How to Draw a Network Diagram

How to Draw a Network Diagram

Before deciding what your network diagram will look like you must know what it is intended to be used for. Some common uses of network diagrams are:

Document physical equipment and connections

Show routing path or switching path

Show logical connections or logical relationships between systems

Document carrier or third party connections

Document the components of a system

Step 1.

Identify or create drawing standard. If you are in a workplace, they may already have a network diagram standard. This standard should have the icons and format in which your network diagram should appear. If there is no standard, or you are creating a new standard you should identify icons or symbols that you want to use for your diagrams. In our case we will use icons from our network diagram basics page.

Step 2.

Draw the basic components at the center of diagram. Basic components usually consist of a router, switch, modem, firewall or other network component that is integral in the operation of the network.

Step 3.

Connect the components together. Most routers, modems and switches have physical labeling on their interfaces that will allow you to see what ports are connected.

Step 4.

Label. Label all the devices, the interfaces. Include IP addresses, hostnames and any other pieces of information that will help the reader to understand the diagram.

Step 5.

Include Nodes and other network devices of note. It is often important to document key network nodes such as servers and printers. This can help with troubleshooting, migrations and to determine bottlenecks and other capacity related decisions. It also help to identify single points of failure on the network.