Overview of SmartHawk
SmartHawk is a network mapping and topology discovery tool for IP and switched IT networks. Patented Route Analytics technology within SmartHawk’s software provides a unique Layer 3 (L3) view of the network, while SmartHawk’s patented Ethernet Analytics enables a unique Layer 2 (L2) view of the network, including VLAN visibility. Leveraging this hardware (also available as a virtual appliance), SMEs can:
- Reduce network downtime
- Improve network planning
- Perform proactive network maintenance
Each benefit of SmartHawk can be directly connected to lowering overall operating costs while simultaneously enhancing customer satisfaction.
Key Features & Capabilities
SmartHawk offers patented network mapping capabilities for both Layer 2 and Layer 3 IP networks.
- SmartHawk’s patented approach to Layer 2 network discovery results in an accurate switch topology map, including end systems.
- Auto-discovery of the Layer-3 topology is performed using unique Route Analytics technology.
- The intelligent discovery module then integrates Layer 2 and Layer 3 network maps to present an end-to-end view of the network.
From a technology standpoint, SmartHawk supports OSPF, IS-IS, EIGRP, and BGP, along with VLAN & STP troubleshooting, to provide an up-to-the-minute network inventory.
Industries SmartHawk Serves
SmartHawk is engineered for medium to large organizations with mission-critical, complex IP and Ethernet infrastructures. Its advanced capabilities in Layer 2 and Layer 3 network mapping, topology visualization, and route analytics make it ideally suited for sectors that demand high availability, scalability, and deep network insight.
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- Enterprise IT Teams: Leverage SmartHawk as an enterprise network monitoring software solution to gain comprehensive, cross-domain visibility. Efficiently manage distributed environments, validate network changes, and ensure consistent performance across all segments.
- Network Engineers and Architects: Use real-time network topology discovery to design, analyze, and optimize complex infrastructure. SmartHawk provides the insights required to troubleshoot connectivity issues, validate routing behaviour, and plan capacity upgrades with precision.
- Managed Service Providers (MSPs): SmartHawk enables MSPs to deliver scalable, SLA-driven services by monitoring and mapping client environments from a central interface. Its multi-site discovery and end-to-end network visibility support operational efficiency and rapid incident response.
- Public Sector Agencies and Utilities: From municipal networks to national infrastructure, SmartHawk supports the modernization of hybrid environments that integrate legacy systems with Software-Defined Networking (SDN) overlays. Ensure compliance, reduce risk, and maintain control with topology-aware insights.
- Universities and Research Institutions: Ideal for high-density academic and research environments, SmartHawk helps manage multi-segmented Layer 2/3 networks. Gain visibility into VLAN and STP topologies, monitor performance, and support high-bandwidth applications across campus networks.
SmartHawk is engineered for medium to large organizations with mission-critical, complex IP and Ethernet infrastructures
SmartHawk Use Cases
Troubleshooting Connectivity Issues
With end-to-end network visibility, SmartHawk enables users to identify broken links, misconfigured VLANs, or unreachable gateways across L2/L3 in seconds.
Network Change Validation
Every configuration introduces the chance for disruption or routing concerns. As a network visualization topology software, SmartHawk provides a clear path to verify that configuration changes are applied seamlessly.
Network Migrations
Before rearchitecting or moving devices, it is critical to have complete network visibility. Layer 2 and Layer 3 network mapping within SmartHawk provides clear, current, and detailed topology in real-time.
Compliance & Auditing
SmartHawk supports key compliance requirements that meet minimum and maximum thresholds. That means a perpetual, comprehensive, and up-to-date network inventory for internal and regulatory reporting purposes.
With end-to-end network visibility, SmartHawk enables users to identify broken links
Third-Party Integration Capabilities
SmartHawk is built to fit seamlessly into existing IT ecosystems. Using its standardized SOAP/XML API, the platform integrates with:
- SIEM platforms for security correlation.
- SNMP-based monitoring systems to enrich performance data with topology context.
- Configuration management databases (CMDBs) to maintain accuracy across IT inventories.
- SDN controllers via I2RS-compatible interfaces to support automated, software-driven networks.
SmartHawk is built to fit seamlessly into existing IT ecosystems. Using its standardized SOAP/XML API
Deployment Options
SmartHawk is offered as a secure, on-premises solution available in both hardware appliance and virtual appliance formats, ensuring flexible integration into a wide range of enterprise and service provider environments.
Designed for scalability and minimal operational overhead, SmartHawk adapts to diverse network sizes and topologies while maintaining full control over data privacy and system performance.
SmartHawk is offered as a secure, on-premises solution available in both hardware appliance and virtual appliance formats
Frequently Asked Questions
SmartHawk employs patented route analytics to deliver real-time, topology-driven network discovery, mapping even the largest networks in minutes with 100% accuracy.
- Layer 2 discovery works seamlessly in highly heterogeneous environments, supporting CDP, LLDP, and proprietary protocols.
- By combining Layer 2 and Layer 3 discovery, SmartHawk provides an end-to-end view of the network topology.
- Optional modules, such as Class of Service (CoS) and bandwidth monitoring, can be added to meet specific client requirements.
SmartHawk supports a wide range of routing protocols, including OSPF, IS-IS, BGP, MPLS-TE, BGP-LS, and EIGRP, among others, providing comprehensive visibility across highly complex networks.
SmartHawk is designed primarily for on-premises deployment to ensure complete control and data security, but it can also be deployed in cloud environments to meet specific operational requirements.
SmartHawk includes an advanced management client that enables full interaction with network topology data. Users can manipulate visualizations, apply overlays, and explore both Layer 2 and Layer 3 structures in detail.
Layer 3: SmartHawk’s patented route analytics continuously listen to routing protocols, keeping the inventory perpetually current.
Layer 2: Discovery intervals are user-configurable and typically set to refresh every five minutes, ensuring near real-time accuracy.
