Locate computers throughout the numerous sites

Question

Hi,

I'm trying to figure out how to locate 20k+ computers throughout numerous sites. People keep moving them around without permission and techs can't locate 50% of them. They are losing so much time doing so.

They could use the IP address, but it wouldn't be precise (with their access level at least).

I thought about a script that would send a popup to the computer, forcing the user to type in the local #.

I'm sure there's something more reliable to do so.

Thank you

Answer 1

I would expect that such a big network has some kind of structure, that divides the network into segments

example
head-office/campus = 192.168.1.0-192.168.100.254
sub-location = 192.168.101.0 - 192.168.101.254
shop 1 = 192.168.102.0 - 192.168.102.254
...
VPNs/WFH = 192.168.200.0 -192.168.202.254

So you can ask for that structure and can map location and IP to one device, then at least you know where to search it...
in some companies there are smaller network segments, that you even can divide it into buildings or floors...

in a bigger location you might be able to check the connection from a network device => several years ago it was possible with managed CISCO switches to do such inventory by run scripts on the switches, find the IP or MAC of that device via commandlines in the CISCO OS => then you know to which switch and switch-port the device is connect to, switch-location = device-location.

several years ago I scripted something like that in VBS/VBA and got an Excel as an output.

Answer 2

Hello

Thank you for your question and reaching out. I can understand you are having issues related to locating Computers.

If the computers are AD domain joined then you can use Startup or Logon script to locate them.

create .bat file with echo computer name or ip address to some shared file and put in to Logon script.

Reference :
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/15333/distribute-a-bat-by-group-policy-management.html

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Answer 3

Hi @Frederic ok

First, I am in no way affiliated with any suggestions below. I do not use the products, but have seen them in the past. (Most if not all have a cost to them).

There are tools such as:

• Auvik: https://www.auvik.com/features/network-visibility-and-documentation/ (it will sit on your networks and scan for objects)

• Cisco Network Assist: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/cloud-systems-management/network-assistant/index.html

• SolarWinds Network Map: https://www.solarwinds.com/network-performance-monitor/use-cases/network-mapping-tool

Also Spiceworks has a nice list of network mapping tools:

https://www.spiceworks.com/tech/networking/articles/best-network-mapping-tools/

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