DX Spectrum vs SolarWinds Network Device Monitor comparison

Broadcom and SolarWinds are both solutions in the Network Monitoring Software category. Broadcom is ranked #18 with an average rating of 8.5, while SolarWinds is ranked #31 with an average rating of 7.6. Broadcom holds a 1.6% mindshare in NMS, compared to SolarWinds’s 0.8% mindshare. Additionally, 89% of Broadcom users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 95% of SolarWinds users who would recommend it.

DX Spectrum

Read 118 DX Spectrum reviews

12,401 Views
7,689 Comparison Views

89% willing to recommend

SolarWinds Network Device M...

Read 23 SolarWinds Network Device Monitor reviews

3,499 Views
3,429 Comparison Views

95% willing to recommend

DX Spectrum

SolarWinds Network Device M...

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Oct 10, 2024

DX Spectrum and SolarWinds Network Device Monitor compete in the network monitoring tools category. DX Spectrum seems to have the upper hand in feature breadth, while SolarWinds Network Device Monitor offers better ease of use and cost-effectiveness.

Features: DX Spectrum offers advanced fault analysis, scalability, and extensive topology views. It supports a wide range of device compatibility and detailed configuration management. It also integrates well with CA products. SolarWinds Network Device Monitor is known for ease of setup, clear reporting, and effective alerting, making it efficient for straightforward monitoring.

Room for Improvement: DX Spectrum users highlight complex configuration, reliance on legacy interfaces like Java, and desire a more intuitive web-based UI. They also call for better cross-landscape correlation and third-party tool integration. SolarWinds Network Device Monitor could benefit from enhanced user-friendliness, deeper analytics, and updates to the alert system. Users also wish for improved infrastructure tool integration.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: DX Spectrum is typically on-premises, suitable for large setups but has mixed support feedback, with some noting slow responses. SolarWinds Network Device Monitor allows for cloud deployment, providing flexibility and is often praised for prompt and efficient customer service.

Pricing and ROI: DX Spectrum's high cost is justified for larger companies by its feature set and integration capabilities, offering ROI through automation. SolarWinds Network Device Monitor's more affordable model appeals to smaller businesses, delivering ROI by reducing manual efforts despite lacking some advanced features.

To learn more, read our detailed DX Spectrum vs. SolarWinds Network Device Monitor Report (Updated: August 2026).

Buyer's Guide

DX Spectrum vs. SolarWinds Network Device Monitor

August 2026

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

DX Spectrum

Ranking in Network Monitoring Software

18th

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

6.7

Number of Reviews

118

Ranking in other categories

Network Management Applications (8th), IT Infrastructure Monitoring (19th), Network Troubleshooting (7th), DX NetOps (1st)

SolarWinds Network Device M...

Ranking in Network Monitoring Software

31st

Average Rating

7.8

Reviews Sentiment

6.4

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of August 2026, in the Network Monitoring Software category, the mindshare of DX Spectrum is 1.6%, up from 0.9% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of SolarWinds Network Device Monitor is 0.8%, up from 0.6% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Network Monitoring Software Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
DX Spectrum	1.6%
SolarWinds Network Device Monitor	0.8%
Other	97.6%

Network Monitoring Software

Featured Reviews

PinchasAlbalya

Network Engineer at a educational organization with 1,001-5,000 employees

Monitoring has become centralized and management now sees real‑time health of key network assets

The time investment required is significant, not because of difficulty but because of the need for free time to invest in it. We need to get the knowledge. We know there are many options, but we took an external vendor to install and make the customization. If we want to make others changes without paying for customization, we need to learn it deeply by ourselves. The tutorials are very complicated. They could work on that area. The tutorial part could be more simplified. I know there are many explanations, and you can get help or documents in one click on the current page in the product, but it is not very clear. If you want to do something new that you did not see from the vendor in the installation, it is not very simple. The documents are good for people that know how to operate the product well, but for new users, it is not simple.

Read full review

Sorin Gogean

IT Infrastructure Senior Network Technician at Autoliv

Offers some features but needs better customization and analysis tools

There are solutions that can perform better, but due to pricing for our corporate implementation, we had to stay with this solution. It accomplishes the necessary tasks, but there is room for improvement. The features are not as customizable as we would prefer, but they are workable. If configured properly, you can perform a drill-down analysis. However, I have not used this feature much for our infrastructure on the network side.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"I can use it to detect whenever things go wrong on my network."

"All networks (or network equipment) are monitored through CA Spectrum."

"Root-cause analysis and modelling pinpoint the exact cause of problems, which makes life easier."

"I switched from Spectrum to Nimsoft because it's a better product for me."

"CA Spectrum helps our organization improve network service levels, and with Spectrum’s integrated automated fault management and fault isolation features, it helped us reduce MTTR by 50% and costs as well."

"The support we have been receiving has been really good."

"I have found the cross analysis feature to be the most valuable."

