
Benefits of Using Network Diagrams
- Visual Representation of Project Progress. When creating a network diagram, ensure it can be interpreted by all...
- Establishing Project Workflows. Project workflows are important for ensuring interconnectivity among project tasks.
- Tracking Dependencies and Potential Bottlenecks. Network diagrams are efficient tools in spotting...
How do you create a network diagram?
How to make a network diagram
- Identify the equipment. At first, don’t worry about connections. ...
- Group the shapes. To begin arranging your diagram, move related shapes closer to one another. ...
- Add connections. A line between two shapes shows that they are connected somehow, typically by the flow of information.
- Label. ...
- Final formatting. ...
What is the purpose of a network diagram?
- Planning the structure of a home or professional network
- Coordinating updates to an existing network
- Reporting and troubleshooting network problems
- To comply with PCI or other requirements
- As documentation for external communication, onboarding, etc.
- To keep track of components
What is the best network diagram tool?
Best Tools for Network Diagrams
- SolarWinds NTM (Free Trial) All rights reserved. SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper (NTM) is an all-in-one automated network diagram creator designed to build multiple kinds of detailed network diagrams from ...
- Intermapper. All rights reserved. ...
- Creately. All rights reserved. ...
- Lucidchart. All rights reserved. ...
- SmartDraw. ...
- LanFlow. ...
- Microsoft Visio. ...
How to diagram a network?
How to make a network diagram
- Identify network elements. Opening a blank graphics file to stare at blankly hardly marks a productive first step to create a network diagram.
- Choose a diagramming application. Before you draw your diagram, select diagramming software. ...
- Solicit feedback. ...
- Distribute diagram. ...
- Update regularly. ...

What is a network diagram?
A network diagram is a map or schematic representation of a computer network. It shows how all employees connect to a network or server in an organization. The network diagram has a string of related boxes and arrows to illustrate the interrelationship between events and activities of a project. It often includes task names, start and end dates, and the department or person responsible for delivering each task.
What are the two types of network diagrams?
You can divide network diagrams into two types: logical and physical. The following are the differences between a physical and logical network diagram:
What is network topology?
Network topology is the arrangement of components within a network, describing a network diagram's physical and logical parts. The network topology shows templates that are suitable for various situations. It also affects the stability and performance of the project. There are five network topologies: bus, ring, mesh, star and tree.
Why do you put arrows in a network diagram?
Include a line or arrow between the shapes to show how they relate to one another. This shows the flow of information in the project. Arrows also help explain the network diagram's workflow between steps.
What is preceded diagram?
Precedence diagram method (PDM): This helps you create boxes and nodes representing an event or activity. It uses arrows to show the relationship between these components.
What is cloud in network?
Clouds: The cloud summarizes the components of the network that are unimportant in the diagram. This means the internet, WAN and a collection of internal network sectors.
What is terminal in computer?
Terminal: The terminal illustrates multiple end-user systems, but a computer often represents it in a project.
Why is a network diagram important?
The computer network diagram helps network engineers visualize all the components and their inter-connectivity within a network. This is very useful when you need to optimize performance, identify and rectify issues. It forms an important part of network documentation.
What is a network security diagram?
This is a network security diagram that maps out the security measures implemented in an organization. By drawing this network diagram, you can ensure your organization’s assets are well protected both when being stored and transmitted.
Why is a computer interconnected?
The computer is said to be interconnected if they can exchange information. It is widely used in network architecture design. A network diagram shows how computers and network devices (e.g. router, switch, etc) connect within a network.
What is a network diagram?
A network diagram (also known as a network map), is a visualization of the different elements that make up a computer network. It shows all these elements, how they are interconnected and the relationships that exist between them.
What is layer 2 diagram?
Layer 2 Diagrams (physical diagrams). These diagrams show the physical devices that make up the network with the cables used to interconnect them. It can also include parts of the configuration of the devices. It should never include anything beyond what is pure layer 2 as this can lead to confusion as of how the network look like.
What is the topology of a network?
The topology of a network is the arrangement of the different elements that make the network. It identifies how each element is interconnected with each other and the different layers of this network.
What is a ring in a network?
Ring. The network devices are connected forming a ring. This way, between any pair of switches there are two possible paths providing redundancy to the solution.
