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What is a network diagram?

Ever wondered how to map your computer network? If so, a computer network diagram is your go-to tool for mapping devices, software, and connections. In this post, we'll focus on computer network diagrams, covering:

• What a network diagram is

Types of network diagrams

• Network diagram examples
• How to create your own network diagram with the FigJam template

A network diagram is a visual representation of your computer or telecommunications networks. These diagrams are also referred to as computer network diagrams.

The diagram focuses on components and connections within a network. These connections form between linked devices, data, and interaction points called nodes.

Network diagrams are helpful for IT professionals and administrators. They are important because they provide a visual representation of network infrastructure, which helps people understand, manage, and troubleshoot complicated networks.

Think of these diagrams like flow charts that illustrate your computer network. They use symbols and icons to represent each node and its purpose. Teams use these diagrams to:

• Send network information to vendors, partners, and other third parties
• Ensure a network complies with PCI DSS and other compliance standards
• Troubleshoot and catch errors in your network
• Update an office network to meet new requirements

Not all network diagrams focus on the same kinds of information. Here are the three main categories of computer network diagrams:

• Basic network diagram: A simplified view of the way information moves through your devices and network processes. For example, this type of network diagram would be helpful in providing new employees with a simplified understanding of network processes.
• Physical network diagram: The arrangement of hardware making up a network. For example, this diagram helps in visualizing hardware arrangements for infrastructure upgrades.
• Logical network diagram: How information flows through a network. For example, this diagram can help optimize network architecture by illustrating how data flows through the network.

What is a network topology?

A network topology is a diagram of how a computer network is set up and often organizes network parts into shapes. It shows how devices are connected and work together in a network. Here are the most common network topology shapes:

• Bus topology organizes all devices along a central cable, called a bus, with an endpoint on each side. Because of its simple layout, this topology is perfect for smaller networks. However, if there are issues with the bus, the entire network can break down.
• Star topology connects surrounding nodes to a central hub, node, or switch all data passes through. This topology is great for scaling businesses since you can easily add a new device to the central hub.
• Mesh topology comes in full and partial varieties. In a full mesh, every node connects to every other node. In a partial mesh, nodes only connect with those they interact with the most. Mesh networks avoid central weak points but cost more to install and maintain.
• Ring topology uses circular patterns, sending data around a ring until it reaches its destination. The ring shape offers reliable, low-cost performance and customization. However, because all data must pass through every node along the ring, this configuration can be slower than a star topology.

Many networks combine parts of these structures into hybrid topologies. For example, one of the most common hybrid topologies is a tree topology. It combines a star and bus topology to arrange elements like branches on a tree. They create strict pathways between nodes above or below each other on the hierarchy. So, if one node fails, only the nodes below it fail.

What is an activity network diagram? 

Network diagrams aren't just helpful for IT infrastructure; the principles can apply to any project. Network diagrams for project managers, or activity network diagrams, show the tasks within a project.

Like IT network diagrams, they highlight the connections between components. That said, project network diagrams show how processes flow with labeled boxes and arrows instead of icons.

Project network diagrams keep tabs on every moving part of a project. This vantage helps project managers:

• Highlight the duration of tasks and their dependencies
• Map processes around the data they draw from or share
• Track teams’ progress through every project step
• Explain progress to stakeholders and product owners
• Estimate a project’s scope based on the number of activities
• Identify potential bottlenecks
• Improve information architecture by creating a single source of truth on workflows

Network diagram icons

Network diagrams use symbols and icons to represent your IT assets and processes. Here are the most common computer network diagram symbols:

• Server: Devices for storing programs, data, and resources in a network
• Firewall: A network security device that restricts and monitors network traffic
• Terminal: Hardware used to access data or leave a network
• Mainframe: High-performance devices that compute complex data
• Router: Devices that connect multiple networks
• Bridge: Hardware that connects local area networks (LAN)
• Hub: Devices linking computers together
• Cloud: A network of servers and programs that connect via cloud-based tools
• Switch: Tools allowing two devices to exchange data along network paths
• Comm-link: Physical or data links that form communication channels
• Printer: Printers connected to Ethernet or Wi-Fi networks
• Workstations: Computers designed for technical or organizational uses
• Peripheral devices: Devices that help users interact with a computer or influence the flow of information into and out of one

How to make a computer network diagram

Here’s how to build a computer network diagram in five steps.

