Side by side
Lantern vs Netdisco
Both stand on network mapping software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacWeb
Visit Lantern Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted+1
Choose Netdisco if you need free network management with device location, port control, hardware inventory, and network diagrams. It is especially suited to administrators comfortable with Linux or Unix and the stated Perl and PostgreSQL requirements. Look elsewhere if your environment cannot meet those requirements or you need a first setup that does not involve manually discovering a network device.
Visit NetdiscoThe facts
| Lantern | Netdisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Web | API, Linux, Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Free or on request |
| Plans published | None | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | github.com | netdisco.org |
| On network mapping software | #9 of 21 | #5 of 21 |
Lantern: what it does well
Netdisco: what it does well
- Find a device's switch port using its IP or MAC address.
- Turn off switch ports or change VLAN and PoE status.
- Inventory hardware by model, vendor, software, and operating system.
- View network diagrams and search data through an API.
- Extend the interface or backend with plugins, commands, and actions.
What to know first
- Installation requires Perl 5.10 or later and PostgreSQL 9.6 or later.
- Initial setup requires manually discovering at least one network device.
- The maker describes Linux or Unix operation; other platform support is not established by these facts.
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