Managing a home network is easy. But when it comes to managing the WiFi network of a business or corporate, you’d need WiFi management software. Some of its notable functions include automation and monitoring WiFi traffic, devices, providing detailed analysis and helping small businesses identify and resolve common problems on the network.
Several solutions are available, but if you nitpick each of them, locating the best-suited WiFi management software can get tiring and may leave a lot of confusion and choices. So, to find the perfect balance between features, utility, and productivity, I tried 15 different WiFi management tools, and these 8 were made to the list:
- Minim App & Care Portal
- Omada Software Controller by TP-Link
- Nuclias Connect Management by D-Link
- Nighthawk App by Netgear
- ASUS Router App
- Linksys Smart Wi-Fi App
- Wi-Fi Scanner by LizardSystems
- SolarWinds
Why Do You Need a WiFi Management Software?
- Most organizations leverage the wireless network to reduce costs and potentially easy installation and troubleshooting. Besides, having a WiFi management solution further cuts the human resources required to monitor the network.
- WiFi management software is a solution that records devices that use the network, evaluates the traffic, and eliminates any potential slowdown issues. It works to identify and prevent rogue devices from accessing and disrupting the network or creating any security nuisance.
- Organizations can exploit WiFi management software to have a fully managed network infrastructure, giving you unprecedented visibility and control over the network.
- Systematic WiFi management also enhances the overall user experience by providing seamless and smooth connectivity for all users, visitors, or employees. You can provide network access to your guests within minutes without compromising security.
8 Best WiFi Management Software of 2024
1. Minim App & Care Portal
Minim, launched in 1977 as a networking company, now commits to delivering intelligent software to improve and protect wireless connections over various settings. Their cloud platform powers various routers and intuitive apps, allowing customers to control their privacy and connected experience.
Why is it a suitable choice?
It was named the ‘Best In-Home WiFi Network’ at the annual Wireless Broadband Alliance Industry Awards and is undisputedly among the best Wi-Fi access control software.
Besides delivering an NGFW with proprietary 26-point IoT fingerprinting, its AI-powered solution automatically filters the devices to keep the networks secure. With this in place, IT teams share complete information on the threats the business network goes through and opt to block them automatically before they create any nuisance.
With the Minim mobile app: Employees can check signal strength, run speed tests, browse through the timeline of activities, procure automated network recommendations, and review security scans. Employers can also use the web app to get the same view, plus bandwidth usage over time, router settings management, router changes and more.
Besides, it’s a versatile software that features a three-part solution particularly catered towards the security of businesses.
First is Minim Edge Extend, which grants permission to IT personnel to gain insights into employee network usage, network health scores, and AI-drive vulnerability analysis. Next is Minim Robot Assistant, which lets employees scan their personal network, lifting a major burden from the shoulders of IT professionals.
And finally, it is a Minim-powered Wi-Fi system that works with Motorola mesh MH7022 satellite+router combo to initiate a Zero Touch Positioning (ZTP) into the workspace. With ZTP, IT teams automatically deploy network devices across a large space without needing them to engage in manual labor.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing: Contact the sales team for a custom quote.
Availability: Minim collaborates with Motorola to develop affordable yet advanced networking devices available on Motorola’s official website. At the same time, Minim offers customized firewalls to its users. You need to connect with the sales team to get your hands on one that perfectly suits your workplace setting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Minim offers a next-generation firewall with multiple features to protect your WiFi network and databases from unauthorized and external access. Besides, its versatile app lets you monitor, control and manage the entire network ecosystem. Employees can self-scan their system and don’t have to rely much on the expertise of IT professionals to keep it safe.
Pros
- Lets you scan your personal network
- Initiate a Zero Touch Positioning (ZTP)
- Conducts an auto-scan and sends an alert
- Auto-filters the devices
Cons
- Prices or any related information isn’t available
2. Omada Software Controller by TP-Link
If you need an all-in-one WiFi management solution for your business network, then Omada Software controller by TP-Link is your go-to solution. With Omada’s 100% centralized cloud management, you can monitor, control and change any network settings through a mobile app or web browser. And keep your network and databases safe with the security features it ingrains.
