshark	15.0%
AirMagnet Survey PRO	9.8%
Other	68.1%

Network Troubleshooting

Configuration Management Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager	2.8%
Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform	10.9%
Microsoft Configuration Manager	8.0%
Other	78.3%

Configuration Management

Featured Reviews

David-Prusynski

Senior Network Engineer at a healthcare company with 5,001-10,000 employees

A portable, rugged device that reduces resolution time and saves thousands of dollars

It would be nice if I could import an AP list with a MAC address. When it looks at access points, it should tell me the AP name instead of the MAC address. When you get a MAC address, you can eventually find out where you want to go. However, a lot of times, if I just have an AP name, I know that's in this area or that's over there. I would like that function because AirMagnet, which is the precursor of this, had that ability where you could basically import a list of APs and MAC addresses, and then it could display those instead of just a MAC address. That'd be a nice function. We should be able to put an AP to MAC address in Excel and export it as a CSV file and then import it. That'd be nice to have because I have that information for all my hospitals. The one I'm doing this weekend has got 550 access points. It is much easier for me to look at an AP name than to get a MAC address. Currently, I have to go to a different spreadsheet and try to find that MAC address. If I had the AP name, it would be like, "Okay. Yep. See it. Done." They are doing spectrum analysis in G3, which I would love to have in G2. That's a nice tool to have, and from what I heard, that's the same price. I'd like to have that. The other function I would love to see is the ability to test fiber. I know the $10,000 version has the ability to test fiber, but I would love this lower-cost device to be able to test fiber.

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Alastair Brand

MD at Thembanet

Flexibility and reliability enable effective network monitoring with integrations and compliance reporting

The flexibility and reliability of SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager are particularly valuable. It allows for a significant amount of integrations, including with collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams and Telegram, as well as ServiceNow and Microsoft BI. The solution facilitates compliance reporting through an NCM module, effectively generating out-of-the-box reports on software vulnerabilities and outdated software versions. Additionally, the real-time change detection feature significantly reduces the time to resolve issues by allowing alerts to be tracked through to resolution. The use of templates helps in deploying configuration standards, preventing configuration errors.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"There is just so much this device does that it's unbelievable sometimes."

"Compared to the old AirCheck it is a massive step forward."

"AirCheck has a feature that lets you play a tone so you can track down a rogue AP based on the RF signal. That's a cool feature. It can also help you identify interference like microwave ovens or Bluetooth devices. I also like the ability to link it to your online account. It sends a report via email and saves it on the cloud."

"I also like the remote session and the ability to log in to the device remotely. You can log in to the tester with your computer and can see the screen and operate the tester remotely. This is a very cool function, but it's very advanced."

"It has made our networking staff more productive; we spend less time because the device helps us by identifying the issue and providing a solution for the customer."

"It is a pretty rock-solid device that is well-built."

"The solution saves us a factor of 10 in time. If a typical WiFI ticket would cost me two hours with AirCheck, then it would cost me 20 hours without it. At 20 hours, you start to refuse to do tickets because it is just too expensive."

"The AirMapper Site Survey on the AirCheck G2 is the most valuable feature. It is really nice to be able to upload the maps remotely to the website, and then have the analyst upload the results so we can review the data."

More AirCheck G3 pros

"SolarWinds NCM provides updates on the status of your network infrastructure. If any issues arise, such as a link failure or a device going offline, you will receive notifications and alerts. Additionally, if someone unplugs a cable, SolarWinds NCM will detect it. It also features a Topology Mapper that displays the connectivity of your network devices, giving you a visual representation of the network's structure. With SolarWinds NCM, you have a clear understanding of what's happening within your network and can generate comprehensive reports."

"Its main functionality is highly beneficial as it centralizes the management of configuration items across the network."

"NCM pays for itself within the first 3 years of use as you do need less dedicated Cisco certified engineers fully on site once it is implemented"

"The feature that I really enjoy is the ability to script changes across all of your devices."

"This solution has helped our organization by allowing us to store all the device configurations for the various network devices in NCM and making it easy for us to retrieve and look them over."

"It allows us to manage backups in big companies. It is also useful in managing the configuration changes."

"Configuration refers to the specific settings and options that determine how a device or system behaves. It can include things, such as network settings, security settings, and other options that are specific to the device or system in question. One of the most valuable features of the solution was its ability to track and monitor changes to the configuration of devices on a network. This can be useful for troubleshooting and identifying potential issues. By keeping track of who made changes to the configuration and when it can be easier to determine the cause of any problems that may arise."

"The features we find most valuable is the configuration backup automation, the configuration compliance, the security vulnerability detection and upgrading devices."

More SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager pros

Cons

"It is a bit expensive, to be honest. For a small firms, like a wireless consultant or small IT support company, it is hugely expensive and that's a shame because it is a fantastic tool."

