Show HN: I built a macOS tool for network engineers – it's called NetViews
NetViews, a macOS utility for network and Wi-Fi diagnostics, consolidates various command-line tools into a fast, visual GUI. The developer, a network engineer, built it out of a personal need for better network visibility and shares it as a 'Show HN' with a free trial and direct licensing model. The post sparked discussions around distribution choices, trial mechanics, and specific feature desires.
The Lowdown
NetViews is a macOS utility developed for network engineers and power users, designed to provide comprehensive network and Wi-Fi diagnostics through a unified graphical interface. The developer, frustrated with constant context switching between disparate command-line tools, created NetViews to offer a faster, more visual, yet technically deep solution. This 'Show HN' re-introduces the tool (previously named PingStalker) after incorporating extensive feedback and adding new features.
- Device Discovery & Scanning: Utilizes ARP, ICMP, mDNS, and DNS to enumerate devices, providing IP, MAC, vendor, and open port details, with fast scanning capabilities.
- Advanced Wi-Fi Diagnostics: Offers detailed Wi-Fi connection performance, signal data, and visual/audible tools to pinpoint access points.
- Continuous Monitoring: Includes connection and ping timelines, along with live ping monitoring to visualize latency spikes and packet loss.
- Low-Level Traffic Analysis: Captures and decodes essential traffic like DHCP, ARP, 802.1X, LLDP/CDP, ICMP, and off-subnet chatter, with mDNS decoded into human-readable output.
- Technical Implementation: Primarily written in Swift, it leverages BSD sockets for ICMP and ARP, Apple's Network framework, and integrates existing command-line tools where optimal.
- Monetization: Offers a free trial and paid, perpetual licenses, funding development directly rather than through subscriptions or ads.
NetViews aims to be the go-to tool for deep network analysis on macOS, providing professional-grade diagnostics in an intuitive package. The developer actively seeks community feedback on its utility, potential improvements, and any lingering CLI dependencies.
The Gossip
App Store Apprehensions
A recurring theme centered on the developer's choice to distribute NetViews outside the Apple App Store. Some users expressed that not being in the App Store was a 'dealbreaker' due to perceived security, ease of updates, or general preference for centralized software management. Others, including developers, questioned *why* it was a dealbreaker or speculated that low-level network APIs might preclude App Store submission, highlighting a common friction point for specialized macOS utilities.
Trial Tribulations
One user immediately encountered an issue with the free trial, receiving a message stating the trial had 'already been used' on their Mac despite it being their first attempt. This highlights a potential bug or unexpected behavior in the trial management system, which could hinder initial user experience and adoption.
Feature Focus & Functionality
While limited in the provided comments, one user inquired about a specific functional aspect: the ability to find the best Wi-Fi channel in a densely populated area. This indicates a user's practical need for specific network optimization features and suggests a direct interest in the tool's core diagnostic capabilities for real-world scenarios.