SoftPerfect Network Scanner — Fast IP and Port Scanning
General Information
SoftPerfect Network Scanner is a lightweight but versatile tool for exploring and auditing local networks. It’s designed for administrators who need quick visibility into devices, open ports, and shared resources. Despite being compact, it offers features that go beyond a simple IP sweep, such as SNMP probing, WMI queries, and remote service checks. The free version works with small environments, while the licensed edition unlocks advanced options.
How It Works
The scanner performs an IP range sweep, sending ARP, ICMP, or custom probes. Discovered hosts are listed in a table showing IP addresses, MAC addresses, hostnames, and response times. Additional checks can reveal running services, available shares, and user sessions. Results can be exported for documentation or fed into other tools for further analysis.
Main Functions
Feature | Why It Helps |
IP & port scanning | Quickly maps live devices and open ports. |
SNMP & WMI support | Collects device details and Windows-specific data. |
Shares detection | Finds accessible network shares. |
Remote service check | Identifies running services (HTTP, FTP, RDP, etc.). |
Export options | Saves scan results in various formats. |
Lightweight & portable | Can be run without heavy installation. |
Installation Notes
On Windows, installation is straightforward:
1. Download the installer from the SoftPerfect website.
2. Run the setup and launch the program.
3. Enter the target IP range and start the scan.
A portable version is also available, which requires no installation and can be run from a USB stick.
Everyday Use
Admins often use SoftPerfect Network Scanner for quick audits of subnets, checking for unauthorized devices, or confirming which ports are open. It’s also practical when troubleshooting user access to shared folders. Because it runs fast and doesn’t require a server-side component, it’s handy for on-the-go diagnostics.
Weak Points
The free version has some limitations compared to the licensed edition, such as fewer customization options. It also lacks the centralized reporting or long-term tracking found in heavier monitoring platforms. For very large networks, it’s more of a spot-checking tool than a full monitoring system.
Comparison
Tool | Platforms | Strengths | Best Fit |
SoftPerfect Network Scanner | Windows | Fast, portable, feature-rich | Quick subnet audits, small to medium networks |
Angry IP Scanner | Cross-platform | Very lightweight, open-source | Simple device discovery |
Nmap | Multi-platform | Advanced scripting, deep scanning | Security audits, detailed analysis |
Advanced IP Scanner | Windows | Simple, remote desktop integration | Quick scans in Windows environments |