IntroductionBefore you set up a complex network of servers, routers, and firewalls, you should map out your plans with a network diagram. Show
Visually laying out your network architecture gives you a chance to make sure you’ve thought through every device or component to make sure the entire system works properly. Conversely, should something go wrong in your network down the line, you can use your diagram to troubleshoot issues. We created this guide to help you learn how to create useful and informative network diagrams. This guide is perfect for:
What is a network diagram?Network diagrams are used to visually explain computer or telecommunication networks. They show the various components of a network and how they relate to one another. A network diagram can be as simple as a single application or as complicated as an entire enterprise. And they are used to represent all kinds of networks including home networks, wireless networks, LAN networks, activity networks, and more. We divide network diagrams into two types: physical and logical. Physical network diagrams show the physical layout of the devices that make up a network, similar to a floor plan. This includes cables and hardware. Logical network diagrams show how information flows through a network and how devices communicate with each other. This includes subnets, network devices, and routing protocols. Network diagram usesNetwork diagrams are used to show how a large project or task can be broken down into a logical series of subtasks. They provide another way to analyze company projects. Network diagrams can be used to:
And so much more! Types of network topologiesThere are a few basic arrangements most network diagrams follow. These arrangements, or topologies, can describe either the physical or logical aspects of a network. While the logical and physical topologies of a particular network may resemble one another, they don’t have to. For example, a network that exists as a star topology physically may follow a bus topology logically, as is the case for a twisted pair ethernet network. Each type of topology will have its advantages and drawbacks, making it important to pick the typology that fits your circumstances. The type of typology you choose will affect the performance and stability of your network. Bus topologyA bus topology is also often referred to as a backbone, linear, or ethernet topology. Nodes are connected to a central “bus” with exactly two endpoints. Bus topology is easy to configure and requires less cable than any other topology. However, if the central bus breaks down, so does the whole network, making it difficult to identify and troubleshoot the problem. Ring topologyA ring topology, as you might guess, is made up of nodes connected in the shape of a circle. Information is sent through the circle until it reaches its destination. Similar to the bus topology, unfortunately, when one node fails, the whole network fails. However, although bandwidth is shared across all the devices and connections, ring networks can outperform bus-based networks. Plus they are the easiest topology to re-configure, i.e. to add or remove devices. Star topologyStar topologies are one of the most common arrangements. All nodes connect to one central hub or switch through which all information passes. These topologies are more reliable than either bus or ring topologies because individual nodes can fail without affecting the rest of the network. This also makes it easy to take down any individual node for repair. However, if the central hub fails, the entire network will stall. Plus, cable costs tend to be higher for star networks. Mesh topologyThere are two types of mesh topology: full mesh topology and partial mesh topology. In a full mesh topology, each node is directly connected to every other node. In a partial mesh topology, nodes are only connected to the nodes they interact with most. Each node in this type of network diagram relays data for the network. Tree topologyTree topology is a combination of bus and star topology. Most networks employ some combination of topologies to form a hybrid topology. Network diagram symbolsSince a network diagram is a visual representation of an actual system, it relies on symbols that represent both physical entities and kinds of relationships that exist between entities. Here are some of the most common symbols: AWS and GCP symbolsAmazon Web Services and Google Cloud Platform are two of the leading providers of cloud hosting services. Each have their own sets of symbols for describing networks hosted on their services. A few examples of AWS symbols available in Cacoo are: A few examples of GCP symbols available in Cacoo are: More AWS and GCP icons are available in Cacoo, or you can download them here:
TermsLike most kinds of diagrams, there are common terms people use to talk about the relationships between shapes. Activities, which represent operations, are represented by arrows to show direction. There are four main types of activities:
Events, which represent the start and/or completion of one or more activities, are represented by circles called nodes. There are three main types of events:
Sequencing refers to how devices or activities act in a series as information is transmitted. Sequencing is used to determine what jobs follow and proceed, what jobs run concurrently, and what controls the start and end of a transmission. Network diagram examplesNetwork diagrams vary by the type of network they represent and their network topology. Since network diagrams can be used to represent basically any network, you’ll find a lot of varieties out there. Here are just a few examples. Example 1Example 2Example 3How to make network diagramsBefore you start plopping down shapes and arranging them, make sure you’ve set a clear goal for your diagram. Then think about what
needs to be included in order to achieve that goal. Always remember: it’s better to create multiple diagrams to capture complex ideas rather than cramming too much information into a small space. Next, follow these steps:
Network diagram templatesWhile creating network diagrams from scratch is easy with Cacoo, using templates can greatly speed up your diagramming process. There are many different types of network diagram templates to choose from in Cacoo. Simply open the Editor, choose a template to get you started, and begin customizing it to your flow. If you create a diagram you think you’ll want to replicate, save it as a new template or stencil. With custom templates and stencils, you can recreate your best work again and again. Network diagram glossary & termsUse these terms as a cheat sheet if you ever encounter any terminology you don’t understand: (Source Creately)
Best practices for drawing network diagramsUse commonly accepted symbols and icons.Like most technical diagrams, there are commonly used shapes and icons people have come to expect when viewing a network diagram. Using shapes like the ones available in Cacoo, you ensure that your audience will easily understand your diagram. While it may be tempting to get overly creative with your diagram, the risk is usually not worth the reward. Don’t let lines cross one another.It becomes difficult to decipher paths of information when lines cross. Always create enough room in your diagram so that lines never have to cross. Align objects.Using the grid background option in Cacoo along with the dotted guidelines that pop up when moving objects, it’s easy to properly align objects for consistency. Use different colors for different connections.You can use different colors for your connection lines to help viewers more easily decipher connection types. Always direct arrows left to right.Your diagrams should flow in one direction, left to right, to keep the flow of your diagram clear. Make sure there is only one start event and one end event.If you are trying to represent more than one, try creating a separate diagram instead, so each one clearly only depicts one start and end. Diagramming errors to avoidThere are a few common formatting errors you should always avoid.
Network diagrams for project managementFor both the project manager and the team being managed, mastering network diagrams can be extremely useful in creating and following workflows. The entire scope of the project is easily viewable, something that may not otherwise be a reality for team members used to only focusing on their own part of the project at hand. Cacoo for network diagramsCacoo is simple to use, easy to learn, and built with collaboration in mind. Using our cloud-based editor, your team can collaborate on diagrams in real-time. With in-app comments right on diagrams and our presentation mode, you can get easy feedback to refine your work. Shared folders give your team gets access to all the diagrams they need. And sharing diagrams with important stakeholders takes seconds (no downloading or account creation required on their part). You can create all kinds of professional diagrams; not just network diagrams, but flowcharts, sitemaps, wireframes, mind maps, and more. Sign up to start using:
Try it out for yourself with our 14-day free trial. No credit card required. When creating network diagrams what icon description typically represents a network firewall quizlet?Terms in this set (52) When creating network diagrams, what icon description typically represents a network firewall? An icon that resembles a brick wall.
What is the name of the GUI front end that is available for nmap utility?Zenmap is the official Nmap Security Scanner GUI.
What are some elements that are typically included in network diagrams?A logical network diagram illustrates the flow of information through a network and shows how devices communicate with each other. It typically includes elements like subnets, network objects and devices, routing protocols and domains, voice gateways, traffic flow and network segments.
Which of the following is a document that is sent as a request to vendors to submit a proposal for a product or service?An RFP, “Request for Proposal,” is a document that asks vendors to propose solutions to a customer's problems or business requirements.
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