1. Select a network

Pick a network or part of a network you want to focus on. Depending on the scale of your network, you may want to break your diagram into separate charts. This helps reduce confusion for your team and gives them an area to focus on. Even when two complex networks interact, keep them on separate diagrams for clarity.

2. Include the hardware

Hardware, devices, and workstations lay the foundation for your diagram. Before drawing connections, map the physical components of your network. FigJam’s network diagram template helps by letting you drag and drop premade icons for common tools like servers and firewalls.

3. Factor in software

Add in the different types of software you use with your hardware. Software includes tools like firewalls, IP managers, and network configuration systems. You can group icons on your diagram by placing software around the devices running it.

4. Draw connections

Draw connections between your network elements. Lines between icons denote the flow of information or their part in a shared process. You can make these connections between devices, software, or both. You can also add arrows to the lines between nodes to clarify the flow of information.

5. Revise your diagram

Even if you’re proud of the first draft, extra formatting will help refine it. Start by labeling objects and connections to explain what they do or how they work. You can also number these connections to note dependencies or the sequence of tasks. Finally, color-coding your software and hardware will make them more distinct.

Network diagram example and template

In this example diagram, each icon stands in for a node, and lines represent their connections. Hardware, such as workstations, and software, like firewalls, share data for network processes. Icons like the switch and router represent network connecting devices.

Ready to start diagramming? Try our network diagram template .

Optimize your workflows with FigJam's network diagram template

If you want to start network diagramming or find ways to streamline your processes, FigJam can help. With FigJam , your teams can collaborate, share feedback, and design new approaches together. You can:

• Map out your network with ready-made icons, shapes, and the text tool
• Lead brainstorming sessions to find network improvements
• Share in-progress diagrams with your team to collect feedback

Ready to begin diagramming? Try FigJam to get started.

Network Diagrams 101: Definitions, Examples & How-To’s

Last Updated: March 8, 2021

Network diagrams are not only handy to have, but provide a vital look at the network topology for your team, your company, and your peace of mind. Drawing a good network diagram isn’t hard to make, but it can be distressingly rare. Even network engineers with years of experience often draw network diagrams that are jumbled and hard to understand.

We’ll take a look at what a network diagram is and why it’s so important, along with providing you some network diagram examples and steps to following when drawing your own.

Let’s get started!

What is a network diagram?

A network diagram is, simply put, a schematic or map of your existing network that illustrates the nodes and their connections. Network diagrams are very useful at mapping out your elements and device interactions, as well as illustrating different network topology types.

You can map your network manually using pencil and paper, or with a drawing program like Visio. You might also use automated software tools to help you. It’s a lot easier with software tools like Auvik, which can provide powerful network topologies that update in real-time.

If you’re new to networking, you’re probably adopting an existing network that’s already deployed. You’ve probably discovered that the network is there to support your end users’ connectivity to applications and resources that they need to be productive. It might involve an internet connection, a firewall, switches, and end-user devices. In many organizations, there could be a separate person responsible for each of these areas.

Everything you need to know about network topology

From network layers and components to segmentation to step-by-step instructions for drawing every layer.

Physical network diagrams vs. logical network diagrams

Network diagrams come in different shapes and sizes, but can generally be classified as either a physical network diagram or a logical network diagram. It’s important to recognize the difference between these two diagram types, as they communicate different information.

When talking about network topology, we’re mostly interested in the bottom few layers of the OSI model .

Layer 1 is the physical layer of the OSI model. For network design purposes, this means the things you can touch: the cables and the equipment. But it technically also includes the electrical and optical signaling properties. Layer 1 defines the properties of the cables that are necessary to carry the signals. Layer 1 also worries about wireless signaling used.

As network designers, we need to make sure we get the right cables to the right places and watch out for distance limitations. And of course, we need to make sure the right devices are physically connected to one another.