Why is it a suitable choice?
Designed especially for use in education, hospitality, and retail offices, Omada is a smarter end-to-end business cloud solution dedicated to business networking. It comes as a complete solution for businesses, providing you with a one-tap control over the Omada access points, jetstream switches, Omada routers, and controllers using the Omada app or web browser.
Omada software provides control of up to 1500 devices connected over the Omada network in your hands. You can monitor the devices using the app’s real-time statistics, and configure and upgrade them over multiple websites.
Other than monitoring and control, Omada software facilitates the speedy installation of Omada routers, access points, or gateways. The user-friendly interface includes detailed instructions guiding you through the setup process. Whenever a new device is installed in the ecosystem, the software detects it automatically, and you need a few minutes to set it up.
Furthermore, TP-Links appliances, OC300 or OC200, make it even simpler to host the software. With such devices, link the installation to your TP-Link ID, and you get access to their cloud portal, wherein you now have remote access to the controller. It further eliminates the need for a VPN for monitoring and offsite configuration.
The Omada software automatically upgrades the firmware in client devices when available. Moreover, it sends warnings and notifications to the admins if it detects any abnormal events, so they can quickly see and troubleshoot the connections. You get a network summary report covering all activities, abnormalities, and other needful details of the network.
Pricing and Availability
Omada provides free access to its centralized management platform, along with zero license fees. You can download these from the official TP-Link website and install them to get total control over your vast business network.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Omada is a feature-laden and highly functional cloud management software that provides you with total control over your network and the devices connected. With the abnormal event notifications feature, you make sure data shared over the network is never compromised.
Aside from that, your devices are always safe from potential security threats. But despite being user-friendly, novices might find it tough to operate the app due to the diverse features it integrates.
Pros
- Remotely controllable over the cloud
- Automatic firmware update
- Can control over 1500 devices
- Network summary report
- Abnormal event warning
Cons
- Finding a particular option can be difficult
3. Nuclias Connect Management by D-Link
Nuclias Connect management software by D-Link is set out to offer enterprise-grade quality without charging much. With this, small business owners have the right tools to control and create value from their network infrastructure. They can make better decisions through easy and more intuitive control with analytics and reporting capabilities while not leaving their network vulnerable.
Why is it a suitable choice?
Nuclias Connect is a wireless access management tool that provides you with a tool to take control and manage single or multiple networks and sites from your tablet or smartphone. Easy installation and a simple user interface are the standout features of this software.
Once you complete the setup and register your default network, it automatically browses through and adds the devices connected over the network ecosystem. You can quickly deploy your standalone access point to the controller, change its configuration, and set the profile to be deployed on other APs in the ecosystem.
You can check for information like traffic usage (%), upload, download, last seen, Mac address, OS, and many others of each device and choose to block any by applying a few usage-based filters. It also applies to connected access points and switches. It is especially useful if you want to ensure that all your employees are doing anything outside their work and that no unnecessary devices are connected to your network.
Further, under the tools tab, many tools help you troubleshoot the network, including Locate device, ping, MAC forwarding table, cycle PoE, cable test, and copy configuration to another device.
Using the ping tool, you can test whether your network is running well while the MAC forwarding table shows a summary of ports, MAC addresses, IP address types, and VLAN. The cable test is used to check if the ports are working well, and the locate device feature lets you identify unlabeled switches by turning on the LEDs on each.
And finally, concerning security, the app provides a security alert if it detects any intrusion of any rogue devices or malicious agents, so you can troubleshoot at the earliest and prevent any damage to your devices or network.
