SolarWinds IP Address Manager (Free) — Basic IP Tracking Tool
General Information
SolarWinds IP Address Manager (Free Edition) is a simplified version of the commercial IPAM solution from SolarWinds. It’s made for administrators who need to keep track of small address pools without relying on Excel sheets. The free edition supports up to 254 IP addresses, making it suitable for labs, branch offices, or small networks where manual tracking quickly becomes a hassle.
How It Works
The tool scans subnets and displays which addresses are in use, reserved, or available. It integrates with DNS and DHCP to give a clearer view of address assignments and conflicts. Instead of checking each device one by one, admins can view everything in a single dashboard. While the commercial edition scales to thousands of addresses and adds automation, the free tool is more about quick visibility in limited environments.
Main Functions
Feature | Why It Helps |
Subnet scanning | Shows used, free, and reserved IPs. |
DNS/DHCP integration | Detects conflicts and mismatches. |
Address notes | Lets admins tag IPs with device or owner info. |
Simple dashboard | Replaces manual spreadsheets. |
Free edition | Manages up to 254 IP addresses. |
Installation Notes
The software runs on Windows Server. Setup steps:
1. Download the installer from SolarWinds.
2. Run the installation wizard and follow the prompts.
3. Add the subnet to monitor (up to 254 addresses).
4. Configure optional DNS or DHCP integration.
No separate agents are required; the system uses standard protocols for queries.
Everyday Use
Admins usually rely on the free edition for small-scale environments where losing track of static assignments is a risk. It’s especially useful for managing lab networks or a few VLANs in branch offices. For troubleshooting, the tool quickly shows if an IP is already taken, which helps avoid duplicate assignments.
Weak Points
The free edition is heavily limited compared to the paid version. With only 254 addresses supported, it won’t scale beyond small setups. It also lacks advanced automation, alerting, and reporting features that are standard in the commercial SolarWinds IPAM.
Comparison
Tool | Platforms | Strengths | Best Fit |
SolarWinds IPAM Free | Windows | Easy, up to 254 IPs, DNS/DHCP view | Labs, branch offices, small VLANs |
SolarWinds IPAM (Full) | Windows | Scales, full automation, reporting | Enterprises with large address pools |
phpIPAM | Linux/PHP | Open-source, flexible, database-driven | Teams wanting custom IPAM without cost |
GestioIP | Linux | Web-based, supports automation | Mid-size organizations with mixed subnets |