Why are network diagrams important?
More than being mere illustrations, these are important to determine how the parts of a computer network interact together. In the case of a system emergency, these diagrams will be crucial in providing insights on how to get the network back in order.
Why are diagrams important in a system emergency?
In the case of a system emergency, these diagrams will be crucial in providing insights on how to get the network back in order.
Why is it important to create a data flow diagram?
The creation of data-flow diagrams and network infrastructure diagrams are also important to protect aspects such as the Cardholder Data Environment (CDE). The diagramming process is very specific on details, tedious and even time-consuming.
Why is it important to find a program that will efficiently assist you in streamlining the process of creating a network?
To eliminate the complication of creating documentation, especially for small business network setup diagrams , it is important to find a program that will efficiently assist you in streamlining the process of creating a network diagram.
How many Ethernet cables are needed for a wireless router?
Mapping out the network architecture of the wireless connection should take into account that there must only be one ethernet cable in the wireless router. The work computers should not be plugged here for data privacy. The Ethernet input must pass through the firewall for an additional wall of protection. To protect from rogue devices, the network diagram should include web authentication from clients and customers.
How does network documentation save time?
Well-maintained network documentation will minimize interruptions in the operation of a business, saving resources such as time and money by addressing recurring problems and by establishing consistency in the performance of the network system.
Why do some companies not take the time to do network diagrams?
Some companies may create network diagrams but won’t devote resources to verify its accuracy or timeliness.
What is network diagram?
Network Diagrams are a graphical portrayal of the activities and events of a project. They show how each activity relates to others in the project, the sequence of activities, and the need to perform some tasks before others. Networks also facilitate the determination of the impact of early or late starts or finishes, ...
What is a logic diagram?
A logic diagram showing the sequence and interrelationships of activities must be developed . The time to complete each activity must be estimated as accurately as possible.
What is the ADM method?
There are two types of network diagrams that are used: Arrow Diagramming Method (ADM), also called “activity network diagram” or “activity on arrow”. Precedence Diagramming Method (PDM), also called “node network” or “activity on node.”.
What is a Network Diagram in Project Management?
The network diagram is depicted after mapping out the tasks and responsibilities, schedules, monitoring and controlling to track the efforts which are being made, it comprises Boxes representing tasks and arrows representing sequence, giving out a crystal picture of right tasks & duties in right time at a right place.
How complex is a network diagram?
The complexity and simplicity of a network diagram depends on the project itself, it varies according to the situation and importance of end target, time and money.
What does PDM show?
The PDM also shows the results and impacts occurred due to changes in the schedule.
Why is a network update more complex?
It is more complex to update and manage due to less network details.
Is mapping an arrow diagram time consuming?
Mapping out an arrow diagram method is time consuming and requires high costs, and talent to produce.
Why Are Network Diagrams Useful?
Because network diagrams provide insight into how network components interact, they can be useful for several reasons. Network diagrams can help you plan the structure of a new home or professional network, in addition to supporting the coordination of updates to an existing network. Network diagrams can also be used to report and troubleshoot network problems, while helping ensure your business complies with PCI and other requirements.
What is a network diagram?
A network diagram provides a visual representation of a computer network, displaying how the individual components of a network interact. This includes routers, hubs, firewalls, devices, and other components. Depending on the scope and purpose, a network diagram may provide a simple overview of the network or a more detailed network diagram.
Why Do Businesses Need Network Diagramming Software?
This should include network switch diagrams, computer network diagrams, and network security diagrams. The individual or team responsible for creating the network diagram should also have a proven understanding of which type of diagram is best suited to your company’s requirements.
What is Visio used for?
Because of this, Visio is a great tool for consolidating information from multiple sources.
What is intermapper software?
Intermapper also allows you to create hierarchical maps and sub-maps to display certain network areas, such as a classroom, closet, or floor of a building. Intermapper lets you export maps to .SVG format and Microsoft Visio.
What is ConceptDraw diagram?
ConceptDraw Diagram is a tool for creating network maps with specialized icons and templates for network mapping. You can import and export maps in different formats, including Visio. ConceptDraw Diagram integrates with various productivity software, including Google G Suite and Microsoft Office.
