SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer Reviews

Name: SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer
Brand: SolarWinds
Rating: 3.8 (40 reviews)

3.8 out of 5

40 reviews
82% willing to recommend

1,767 followers

What is SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer?

SolarWinds Netflow Traffic Analyzer enables you to capture data from continuous streams of network traffic and convert those raw numbers into easy-to-interpret charts and tables that quantify exactly how the corporate network is being used, by whom, and for what purpose.

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SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer is the #5 ranked solution in Network Traffic Analysis tools. PeerSpot users give SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer an average rating of 7.6 out of 10. SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer is most commonly compared to Darktrace: SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer vs Darktrace. SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer is popular among the midsize enterprise segment, accounting for 75% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a educational organization, accounting for 72% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer

January 2025

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Helped 838,533 peers since 2012

Featured reviews

DeepakVyas

Global-Manager Network & communications at Secure Meters Limited

The tool itself is very complicated, so training is required to handle it effectively. Configuration and the streamlining process are very complex. In my view, it is a good product if properly configured and streamlined according to your IT infrastructure. For enterprise-level organizations, SolarWinds is more appropriate than for small and medium enterprises. I would rate the solution eight out of ten.

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Dr. SureshHungenahally

Chief Executive Officer at a consultancy with 1-10 employees

We conduct network traffic analysis for a couple of key reasons. First, we look for traffic anomalies, such as unexpected increases or decreases in network traffic within specific segments. This helps us determine if the network needs to be re-architected. We also analyze peak bandwidth and bandwidth consumption across various network segments, which is crucial if someone is planning to transition to software-defined networks. The network traffic analyzer tool allows us to simulate scenarios and compare before-and-after results. Additionally, it supports traffic sources like NetFlow and SFlow, and we regularly check the quality of service using NetFlow. The tool handles a variety of protocols, such as NetFlow version 5 and version 9, JFlow, and SFlow, making it independent of the underlying technology.

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Muhammad Asif

Consaltant at a consultancy with self employed

For the most part, our customers are satisfied with the features already present within NTA, as they mainly use it for checking to see if their bandwidth usage is okay and within reason. One area that we struggle with is the price. Because the price of this solution is so high, we are largely unable to introduce it into the local market, and only the banking sector has the means to afford it. The biggest reason for this is because SolarWinds charges their users per ports, such that if you have a 24-port switch, they will charge you for 24 nodes, rather than count it as one single switch. In contrast, solutions such as ManageEngine NetFlow Analyzer charge users per switch, which they count as a single node. Besides the pricing, I also think that the technical support could be better. When we call SolarWinds' tech support, it usually takes at least 10 to 15 minutes for a response. And when you send an email, you will again have to wait some time for a response, and sometimes this can be upwards of four to five hours.

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SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer mindshare

As of February 2025, the mindshare of SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer in the Network Traffic Analysis (NTA) category stands at 5.6%, down from 7.0% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Network Traffic Analysis (NTA)

PeerAnalyst reports

Type	Title	Date
Category	Network Traffic Analysis (NTA)	Feb 20, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Feb 20, 2025	Download
Comparison	SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer vs Darktrace	Feb 20, 2025	Download
Comparison	SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer vs Auvik Network Management (ANM)	Feb 20, 2025	Download
Comparison	SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer vs Cisco Secure Network Analytics	Feb 20, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Darktrace	4.1	27.0%	94%	77 interviews Add to research
Cisco Secure Network Analytics	4.1	15.1%	88%	60 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer offers traffic analysis, network monitoring, and bandwidth assessment. Users appreciate its ability to identify bandwidth utilization and potential problems, as well as providing real-time alerts and reports. Its vendor-agnostic nature and ease of deployment are valued. The application visibility feature helps manage resources effectively. Users also highlight its role in performance analysis, troubleshooting, and traffic engineering. The customizable dashboard and detailed traffic insights further enhance its overall utility.

"I find this tool very helpful in identifying the top traffic paths from source to destination, and determining which routes are consuming the most resources."
"So far, it is a very stable product."
"The bandwidth indicates the utilization of the devices; if any issue occurs, it triggers an alert for me."

Room for Improvement

SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer requires improvements in installation support, with a need for more efficient forums and enhanced training resources. Integration with third-party tools, enhanced security features, and improved intelligence capabilities are necessary. Pricing and licensing policies need adjustments. Technical support response times could be faster, and the user interface should be more intuitive. Better application visibility and traffic analysis are needed, along with enhanced automation features. Enhanced customization options, artificial intelligence integration, and more sophisticated dashboards are also desired.

"Currently, it shows only the top ten applications or ports in use, while the remaining data appears as 'remaining traffic,' causing confusion."
"The tool itself is very complicated, so training is required to handle it effectively."
"The plotting of the device on the map is not appropriate."

ROI

Organizations noted increased efficiency and time savings with SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer. While some reported achieving positive returns, others found the investment less substantial, as alternative options offer comparable features, sometimes at a lower cost. There are no direct cost savings, as its main function is monitoring, providing visibility on device and site statuses and issues.

Pricing

SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer's pricing is perceived differently by users. Some find it reasonable and fair compared to competitors, citing costs around $25,000 yearly, while others view it as expensive, especially when considering additional modules and high scaling costs. The licensing is node-based and requires yearly renewal. Some users note the solution's affordability compared to other tools like HP, while others find it less competitive than alternatives like ManageEngine NetFlow Analyzer. Overall impressions vary, with suggestions for pricing improvements.

"The pricing is really good."
"The solution's licensing is high-priced."
"NetFlow Traffic Analyzer is reasonably priced."

Popular Use Cases

Organizations primarily use SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer for comprehensive network traffic monitoring and performance analysis. They leverage it to supervise bandwidth utilization, ensure efficient traffic flow, and predict potential issues. It is a key tool for maintaining network infrastructure, providing detailed insights into high bandwidth usage, device-specific traffic, and endpoint communication. Users appreciate its ability to generate informative reports and alerts, aiding in troubleshooting and optimizing network resources.

Service and Support

SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer's customer service and support varies, with some praising it as excellent, knowledgeable, and quick, while others criticize response times and the reliance on less experienced level 1 engineers. Users in specific regions report inadequate support. Some teams find the support complex, with suggestions for premium subscriptions for quicker assistance. Many rate it good, noting improvement needs in response time and expertise, with numerous users rating support between three and eight out of ten.

Deployment

Some found SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer's setup straightforward, taking a few hours, while others experienced complexity, needing deep technical understanding. Many reported easy deployment with minimal resources. Some described it as complex, involving multiple servers and configurations. Most indicated a few hours to a couple of weeks for complete setup. Initial configuration challenges were noted, particularly for large networks, but many users praised its user-friendly interface once familiar with its operations.

Scalability

SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer is considered scalable, with many users highlighting its potential for large and enterprise-level deployments. Scalability often depends on licensing and additional architecture, but users note potential costs associated with expansion. While praised for handling extensive node networks, some organizations find scaling complex due to hardware limits. It's suitable for medium to large enterprises, with licensing based on interfaces or ports, and several users rate its scalability highly, despite the expenses involved.

Stability

Most users find SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer stable, rating it between seven and ten out of ten in terms of stability. Some experience occasional issues, such as service crashes or environmental impact on performance, especially with large databases. Despite these challenges, many stick with it due to its reliability and long market presence, using it effectively within their environments.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

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