Network Diagrams Explained

Professionals in many fields use network diagrams to observe their organizations' networks and technology infrastructure. These tools can be invaluable across many sectors and professions. In information technology (IT), network topology, for example, allows you to see how all network devices are connected and communicate with one another, which can help improve troubleshooting and ensure compliance. Network diagramming is an important component in both the business and IT arenas because according to Microsoft, “Through diagramming, you’ll be able to troubleshoot bugs and fixes, maintain security and compliance, document internal and external processes, and display network-related projects to leaders and staff” [1].

Please continue reading to explore network diagrams and how to use them, basic network diagram types, common topologies, benefits, and how to draw your own.

What are network diagrams?

A network diagram is a visual guide that helps individuals and organizations understand how different devices and networks connect. By laying out elements like computers, routers, and firewalls, the diagram offers a comprehensive view of how various components within a network interact. This visual tool aids in various tasks, from troubleshooting technical issues to planning network expansions and even enhancing security measures.

You can tailor your network diagram to different levels of detail to match your particular needs. It could focus on individual devices in a home network, display a potential network to investors, or present high-level adjustments to syslog infrastructure. Regardless of its complexity, a network diagram can function as a valuable roadmap for you and your team, aiding in tasks like identifying holes in the network and formulating solutions, saving you time and money.

Types of network diagrams

Different structures and layouts of a network require different types of network diagrams. Each offers a way to view your network architecture. The primary types you’ll likely encounter include physical and logical network diagrams. 

Physical network diagrams

Physical network diagrams offer a tangible view of your network infrastructure, similar to a floor plan, but with detailed information on the physical arrangement of all hardware elements within the network. These diagrams include servers, routers, cables, and ports. They are particularly useful when setting up new hardware or troubleshooting issues related to physical connections.

Logical network diagrams

This type of network diagram focuses on how data flows across the network. Logical diagrams map out the communication between different network devices, like routers and firewalls, as well as the protocols and subnets that enable this communication. They are essential for understanding routing domains, optimizing routing protocols, and planning for network scalability.

Network topologies

Understanding a network's architecture means acquainting yourself with its topology, or the arrangement of its elements. Network topology can be either physical, describing the actual layout of the hardware, or logical, detailing the data flow across the network. 

It’s worth noting that physical and logical topologies can differ within the same network. For instance, you might opt to organize a network in a star formation physically but operate on a bus topology at the logical level.

Bus topology 

In a bus topology, all nodes connect to a central “bus,” which has exactly two endpoints. This type of design is economical in terms of cable usage and is simple to set up. The downside of this design is if the central bus fails, the entire network collapses, and troubleshooting can become complex.

Ring topology

In this network topology, nodes connect in a circular pattern. Data circulates through this loop until it reaches its destination. Despite the drawback that a single node failure can bring down the whole network, ring topologies are relatively easy to troubleshoot and performance remains consistent as new devices are added.

Star topology

Star topologies are popular and frequently used by many professionals. In this type of network topology, a central hub or switch connects all nodes. It offers high reliability since a failure in one cable or device does not affect the others. One limitation of this design is if the central hub fails, your entire network goes down, and the price of the hubs are generally higher in star topologies.

Mesh topology

Mesh topologies come in two types: Full and partial. Every node connects to every other in a full mesh, making it highly reliable but complex and expensive to set up. Partial mesh involves nodes being connected only to the nodes they frequently interact with, which you might find useful for establishing a wireless network capable of transferring large amounts of data.

Tree topology

Both bus and star topologies combine elements in a tree topology, often resulting in a hierarchical structure. You can view this topology as a more complex version of the star topology, extending it into multiple tiers.

Read more: What Are Computer Information Systems? Definition, Degree, and Careers

Benefits of network diagrams

Network diagrams are essential tools for visualizing your network’s various components and connections. They are crucial for planning, troubleshooting, and managing IT resources effectively. They can also help prove compliance by showcasing a well-thought-out and securely designed network. In addition, having an inventory overview at a glance can be particularly helpful for identifying the scope of a network, its gaps, and potential areas for expansion.

Network diagrams are useful for IT professionals and can benefit your organization as a whole. For instance, they help maintain device visibility across the network, making it easier to tackle issues that could disrupt business operations preemptively. When problems arise, having a network diagram can expedite the troubleshooting process, saving time and resources. Plus, these diagrams demystify the network structure for everyone in your organization, leading to better comprehension and utilization of the available resources.

Cons of network diagrams

While network diagrams can offer many benefits, creating them is not without its challenges. You might find a high initial time requirement when developing a diagram, especially when manually gathering information about various devices like routers, switches, and firewalls. In addition to this, the more intricate your network, the more difficult it becomes to track each physical component manually, adding to the complexity and potential for errors.

Static network diagrams present their own set of issues. Because they require manual updates whenever you have a change in the network, they can quickly become outdated, offering a potentially misleading picture of the network’s current state. Static diagrams also don’t provide real-time performance data, which limits their utility for monitoring the network effectively. 

Create your own network diagrams.

Creating a network diagram can be a highly effective way to visualize the architecture and flow of your network, whether you’re dealing with a simple layout or a complex system with many interconnected components. You can start your diagram by understanding your network’s goals and requirements. When determining the proper layout for your system, you will want to consider your network size, resources, and projected growth.

Once you have chosen your topology, you can proceed with the actual diagramming, which you can break down into a few steps.

• List your components

• Arrange the diagram

• Connect the lines

• Label the objects in your diagram

While you can draw these diagrams by hand, network diagram tools are often handy. Some common tools used to draw network diagrams include Microsoft Visio, Lucidchart, Draw.io, SmartDraw, and InterMapper.

Read more: How to Get a Job as a Network Engineer | 6 Tips

Discover more about network diagrams.

Because they detail how devices communicate and information flows, network diagrams can help you visualize your network and ensure systems run optimally through efficient troubleshooting and identifying areas for improvement.

Are you interested in gaining more knowledge on this topic? Consider continuing to explore network diagrams and networking fundamentals with exciting courses on Coursera. You can find beginner courses such as Connect and Protect: Networks and Network Security by Google to discover the fundamental skills in as little as one to four weeks. The course is part of the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate and can be taken on its own or in conjunction with the more extensive courses of study.