Why do businesses use network diagrams?
Businesses often use network diagrams as documentation for external communication, onboarding, and training activities. A clear and detailed network diagram can save businesses a significant amount of time when onboarding new team members.
What Is a Network Diagram? How Is It Used in Project Management?
A network diagram is a project management tool that shapes the sequence of activities into a simple workflow. The diagram tool is sometimes referred to as a project network diagram or a project schedule network diagram. For an example, see the image above from Lucidchart.
Network Diagram for Project Management Types: ADM vs. PDM
There are two types of network diagrams, and different methods for making each one. The two types are ADM (arrow diagram method), which is sometimes called an activity-on-arrow network diagram, and PDM (precedence diagram method). which is sometimes called an activity-on-node network diagram.
Network Diagram for Project Management Benefits
Network diagrams can simplify the complex nature of a project cycle, but are they the right tool for you and your team? Below we’ll cover the many benefits of using network diagrams in project management.
Network Diagram for Project Management Limitations
Although there are many benefits to project network diagrams, they do have limitations, specifically, the time it takes to create one and the lack of agile flexibility they provide.

What Is A Network Diagram?
Benefits of A Network Diagram
- As a project manager, working with a network diagram helps you effectively use your company's resources. The following are the benefits of a network diagram in the workplace: 1. Tracks dependencies 2. Helps teams to understand their tasks in the project 3. Facilitates planning, control, and organization of the company through milestones 4. Estimate...
Physical Network Diagram vs. Logical Network Diagram
- You can divide network diagrams into two types: logical and physical. The following are the differences between a physical and logical network diagram: 1. A physical network diagram displays the physical layout of equipment, whereas a logical network displays the network topologies and how information flows in the company. 2. The physical network diagram uses wi…
What Is Network Topology?
- Network topology is the arrangement of components within a network, describing a network diagram's physical and logical parts. The network topology shows templates that are suitable for various situations. It also affects the stability and performance of the project. There are five network topologies: bus, ring, mesh, star and tree.
How to Make A Network Diagram
- It's important to have a goal to achieve before making a network diagram. Here are the ways you can make a network diagram:
Network Diagram Examples
- There are several types of network diagrams in project management. Once you're familiar with them, you can create a diagram for your project. Here are some examples: 1. Arrow diagram network (ADM):This network diagram uses arrows to illustrate activities and tasks in a project. The head of the arrow denotes finish, while the tail represents the start. 2. Precedence diagram …
Network Diagram Symbols
- Network diagram symbols help you convey meaning by showing the interrelationships between each entity. The following are the types of symbols in a diagram: 1. Arrow:Arrows show the connection between each activity. It also represents the flow of work in the project and how tasks are to be completed. 2. Circle:Circles often represent events and activities. You can number the…
Tips For Drawing Network Diagrams
- As a project manager, your employees must quickly understand the shapes and icons on the diagram. The following are tips for drawing network diagrams: 1. Use different colors and shapes for each connection:To enable employees to identify the flow of work quickly, you must use several colors for the shapes and connection lines. You can also use a particular color for each …
Symbols of Network Diagram
Levels of Network
- At different scales, diagrams may represent various levels of network granularity. At the LAN level, individual nodes may represent individual physical devices, such as hubs or file servers, while at the WAN level, individual nodes may represent entire cities. Besides, when the scope of a diagram crosses the common LAN/MAN/WAN boundaries, representative hypothetical devices may be d…
Network Diagram Example – Network Security
- This is a network security diagram that maps out the security measures implemented in an organization. By drawing this network diagram, you can ensure your organization’s assets are well protected both when being stored and transmitted. Edit this Network Diagram Template
Network Diagram Example – High School Computer Lab
- Suppose, we are required to build a network for a school that consisted of 60 computers. We were required to build a network for a school that would contain 4 computer labs with 20 PC’S in each, a laser printer in each and lastly a 3D printer in each. Also, it had to consist of 8 laptops. We have to have WAN, a wireless router for the laptops, a firewall, a backbone switch, 4 servers, and 4 sw…
Looking For An Online Network Diagram Tool?
- Want to create a network diagram? Try Visual Paradigm, a top-rated online diagramming software that features all the network diagram tools, symbols, examples, and templates you needed.