Pricing and Availability
D-Link offers the Nuclias Connect app free to download on their official website and is available for windows, mac, Linux, and smartphones. Besides, there are no ongoing yearly license fees for the access points.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Nuclias Connect is a feature-laden network management software that offers total control over things that are happening over your network. Be it managing the security, you can also make sure your connected router and network are working fine by conducting tests for several aspects.
But the lack of a few features from my previous recommendation pushes it down the list.
Pros
- Free to download
- Provides security alerts
- Simple interface
- Easy device management
- Features like cable test, Locate device, ping, and others
Cons
- Device capacity limits to 100
4. Nighthawk App by Netgear
If you have Netgear networking devices in the network ecosystem, then you must have a Nighthawk app installed on your smartphone, tablet, and other devices. You can access services like Netgear Armor, smart parental controls, adjust router settings, configure guest WiFi, and more on the app dashboard. So, let’s discuss in detail what this app has to offer!
Why is it a suitable choice?
The Nighthawk app might not be futuristic as my previous recommendations, but it inculcates numerous features that let you easily set up, control, and manage the network.
If you have to deploy a new device into your network ecosystem but aren’t sure about the process, the app has got you sorted. It comes with a step-by-step guide. Clicking the devices tab on the app dashboard, you can check through the downloads, uploads, manage subscriptions, and many others.
In my testing, the software connected up to 120 devices, but it can be a difficult task to monitor and manage each of them manually. So, to make our tasks much easier, there’s an integrated tab on the app that lets you set a list encompassing the criteria each device must follow. And if any device fails to do that, it automatically gets blocked.
The app further integrates smart parental controls powered by Circle, with which you can easily manage time and content online. I have restricted the use of social media and video streaming platforms. can set this for a selected number of devices or all connected to the network.
Besides, other useful features like checking internet speeds, updating firmware, monitoring internet traffic, and sharing WiFi with guests make this reliable software.
Pricing and Availability
Similar to my previous recommendations, Netgear doesn’t charge you a penny for downloading its Nighthawk app. You can visit their official website to get redirected to the respective downloading platform.
Conclusion
Netgear Nighthawk is a reliable and feature-laden software that lets you control most devices in your smart office or home with the tap of your fingers. You can manage the devices, toggle security controls and monitor the network easily with its intuitive interface. But it lacks one major feature of alerting the admin in case of any threats.
Pros
- Smart parental controls
- One simple management dashboard
- User-friendly interface
- Monitor the internet traffic
Cons
- Doesn’t alerts in case of any security threats
5. ASUS Router App
When was the last time you got excited over a WiFi management app? For most, the answer would be “never.” But the Asus router provides a lot to be excited about. You can manage your router in your comfort using a smartphone, alongside managing network traffic, seeing the number of connected devices, network status, and many more. It looks pretty slick by router app standards.
Why is it a suitable choice?
The dedicated app for Asus routers comes with numerous features for you to have total control over the network and connected devices. Like the TP-Link app, it’s not compatible with most Netgear devices, but working on connected devices should feel like a cakewalk.
Using the software, you can remotely monitor the network status and the number of connected WiFi points. This assures you that everything’s working fine, and you get an update in case there’s any problem. You can even check through the network traffic and switch off any device that’s consuming bandwidth unnecessarily with just a tap.
Similar to my previous management software, sharing WiFi is much simpler. With just a few taps, you can create temporary access for your guests by generating an auto-generated password and sending it to them through email or messaging. This way, you can protect your personal password or any other sensitive data stored over the network.
Other than that, ensuring your devices and network is perfectly healthy and fine takes just a few seconds. With features like infected device prevention, password strength, malicious site blocking, and vulnerability protection, your devices are now safer than ever.
Lastly, a standout aspect of this software is “Game boost,” a feature dedicated especially to gamers. With this, you can allocate bandwidth to your gaming device with just a tap on your smartphone and eliminate any interruptions that affect your gaming experience.
Pricing and Availability
Asus doesn’t charge a single dime to download this router app on your available platform. You can just visit the Asus website or browse through the app on the respective device platform.