So when looking at physical network diagrams, you will often see devices like firewalls, switches, routers, and access points, along with a representation of the physical connections between them.

Layer 2 is the logical layer of the OSI model. Logical network diagrams represent network topologies at higher levels. For example, Layer 3 network diagrams depict routing paths, including static routes, and may indicate BGP peers . While some logical diagrams do include physical attributes, it’s not a requirement, and many logical network diagrams exclude items like physical link details, and occasionally even whole groups of devices, like underlying switch infrastructure.

The importance of a network diagram

As a network administrator responsible for the network, it’s important you have a detailed understanding of your network topology . Without this information, even basic troubleshooting can be unnecessarily difficult. You’ll find that troubleshooting is much easier if you have detailed and up-to-date network documentation .

The important thing is to be clear in your mind about what information you’re trying to convey. It’s better to draw several diagrams that show different aspects of the same network than to try to put everything on one sheet of paper.

How network diagrams can benefit organizations

There are several positive benefits from creating and maintaining good network diagrams.

First, network diagrams are a critical part of any change management process. If you ever need to change anything, like adding a new switch or a new link to a remote office, you’ll need good documentation to understand how the traffic will flow through these new pieces of the network. This will help ensure the new network is stable and efficient.

Second, network diagrams are a key piece of documentation required for compliance. Auditors, such as those for PCI compliance , always want to see that you’ve accurately documented and diagramed your network topology. Specifically, they need to know where the firewalls, switches, and server resources are, and all the different ways that someone could get into the network.

If you ever need to submit this kind of information to an external audit, or if there were ever a serious problem with your network and you needed to defend the design to management or bring in external consultants, having good and current diagrams will always help your case.

Finally, network diagrams are a valuable component of any network troubleshooting process . When you’re faced with a “network is slow” or “network is down” problem, whether reported by a user or noticed by your network management software, having updated network diagrams allows you to immediately understand the context behind the issue. This includes what servers, applications, and users may be impacted, along with the relevant network devices along the logical and physical paths to help direct and accelerate your troubleshooting.

Good network diagrams are not difficult to make but can be a time-suck due to the commitment required to discover and inventory all of the assets in the network. Because of this, up-to-date and accurate network diagrams are a rare find.

Auvik is a particularly useful tool for automated network mapping . It does a comprehensive job of laying out your network topology with endpoint-level visibility, far deeper than most other systems and manual topology maps. Reacting to network changes as they happen, Auvik’s network topology maps ensure you always have the up-to-date network topology at your fingertips.

Understanding network diagram symbols

There are some useful shorthand symbols you can use when creating network diagrams. While there aren’t any universal rules, here’s a list of general best practices to help you accurately communicate networking ideas with colleagues, particularly useful for drawing network topologies on a whiteboard:

• Draw Layer 3 network devices as circles.
• Draw Layer 2 devices as rectangles.
• Triangles represent multiplexer devices, which used to be more common in network diagrams. So instead, try using triangles for IP phones.
• Everything else can be represented as a square or a rectangle, intended to represent a generic box.

Each symbol can also have a specific marking within it that indicates exactly which type of device it is. If you’re creating network diagrams using a drawing program, or your map is being automatically generated by a software tool, the symbols will be much more elaborate. But when these figures are drawn on a whiteboard, you can use simple symbols such as an X for a router or > for a firewall.

Here’s a table covering some of the most widely used symbols as they appear if you were to hand draw them, use a drawing program like Visio, and how we represent them in Auvik.

