Network Management

Show the Hostnames Of Objects in SolarWinds NetPath Instead of just IPs

How to show the hostnames of the objects in SolarWinds NetPath instead of just IP address.

First published date

9/30/2025 4:20 AM

Last published date

9/30/2025 4:20 AM

Overview

How It Works:

  • NetPath collects the IP addresses of each hop.

  • To display hostnames, NetPath relies on reverse DNS lookups (PTR records).

  • If a PTR record exists, the hostname will appear alongside the IP.

  • If no PTR exists (common with ISP or cloud routers), NetPath will only show the IP.

Product section

Network Performance Monitor

Cause

By default, SolarWinds NetPath displays IP addresses for each hop in a network path. Hostnames can also be displayed, but this depends on proper DNS and hostname resolution.

Resolution

Steps to Enable Hostname Display

1. Check DNS Settings in SolarWinds

  • Navigate to SolarWinds Platform Web Console → Settings → All Settings → DNS Settings.
  • Confirm that SolarWinds can perform reverse lookups and is using the correct DNS servers.

2. Verify PTR Records

  • From the NetPath probe server, run:

    nslookup <hop_ip>

  • If the IP resolves to a hostname, SolarWinds should also display it in NetPath.

3. Force Hostname Display

  • In NetPath views, if the DNS resolves, both IP and hostname appear.
  • If only the IP shows, resolution failed.

4. Workaround for Non-Resolvable Hops

If PTR records are missing but you want to display a name:

  • Add a manual entry in the hosts file on the probe server (example below).

10.199.5.1 testnetpath2

This forces NetPath to display testnetpath2 instead of just 10.199.5.1.

 

Note: Add the hostname and IP on the hosts file of the probe.