"I would love to have a button that pretends that you're an iPhone 5 or an Android Samsung, then tell me what you think the experience is. This is a very difficult thing to do because each of these things has different radios in them and behaves differently. Now, I can go into the user's office, and say, "The tool says everything's green. The WiFI infrastructure is fine, but their iPhone experience sucks." Is it a problem with their particular iPhone or is it a problem with any iPhone model? If I could have this solution emulate an iPhone model so I can walk into that room, and say, "My tools pretending to be your iPhone and it works fine. It must be your particular iPhone that we have a problem with." I found mobile phones in general have lousy radios and the coverage isn't strong enough, but it would be a nice feature."

"The battery life needs improvement. For example, when you are doing an Ethernet test, that seems to drain the battery pretty quickly."

"You spend money on and invested in multiple devices and can't even use half of the features."

"If this is going to be your exclusive, for example, survey tool, personally, this is not what I would use for that, but for a lot of packet captures, wire testing, rogue device detections, it does a really nice job."

"The biggest improvement would be an easier upload over wireless to Link-Live. Currently, the device has to be patched into the Ethernet. The wireless upload has been giving us some issues."

"We use .1x authentication, so I need to download the certificate onto the device. It would be nice to have this functionality through the cloud as well. Right now, you need to do it through the software by connecting your laptop physically to the AirCheck. This is one thing that is a bit slow."

"We use these out in the field, and because they're not allowed on our network, we usually have to have the person take them home and provide backhaul to them. In other words, they are not allowed through our firewalls to dump the data. So, we have to have them go to a separate wired network to dump the data. There could be an option to put an LTE and have a phone engine in it so that you can buy a SIM card for it and have it use cellular to download the data. That is something that would be nice to have. That's a little kink in this system right now. Other than using the Ethernet port to download data, it'd be nice if we could use either LTE or some other way to get the data that was collected by AirCheck G2 to our Link-Live portal."

More AirCheck G3 cons

"The third-party plugins available in the solution could improve. I have received some issues with the templates."

"The solution could improve by being more secure."

"The network logs could be improved. When the error logs come across with those false positive alarms in the error logs."

"The network flow is a problem for this solution."

"Its look and feel can be improved. They can also put in more effort into building the THWACK community and use the information about various customer issues and requests to build the new releases."

"It would be great if they include a network service manager, network performance manager, or privileged assessment in the next release."

"The Network Configuration Manager needs to improve the access control list compliance."

"Our experience has shown that most of the problems we've had with SolarWinds NCM are related to software issues."

More SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"It costs $3,000. It would be nice if its cost was less. I could then buy more. Currently, when we buy one, we make sure that where we need it is big enough, or if it is too small, when a person has a job, they have to get a temporary one mailed to them to use, which becomes a little less convenient."

"Because I work in a big company, it is a no-brainer. If I were a consultant, I would still buy it, but it would be a huge investment. Overall, it's a good tool to have."

"Pricing is on par with the rest of the industry and the licensing is decent."

"The product has a pretty good price."

"I'd always love a lower price, but as compared to some of the other tools, it is fairly reasonable. I personally bought one. So, I must have thought the value was there because I'm spending my own hard cash on it, not just the company's. You can get support. I don't have support on my personal device. We did buy support for our company devices. It is reasonable. It is not super expensive or astronomical."

"If you find a feature you need, you have to call them and add it, but you should be able to use the product. You spend money on and invested in multiple devices and can't even use half of the features. They should negotiate with large enterprises who buy large numbers of units to provide NetAlly support for all of them at a nominal fee."

"The overall cost of the solution, compared to the time saved—the number of man-hours devoted to other means of troubleshooting—is incomparable."

"The upfront cost of the solution is around $4,000."

More AirCheck G3 pricing and cost advice

"Available at a moderate price"

"In Africa, the cost is a major factor in decision-making for many companies. As a result, some companies may choose cheaper solutions, even if they are open-source, over more expensive ones, such as SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager. However, as an engineer, I believe that the functionalities and services offered by SolarWinds justify the cost. Nonetheless, many companies in Africa may still view the prices as unaffordable."

"Additional costs beyond the standard licensing fee are inevitable."

"Pricing is reasonable and competitive."

"There is a license for the use of this solution and it is priced well, there is a lot of value for the money."

"You have a base license for 50 devices, and then you can add more licenses as you go."

"The price of the solution is high compared to other solutions."

"The pricing is good."

More SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Comms Service Provider

University

Government

Performing Arts

Government

12%

Manufacturing Company

10%

Computer Software Company

University

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	1
Midsize Enterprise	2
Large Enterprise	11

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	15
Midsize Enterprise	5
Large Enterprise	8

Questions from the Community

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Earn 20 points

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager?

The licensing costs of SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager are expensive, but considering its reliability, feature enhancements, and support, it is worthwhile.

See all answers

What needs improvement with SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager?

NCM could benefit from enhanced automation capabilities — for instance, enabling workflow-based configuration automation tasks. While regex and command-line scripting are available, they require sp...