Conclusion
All in all, the Asus app is a great companion to your router that lets you monitor, control and manage the network with a few taps on your smartphone or tablet. Its multi-faceted security features let you maintain powerful security on your devices and make sure no rogue devices or elements enter the network.
Pros
- Easy network and device management
- Easy to share dedicated WiFi
- Keep your devices secure
- Comes with a “game boost” feature
Cons
- Can’t connect many devices
6. Linksys Smart Wi-Fi App
The next addition to my list is a well-curated WiFi management app for Linksys networking device users. Its list of features, including guest access, port forwarding, device prioritization, parental controls, and many others is here to make your life much easier. So, let’s dig deep into what this app has to offer.
Why is it a suitable choice?
The networking company, through its app, intends to give its users complete control over the routing device, network, and connected devices.
To start with, there is a device list feature through which you can monitor the devices connected to the network and delete any if required. In this way, you can ensure there’s no unnecessary device consuming the bandwidth. Besides, you can provide temporary guest access to 50 devices at once.
While working, it sometimes happens that a device consumes an amount of bandwidth that is not required, causing those performing heavy tasks to run out of bandwidth. Well, this won’t be the case with the “device prioritization” feature of the app. With this, you can assign connection hierarchy to the devices, i.e., higher bandwidth for devices running heavy tasks, and vice versa.
A feature that is unique to the app is port forwarding. Using this, you can open up ports for devices to access the bandwidth and close it when not required, sitting anywhere, which further adds to your convenience. Besides, the software comes with Alexa support. So, gone are the days when you have to manually work through an app, just speak and get the task done.
Other than that, features similar to my previous recommendation are 24/7 remote access, app-enabled setup, auto-firmware update, and internet scheduling. But I was disappointed that there aren’t many security-related features in the app besides manual scans. So, you must thoroughly scan your network every once a week to search for any vulnerabilities.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing isn’t a factor with this app, as it’s free for download on Play Store and App Store for Android and iOS, respectively. Besides, there’s a web app available for Windows PC for free.
Conclusion
Linksys app is a versatile and functional app that lets you control and manage the connected devices and routers with just a tap or a voice command. There are some exclusive only features like port forwarding and Alexa support, which add a few brownie points to the score. But the lack of adequate security features has ranked the app in the sixth position.
Pros
- Guest access to up to 50 devices
- Device prioritization
- Alexa control
- Port forwarding
- Auto-firmware update
Cons
- Not many security features
7. Wi-Fi Scanner by LizardSystems
If you’ve a small network to administrate and require automated tools, a Wi-Fi scanner by LizardSystem can prove useful. Some of its notable features include providing detailed information on connected devices, network, and security scans and troubleshooting them as quickly as possible. It might not be as feature-laden as other software on my list, but it’s indeed very reliable.
Why is it a suitable choice?
WiFi Scanner is a reliable app whether you have a small workspace or are a homeowner with a maximum of 20-25 devices.
This great tool thoroughly scans the entire network and provides a scan report of everything it finds, all important information and the IP addresses of the connected devices. The software analyses each piece of information collected during the scan identifies any security holes, and troubleshoots them before they create any nuisance.
The only thing to bear in mind is although it can browse each connected device, but conducts scans of those which allow for remote administration or have any shared folders. In my case, I could see every single device, including the home server, router, Macbook, PCs, and even an android tablet, but it couldn’t scan the tablet or router.
Aside from that, its interface is user-friendly, and you can easily browse through each feature. Its potential limitation is it comes at a one-time price, and the features it integrates are not on par with that.
Pricing and Availability
WiFi scanner by LizardSystem is available at a one-time license fee of $40 after a 10-day featured trial, and you can download it from LizardSystems’ official website.
Conclusion
To conclude, the WiFi scanner is not a feature-rich management software, but its features ensure your devices aren’t compromised, and you stay safe. Besides, its user-friendly interface lets you browse through each feature and operate it without dropping a sweat. But its limited features and paid subscription pushed it to the penultimate position.
