PathSolutions TotalView vs. Batfish

TotalView provides comprehensive network monitoring and straightforward root-cause analysis of issues, using clear, accessible language. This solution tracks every device and all interfaces associated with those devices, ensuring nothing is overlooked. Furthermore, TotalView delves deep by gathering 19 different error counters, along with performance metrics, configuration details, and connectivity data, allowing for a holistic view of the network. An integrated heuristics engine processes this wealth of information to deliver clear, easily understandable insights into problems. With this system, even junior engineers can tackle complex issues, freeing up senior engineers to concentrate on higher-level strategic initiatives. The main product encompasses all essential tools required for maintaining an optimally functioning network, including configuration management, server and cloud service monitoring, IP address management (IPAM), NetFlow analysis, path mapping, and diagramming capabilities. By utilizing TotalView, you can achieve complete visibility of your network, enabling you to resolve issues more swiftly and efficiently, ultimately enhancing overall network performance.

Batfish is a powerful open-source tool aimed at analyzing network configurations, helping to identify mistakes and verify the integrity of both current and proposed network designs. This tool supports rapid and secure modifications to networks, easing worries about potential downtimes or security risks. Initially developed by teams from Microsoft Research, UCLA, and USC, Batfish has attracted contributions from a wide array of developers and is currently overseen by Intentionet. In addition to the original offering, they also provide Batfish Enterprise, which enhances the core features of Batfish for more robust use. Users benefit from its capabilities to analyze access control lists (ACLs) and firewall settings, assess routing paths through traceroute and reachability checks, and simulate network disruptions using Chaos Monkey-style testing. Furthermore, Batfish facilitates the review of routing tables and enables effective analysis of control planes through its high-level representations, making it compatible with various vendors like Cisco, Arista, and Cumulus. This multifunctionality positions Batfish as an essential tool for network engineers aiming to improve both the performance and security of their networking systems, ultimately making it a pivotal asset in modern network management.