LANState Free — Basic Network Mapping on Windows
General Information
LANState Free is the limited edition of LANState, designed for administrators who need simple monitoring and a network map without investing in the full product. It shows a live diagram of devices and their status but with fewer management features compared to the commercial version. For small teams or labs, this stripped-down edition is often enough to get real-time visibility at no cost.
How It Works
The software scans the local network and automatically builds a topology map. Devices are marked with color-coded indicators: green for reachable, red for down, and yellow for warning states. Behind the graphics it runs basic checks — ping and simple port probes. Unlike the paid version, it does not include advanced remote control features, but it still provides a quick way to visualize connectivity and availability.
Functions
Feature | Description |
Network discovery | Automatic scan and map creation. |
Status indicators | Color-coded nodes showing device state. |
Basic monitoring | ICMP ping and limited port checks. |
Simple alerts | Notifications when hosts become unreachable. |
Free license | No cost, limited functions compared to LANState Pro. |
Installation Guide
1. Download LANState Free from the official website.
2. Run the installer with administrator rights.
3. Choose installation folder and complete the wizard.
4. Launch the program and run an initial scan.
5. Adjust the network map layout and save the project.
Where It’s Useful
– Small offices or branch sites where a few devices need monitoring.
– Lab environments for quick visualization of connected hosts.
– Educational setups where a visual map helps students understand network basics.
Limitations
LANState Free is intentionally restricted: it lacks SNMP polling, advanced alerts, and remote management options such as Wake-on-LAN or shutdown. Reporting and historical data are minimal. For larger or production environments, administrators usually upgrade to LANState Pro or adopt more scalable systems.
Comparison
Tool | Platforms | Strengths | Best Use |
LANState Free | Windows | Free, simple maps, easy to install | Small networks, labs, basic visualization |
LANState (Pro) | Windows | Full features including SNMP and remote actions | Mid-size networks needing monitoring + control |
Zabbix | Linux/Windows | Comprehensive monitoring, scalable | Enterprise environments |