"Spectrum allows us to have a holistic view of our network architecture."

More DX Spectrum pros

"In terms of general network monitoring features, I find SolarWinds Network Device Monitor very flexible and comfortable to use. The software itself is extremely useful when it comes to monitoring how our data moves between different networks and environments."

"Link monitoring is the most valuable feature of this solution."

"The Network Device Monitor itself is very useful."

"The alerting functionality in SolarWinds Network Device Monitor helps us stay informed during off-hours by sending alerts if our main links or devices are impacted, allowing us to quickly address any issues."

"SolarWinds Network Device Monitor is the best solution for closely monitoring how the link is performing when compared to ManageEngine OpManager."

"There are vital features of auto-plugin core ports"

"The most valuable feature of SolarWinds Network Device Monitor is it can alert you when a device is not working."

"This product has been quite stable and we are very likely to continue using it in the future."

More SolarWinds Network Device Monitor pros

Cons

"If nobody else has said the documentation needs improvement, let's go there. I understand, you can either write about it or you can do it. And most of us would rather they do it, but now that they've done it, those of us that didn't do it, we need to go and find: "Where did they write about this to tell us how to do it?" That's always lacking."

"The report area is very poor and we cannot work properly with additional information and the custom reports."

"I would like to see easier use in some things, such as trying to configure certain correlations I've been working on. It's been a little bit of a hassle, because I'm not super familiar with their products and the best way to go about things."

"The solution could improve by allowing the ability to monitor the network shortly after installing the software and adding an auto-discovery function."

"Code is very complex."

"When we have a high capacity of traffic, we have problems with the stability of the system."

"There's a little bit of complexity to the initial install because you're dealing with operating systems. You have to make sure all the prerequisites are done, anti-virus exceptions, etc. Then there's the bringing it up and then there's discovery of the network and setting that up. It takes time."

"Only if the server that hosts the application is restarted without bringing down Spectrum. If this occurs it corrupts the database and has to be restored from the backup."

More DX Spectrum cons

"There were certain aspects that weren't supported exactly. I was just able to monitor some basic things."

"Integration with different tools, such as ServiceNow and Excel, can be improved."

"The way they are presenting the map of our devices needs to be improved."

"SolarWinds Network Device Monitor could improve by being more user-friendly. The network has so many features which make it difficult to find how to configure how to use it. It is not simple to customize."

"Technical support needs to respond to its customers faster. We are not 100% satisfied with the level of support we get."

"The initial setup is a bit complex. It's not for anyone who is a beginner to work in the products to do it."

"The solution should have AI-powered issue-resolving capabilities"

"The initial setup of the SolarWinds Network Device Monitor could be easier. It took us approximately one month to complete the implementation."

More SolarWinds Network Device Monitor cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"DX Spectrum's pricing depends on the license number. It is affordable."

"The cost of some of these products are a little cost prohibitive, which is unfortunate. We have to find lower cost solutions for some of the things that we have to pull in. For the most part, CA has capabilities in pretty much everything that you would need. You just have to figure out where are you going to spend the most money for what you have to actually get done. You can do all these things but, which ones do you have to do? And that's hard to choose sometimes because you want to do them all."

"Since the acquisition by Broadcom, we have not had such a good experience with licensing and pricing. Since they were bought by Broadcom, every sales contract is getting complicated. It's very complicated, and it's much more expensive than before. It's not a good pricing strategy from Broadcom."

"Currently, a perpetual license but some services are moving to a subscription"

"The price of the solution is reasonable."

"It’s a great tool, but an expensive one. Learn how to use it properly."

"It is very pricey. With the current trend of enterprises moving towards cheaper and more modern looking solutions like ManageEngine, SevOne, ServicePilot, and Paesller."

"It is expensive compared to other tools in the market."

More DX Spectrum pricing and cost advice

"The product is expensive."

"When compared with other solutions SolarWinds is more expensive."

"I find the cost of SolarWinds Network Device Monitor reasonable for our company. Though, I'm not aware of the exact licensing cost."

"The price of the SolarWinds Network Device Monitor is good."

"The enterprise license is good for the SolarWinds Network Device Monitor. However, it is expensive, they should reduce their price."

"Thankfully, it doesn't take a lot of manpower to install and deploy."

"SolarWinds Network Device Monitor is not an expensive solution."

"Well, we had a perpetual license and the renewal was $20 to $25,000."

More SolarWinds Network Device Monitor pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

14%

Construction Company

12%

Outsourcing Company

11%

Manufacturing Company

11%

Outsourcing Company

Financial Services Firm

Construction Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	25
Midsize Enterprise	19
Large Enterprise	90

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	6
Midsize Enterprise	4
Large Enterprise	14

Questions from the Community

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for DX Spectrum?

The price is very, very high.

See all answers

What needs improvement with DX Spectrum?

See all answers

What is your primary use case for DX Spectrum?