Pros
- Auto-scans the network and devices
- Alerts in case of security breaches
- User-friendly interface
- Monitors every connected device
Cons
- Priced at $40
8. SolarWinds
Solarwinds Server & Application Monitor is just like any other software designed to monitor the network infrastructure and application. The only difference is you can do it whether on-premise, cloud, or in a hybrid environment, making it much more versatile in terms of operability. Besides, some handy features include end-to-end monitoring, server capacity planning, and others.
Why is it a suitable choice?
Network Performance Monitor (NPM) is probably the best feature of this software. It primarily focuses on regulating the health of network-connected devices, be it routers and switches, endpoint devices like desktop PCs, terminals, and mobile devices, or office equipment like printers. Any deviation from the par score, and the app engages in troubleshooting tasks.
The NPM further integrates a dashboard with comprehensive controls with which you can customize how you access the network data or filter the events as reported by it. It’s a flexible system that works efficiently, irrespective of the network size.
A key capability of this platform is its ability to send network scan reports to the admin device. These alerts are automatically displayed in the dashboard, and you can set customized alerts of network statuses. In this way, you are always updated about the network’s health.
Other than that, I found the app interface very intuitive, and you can browse through the tab easily, irrespective of your knowledge. But what’s disappointing is the sluggishness of the platform. The response is very slow, and you have to wait a few seconds to switch from one page to another. This becomes an issue when you map thousands of components with a single platform.
Pricing and Availability
Unlike my previous recommendations, you need to pay license fees for the software, which vary on the number of elements it integrates. Here is the distribution:
| Plan | Maximum number of elements | Maintenance and Support | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| NPM SL100 | 100 | 1 year | $2,955 |
| NPM SL250 | 250 | 1 year | $6,720 |
| NPM SL500 | 500 | 1 year | $10,455 |
| NPM SL2000 | 2000 | 1 year | $19,345 |
| NPM SLX | No limit | 1 year | $32,525 |
All plans mentioned above have similar features, but the license fee you pay provides you with the maximum number of components/elements allowed.
Conclusion
Solarwinds Server & Application Monitor is quality software that is especially suited for any kind of settings, and you just need to upgrade your plan depending on your usage. Some extra nice features usually are there which aren’t available in traditional WiFi management software. But the fact that it’s paid software and the interface is sluggish has pushed it to the bottom.
Pros
- Regulates the health of network-connected devices
- Sends network scan alerts
- Simple interface
- Troubleshoots automatically
Cons
- Paid license
- Sluggish interface
Frequently Asked Questions
If it comes to features and managing a multitude of devices simultaneously, Omada by TP-Link is the best you have got. It is a quality device when it comes to managing the network of large corporations. But if you need simple usability and feature-laid software, the Nighthawk app by Netgear is the way to go.
Most of the notable software offered by well-known networking companies like TP-Link, Linksys, D-Link, and Netgear is available for free. However, third-party software comes at a cost, depending on its license and the number of devices it can manage.
Yes, software like Omada, Nucleus, Nighthawk, and Asus router is available for free on respective platforms like Android, iOS, and Microsoft.
Effective wireless management software ingrains monitoring technology to deploy and use the wireless network, analyze the traffic and security, and troubleshoot any problems that might arise during scans. In simple words, quality management software keeps your network safe and free of any vulnerabilities and performs at the highest level.
Verdict
As you have gone through the detailed reviews of the most well-renowned WiFi management software in the marketplace, it’s time you get your own. But if you are still confused, here are a few of my favorite picks:
- Minim is the best third-party security solution you have that comes at a reasonable price and has high-end features.
- Omada is one of the best WiFi management apps to get total control over the network ecosystem, keep it safe, and perform at the highest level. But it’s limited only to TP-Link devices.
- The Nighthawk app by Netgear is a simple yet feature-laden software that lets you gain total control over your network.
