What is Network Diagram

What is Network Diagram?

4-6 minutes

A computer network is defined as an interconnected collection of computers. 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. A typical use of a network diagram is for tracking down network issues by studying how the computers and devices are connected and inter-related. The connection is physically established through cables, lasers, microwaves, fiber optics, and communication satellites.

Network diagram (also known as Computer Network Diagram) is a schematic depicting the nodes and connections amongst nodes in a computer network or, more generally, any telecommunications network. 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.

Symbols of network diagram

A network diagram is a visual blueprint of network architecture. It maps out the components of a network with different symbols and connections. When you need to communicate the design of a network, the network diagram makes it easier for users to understand what components presented (or needed) and how these components are arranged and connected.

Network diagrams use to depict common network appliances, e.g. routers, and the style of lines between them indicates the type of connection. Clouds are used to represent networks external to the one pictured to depict connections between internal and external devices, without indicating the specifics of the outside network.

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 depicted instead of showing all existing nodes.

For example, if a network appliance is intended to be connected through the Internet to many end-user mobile devices, only a single such device may be depicted to show the general relationship between the appliance and any such device.

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.