NetK review

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

NetK is an open-source tool for documenting network topology through schemes of equipment, clients, and their relationships. Small teams that maintain network records manually may value its equipment search, scheme browsing, and multi-user roles. It is available as web software and for self-hosted deployment. The published description focuses on recording and visualizing topology, rather than automated discovery or live monitoring, so teams seeking those capabilities should consider a different fit.

Its mapping workflow centers on schemes and selected equipment: users can inspect equipment details by selecting elements, search for equipment, clients, and network nodes with parent devices, and visualize multiple connections to parent or uplink nodes. Maps are generated as raster graphics using DOT files processed with Graphviz. NetK also generates reports about network capacity and equipment. That combination suits documentation and inventory-oriented work, though the described map output is raster rather than an editable diagram format.

NetK is free and open source, with no paid plan distinctions described. It supports multiple users and roles, which can help teams share access to maintained schemes. However, the vendor's download page lists version 1.0-alpha1 dated November 14, 2011, and the online demo is identified as alpha software; the manual is described as under development. These are notable lifecycle signals for buyers evaluating an operational tool. NetK is most appropriate for teams comfortable with self-hosting and maintaining network documentation; organizations that need current releases, a developed manual, or monitoring and discovery workflows should look elsewhere.

NetK pros and cons

• Where it wins
  • Records equipment, clients, and their network relationships in schemes.
  • Searches equipment, clients, and nodes alongside parent devices.
  • Generates raster maps and reports on network capacity and equipment.
• Where it doesn't
  • Maps are generated as raster graphics through DOT and Graphviz.
  • The download page lists only version 1.0-alpha1, dated 2011.
  • The user manual is described as under development.

NetK fact sheet, pricing and score →

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update