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Everything You Need To Know About Network Diagrams
Everything You Need To Know About Network Diagrams
We all prefer graphics, images or any other type of visual representation over
plain text.
Plain text is no fun and cannot retain our attention for a long span of time.
Sometimes, it is difficult to understand as well. So, it is obvious that it is
beneficial to use diagrams to showcase complex relationships or structures.
It not only helps everyone on the team understand the structures, networks
and processes; it also comes handy in project management, maintenance of
network structures, debugging etc.
Creately offers simple tools to draw network diagrams or one can simply
select an existing template.
o What are the uses of a network diagram?
While network diagrams were initially used to depict devices, it is now widely
used for project management as well.
Logical: This type of diagram shows how the devices communicate with each
other and information flows through the network. It is mostly used to depict
subnets, network devices, and routing protocols.
What are the Network Diagram Symbols Used?
These are the commonly used symbols used in a network diagram. However,
there are many other symbols which can make your network diagram precise
and clear.
Once you select a network diagram template, Creately automatically loads the
relevant symbols for you along with the names below it to make it simple and
quick.
Below is the screenshot of the Creately dashboard and the symbols are
marked with a red circle for reference. All you have to do is to drag and drop
the symbol and create your own network diagram.
It can be of 4 types:
Merge event is where one or more activity connects with the event and
merges.
Burst event is where one or more activity leaves an event.
Merge and Burst event is where one or more activity merges and bursts
simultaneously.
These are easiest to configure and will require lesser cable length than any
other topology. The computers or network are connected to a single line (with
two endpoints) or a backbone. Hence, it is also popularly known as line
topology.
While most of the bus topology would be linear, there is yet another form of
bus network which is called “Distributed bus”. This network topology connects
different nodes to a common transmission point and this point has two or
more endpoint for adding further branches.
Bus topology is generally used when you have a small network and requires,
connecting devices in a linear fashion. However, if the bus (or the line) breaks
down or has a bug, it is difficult to identify the problem and troubleshoot.
Ring
As the name suggests, the network is in the form of a ring. Each device/node
connects with exactly two others until it becomes a circle. Information is sent
from node to node (in a circular fashion) until it reaches its destination.
It is easy to add or remove a node from ring topology unlike in bus topology.
However, if any of the cables break or nodes fail then the entire network fails.
Star
While star topology takes up a lot more cable length than other, failure of any
node will not affect the network. Not only this, each node can be taken down
easily in case of any breakage or failure. However, if the hub fails the network
will be stalled.
Mesh
In this type of network diagram, each node relays data for the network. It can
be of two types: Full Mesh and Partially connected mesh.
While each node is connected to one another in full mesh; nodes are
connected to each other based on their interaction patterns in a partially
connected mesh.
Tree
As mentioned earlier, all you need to do is to drag and drop symbols, lines,
shapes etc. to depict connections. You can also select one of the thousand
templates we have on Creately to save time and effort.
Choose the network topology: Depending on your end goal, the topology
would differ. Network diagrams for a personal home network are much simpler
(and, mostly linear) as compared to a rack network or VLAN network for
office.
Once you have all the details of the connections, devices etc. you want to, you
can begin with the diagramming tool.
Dummy
It does not exist and is imaginary. It is used in the network diagram (usually
represented by a dotted arrow) to show dependency or connectivity between
two or more activities.
However, if you are planning to use the diagram for official purposes,
presentation or display etc then it is always better to go with standard
symbols.
But, don’t be upset. You can always use the symbols you want to but ensure
that you give out information in a manner which is easy to understand and
find.