The university purchased DX Spectrum, called ICE. DX Spectrum NAC is working for us only on Cisco 9200 switches. It is not working on any other switch like C1000 or HG or any 2960X. Even other Cisc...

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for SolarWinds Network Device Monitor?

I am not a positive person regarding SolarWinds Network Device Monitor.

See all answers

What needs improvement with SolarWinds Network Device Monitor?

See all answers

What is your primary use case for SolarWinds Network Device Monitor?

I have experience regarding the AD part, but my focus for the last 15 years has been oriented to the network side. My experience with identity tools comes more from a network perspective. We used N...

See all answers

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Compared 4% of the time

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Compared 3% of the time

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Compared 5% of the time

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Compared 3% of the time

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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

DX Spectrum

August 2026

Download DX Spectrum product report

Buyer's Guide

SolarWinds Network Device Monitor

July 2026

SolarWinds Network Device Monitor report

Download SolarWinds Network Device Monitor product report

Also Known As

CA Spectrum

Network Device Monitor

Overview

DX Spectrum is a comprehensive network monitoring tool designed for scalability and accuracy. With features like fault management, topological mapping, and customizability, it addresses network issues effectively while ensuring reliable infrastructure oversight.

Known for its robust capabilities, DX Spectrum excels in fault management and network monitoring, offering features such as Global Collections and Event Correlation for precise issue detection. This scalability allows it to monitor large infrastructures efficiently using SNMP traps. Automated device discovery and seamless integrations with tools like SOI and Zabbix enhance its functionality, providing users with a streamlined experience. The interface allows for deep visibility and is supported by REST API for improved integration and automation.

What are the key features of DX Spectrum?

Fault Management: Identifies and manages network faults efficiently.
Topological Mapping: Offers a graphical representation of network topology.
Customizability: Provides extensive options to tailor the tool to specific needs.
Global Collections: Enhances issue detection across networks.
Event Correlation: Reduces false alerts by correlating network events.
Scalability: Manages large networks with SNMP traps.
Automated Discovery: Automatically identifies and integrates devices into monitoring.
REST API: Facilitates seamless integration and automation.

Why should users consider DX Spectrum in reviews?

Operational Efficiency: Increases efficiency through automation and integration.
Deep Visibility: Provides comprehensive network visibility and control.
Reliability: Ensures stable and reliable network operations.
Integration Capabilities: Works seamlessly with multiple external tools.
Customizability: Allows customization to meet specific monitoring needs.
Proactive Management: Supports proactive issue resolution with accurate notifications.

DX Spectrum finds extensive applications across industries for network infrastructure monitoring. It is vital in sectors where maintaining service uptime and quickly resolving network faults is critical. Organizations leverage its configuration management, alarm/event management, and integration capabilities to maintain smooth network operations, especially in environments with large and complex network infrastructures.

Broadcom

SolarWinds Network Device Monitor offers comprehensive real-time network monitoring capabilities with seamless integration across multiple vendor devices, ensuring efficient network operations.

Offering features like cloud workload monitoring, quick deployment, and a user-friendly interface, SolarWinds Network Device Monitor supports real-time alert thresholds, accurate link readings, historical utilization metrics, and customizable dashboards. Its ability to integrate with multiple vendor devices and perform network discovery enhances operational efficiency. Comprehensive bandwidth and fault management features provide stable network monitoring, benefiting devices such as switches and IP phones. However, there is room for improvement in integration with tools like ServiceNow and Excel, support response times, and enhanced security. Users highlight the need for a mobile version, improved reporting, and better customization options, alongside concerns about setup complexity and licensing costs.

What are the key features?

Cloud Workload Monitoring: Monitors workloads hosted in the cloud.
User-Friendly Interface: Offers an intuitive experience for users.
Quick Deployment: Simplifies installation and setup processes.
Real-Time Monitoring: Provides immediate alerts for network statuses.
Customizable Dashboards: Enhances network visibility with tailored displays.

What benefits can users expect?

Proactive Problem Solving: Real-time alerts facilitate quick issue resolution.
Efficiency: Automated network monitoring streamlines operational workflows.
Insightful Analytics: Provides valuable data on memory and CPU usage.
Cost-Effective: Monitors bandwidth and fault management to reduce outages.

SolarWinds Network Device Monitor is implemented prominently in industries needing robust network infrastructure monitoring, like tech and manufacturing. Companies rely on its capabilities for IP address management, cloud workload monitoring, and remote equipment monitoring, gaining insights into system performance and ensuring compliance checks are met effectively.

SolarWinds

Sample Customers

National Informatics Centre India, Banese, Olympus, AlphaServe Technologies, Sicredi

Air Rarotonga

Buyer's Guide

DX Spectrum vs. SolarWinds Network Device Monitor

August 2026

Free Report: DX Spectrum vs. SolarWinds Network Device Monitor

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