LANState Free — visual network mapping without the overhead
LANState Free isn’t trying to reinvent monitoring. It’s not cloud-connected, it doesn’t come with machine learning, and there’s no API to wrangle. What it does offer is fast, no-nonsense visibility of what’s on the network — in map form — and whether it’s responding.
It’s the kind of utility that quietly earns its keep. Launch it, hit scan, and suddenly there’s a live topology diagram showing reachable hosts, open ports, and their current status. No setup scripts. No config files. Just basic visibility — especially useful in small LANs, branch offices, or troubleshooting on the fly.
What it does best
| Feature | Why it’s useful |
| Visual Network Map | Devices appear as icons on a live, editable topology — with auto-scan support. |
| ICMP/Port Status Monitoring | Constant ping + port probe shows real-time host availability and responsiveness. |
| Device Labeling | Add comments, names, icons, or notes to any object — helpful for documentation. |
| Manual & Auto Discovery | Scan IP ranges, subnets, or add hosts manually — flexible for new/old networks. |
| Export to Image | Save current map as PNG or BMP — handy for reports or offline work. |
| Portable Version | Doesn’t require install — runs from any folder or USB stick. |
When it’s especially handy
– A small site has no documentation — LANState Free gives a visual inventory in minutes
– A switch or router isn’t responding, and ping sweeps aren’t showing enough
– Someone needs a map of “what’s currently online” without using Nmap or CLI tools
– Documentation is outdated, and the team wants to double-check what’s live
– There’s no budget or time for a full-blown NMS, but uptime still matters
What’s needed
| Requirement | Detail |
| OS | Windows (XP and up — yes, really) |
| Network Access | Local subnet visibility; ICMP and port access preferred |
| Privileges | No elevation required for scanning; admin rights optional for install |
| Licensing | Free edition limited in number of hosts; full version adds SNMP and alerts |
| Install | Optional — can run in portable mode without writing to registry |
Getting it running (no surprises)
1. Download
Grab the free version from the official site: https://www.softperfect.com/products/lanstate
Choose either installer or ZIP archive for portable use.
2. Launch
Start LANState Free. If prompted, allow network access through the firewall. No further setup is needed.
3. Start Scanning
Use the map canvas → right-click → “Add Hosts” → select IP range or subnet. Devices will appear as boxes, with green/red status indicators.
4. Label and Organize
Double-click any host to rename, comment, or assign a custom icon. Drag nodes to clean up the map layout manually.
5. Export if needed
Use “File → Export as Image” to save a visual snapshot — useful for audits or handoffs.
Final thought
LANState Free won’t give deep metrics, SNMP graphs, or historical uptime stats. That’s not the point. It’s about seeing what’s there, right now — clearly, visually, and with minimal friction.
For smaller networks, temporary jobs, or anyone walking into unknown infrastructure, it provides just enough information to act. No setup. No noise. Just a working map, seconds after launch.