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What is your primary use case for SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager?

I work with SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager ( /products/solarwinds-network-configuration-manager-reviews ) as a significant part of our operations. Our primary use case involves handling c...

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Comparisons

NetAlly EtherScope nXG vs AirCheck G3

Compared 20% of the time

AirMagnet Survey PRO vs AirCheck G3

Compared 18% of the time

LinkRunner vs AirCheck G3

Compared 12% of the time

Broadcom Network Flow Analysis vs AirCheck G3

Compared 11% of the time

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Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform vs SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

Compared 9% of the time

Cisco DNA Center vs SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

Compared 8% of the time

HashiCorp Terraform vs SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

Compared 6% of the time

ManageEngine Network Configuration Management vs SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

Compared 4% of the time

SolarWinds Kiwi CatTools vs SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

Compared 3% of the time

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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

AirCheck G3

April 2026

Download AirCheck G3 product report

Buyer's Guide

SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

April 2026

SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager report

Download SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager product report

Also Known As

AirCheck G2, AirCheck

SolarWinds NCM

Overview

AirCheck G3 provides rapid Wi-Fi environment assessments with AutoTest. It features cloud capabilities for remote data sharing and visualization tools like packet capture to address connectivity issues, making it ideal for IT teams.

AirCheck G3 is designed to offer actionable insights into Wi-Fi infrastructures. Its key features include AutoTest for swift diagnostics, cloud integration through Link-Live for efficient data management, and advanced functionalities such as packet capture and heat map creation. With AirMapper, site survey data is easily visualized and collected. Built for portability and durability, AirCheck G3 effectively identifies connectivity problems, rogue devices, and interference. Users note potential enhancements in device emulation and AI-driven analysis. Improvements in battery life, API support, and LTE connectivity are also desired.

What are the standout features of AirCheck G3?

AutoTest: Quickly troubleshoots Wi-Fi environments.
Cloud Functionality: Enables remote data access via Link-Live.
Packet Capture: Provides deep network analysis capabilities.
Heat Map Creation: Visualizes network performance spatially.
AirMapper: Simplifies site survey data collection.
Portability and Durability: Designed for field use, making it versatile for IT teams.

Which benefits should users consider in reviews?

Efficiency in Troubleshooting: Reduces time in identifying and solving network issues.
Data Shareability: Facilitates data distribution and collaboration through cloud integration.
Insightful Analytics: Delivers comprehensive analytic tools for network performance assessment.
Versatile Use: Portable design supports numerous environments and scenarios.

In healthcare, AirCheck G3 is crucial for ensuring reliable Wi-Fi connections, aiding staff in locating access points or issues. Technicians rely on it for data collection and cloud reporting, enhancing their understanding of network infrastructure. Businesses utilize it to improve troubleshooting efficiency, addressing network issues promptly and effectively.

NetAlly

SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager provides essential tools for network performance monitoring, configuration compliance, and vulnerability management, ensuring streamlined operations for network administrators with real-time change detection and backup automation capabilities.

SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager offers extensive features that empower network management through integration with platforms like Microsoft Teams and ServiceNow. It manages network devices effectively, automating backups and streamlining configuration compliance. Users find it flexible and reliable for network configuration and security management, including support for IP SLA management, which enhances device health checks. The solution facilitates remote network configuration, mass changes across devices, and efficient backup and restore procedures for disaster recovery. While improvements in node-related limitations, AI features, and integrations are noted, the tool remains critical for aligning configurations with enterprise standards and ensuring network visibility.

What are the key features?

Network Performance Monitoring: Provides insights into network health and potential issues.
Configuration Compliance: Ensures all network configurations align with internal policies.
Real-Time Change Detection: Alerts users immediately about configuration changes.
Backup Automation: Simplifies backup processes for network configurations.
Vulnerability Management: Identifies and manages security vulnerabilities effectively.
IP SLA Management: Enhances device health checks through service level agreements.
Integration Capabilities: Seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Teams, ServiceNow, and more.

What benefits should users consider?

Enhanced Security: Protects networks with robust vulnerability management.
Streamlined Operations: Automates routine tasks to save time and resources.
Improved Compliance: Ensures adherence to configuration policies and standards.
Comprehensive Network Visibility: Offers a clear view of network performance and issues.
Disaster Recovery Support: Facilitates quick recovery from network failures with efficient backups.

In industries such as telecommunications, finance, and healthcare, SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager is implemented to manage complex network infrastructures, optimize performance, and maintain security compliance. These sectors rely on the tool's ability to conduct mass device configurations and ensure continuous network monitoring, which is crucial for operations that require consistent uptime and quick response to potential security threats.

SolarWinds

Sample Customers

Information Not Available

United Lincolnshire Hospitals, Air Rarotonga, NetSuite, Thai AirAsia, REA Group, 335th Signal Command, Agilisys, Marine Expeditionary Force

Buyer's Guide

AirCheck G3 vs. SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

September 2020

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