Network diagram symbols and icons

• Cloud . Clouds are used to summarize parts of the network that aren’t important for the diagram. This could mean the Internet or a WAN or even a collection of internal network segments like user VLANs .
• Firewall . In software-generated or very detailed diagrams, a firewall is typically represented with a brick wall, to denote that it is a stop or checkpoint in your network data flow.
• Terminal . Can be represented by a variety of end-user systems, but is typically represented by a computer.
• Switch . As a Layer 2 object, switches are represented by crossed arrows, denoting the flow of data and the “switching” taking place between devices. Note: while a router and a Layer 3 switch can perform similar functions, it’s important to distinguish a device doing the Layer 3 routing, so it would not be represented by a switch symbol.
• Bridge . A representation similar to a physical road bridge is often used to represent a networking bridge.
• Server . Traditionally represented by a computer tower, a server is noted on a diagram as a node with data flowing towards other sources on the network.
• Router . Routers can be represented by a variety of objects, but are usually rendered as boxes into which data enters and is distributed out through multiple destinations. A layer 3 switch can also use a similar symbol if it is providing a similar function as a router.
• Peripheral device . The term peripheral device refers to all hardware components that are attached to a computer, such as a mouse, keyboard, or USB drive, and are represented by a symbol that matches their specific function.
• Mainframe . A mainframe computer is legacy computer architecture used primarily by large organizations for a critical line of business applications and bulk data processing.
• Hub . Similar to a switch, a hub can be represented as any network hardware device for connecting multiple Ethernet devices together and making them act as a single network segment.

5 types of network topologies

If you’ve ever studied the history of networking, you’re likely familiar with many of the following network topologies. When designing a network today, realize that many of the following topologies, such as a ring and bus topologies, are no longer considered an efficient way of architecting a network.

1. Ring topology

Features three or more interconnected switches. Each switch in a ring topology is connected to two neighboring switches, one upstream, the other downstream. The last switch is connected back to the first to form a circle (or ring). Any one device or link can fail without disrupting connectivity for any of the others.

2. Bus topology

With a single transmission line for all nodes, bus topology is the simplest kind of topology in which a common channel (or bus) is used for communication in the network.

3. Star topology

A network topology in which all the nodes are connected to a centralized hub. These networks scale very well because you can increase the size of the hub by creating a ring of hub routers as the routing core.

4. Mesh topology

A computer network topology in which nodes connect directly, dynamically, and non-hierarchically to as many other nodes as possible and cooperate to efficiently route data. Mesh networks dynamically self-organize and self-configure, which can reduce installation overhead.

5. Tree topology

A combination of bus and star topologies, a computer network topology in which all nodes are directly or indirectly connected to the main cable.

Network diagram examples

From software to hand-drawn, there are many ways to draw a network diagram. Here are a few examples.

Things to keep in mind when drawing a network diagram

The important thing is to be clear in your own mind about what information you’re trying to convey. It’s better to draw several diagrams that show different aspects of the same network than to try to put everything on one sheet of paper.

Start by separating network diagrams by network protocol layers. In more complicated networks, I recommend adding diagrams showing traffic flows, routing protocol distribution mechanisms, VPNs, and other important aspects of the network design.

It’s important to draw each of these as separate pictures because they show different things. Combining them only confuses the information and makes the drawing harder to understand.

Typically you’ll be deploying the network to support some sort of application. And that will involve some client and server devices. It might involve an internet connection and perhaps some firewalls. In a large organization, there could be a separate person responsible for each of these areas, which is when a whiteboard might be a useful place to start.

How to make a network diagram

Remember that you’re going to do each layer separately, as we talked about in the above section. I always start with Layer 3 diagrams and work my way down.

Drawing Layer 3 diagrams

Our Layer 3 diagram shows the IP subnets and all Layer 3 network devices like routers, firewalls, and load balancers. The Layer 3 diagram must show all of the important network segments and subnets and how they’re interconnected.

The layout is important. I like to show the layout so that it represents the flow of traffic in a broad sense. For example, if I have a bunch of servers being accessed by a group of users, I’ll try to put the user network segments on one side of the picture and the servers on the other side.

Similarly, if I want to show how a LAN connects to external networks like the Internet, I group the external networks all on one side or at the top of the picture.

Or, if the point of the picture is to show a WAN with a large number of remote offices connecting to the same network, I’d probably show the connecting WAN in the middle of the picture and the various remote sites around the edge of the page.

Another layout consideration is to always draw your network segments either horizontally or vertically. The only time I use a combination of vertical and horizontal is when I want to show a fundamental difference between the functions of the segments.

For example, I might draw all of my workstation and server segments horizontally but then draw a special common network management segment vertically down one side of the page. This makes it immediately obvious that the management segment is special.

The Layer 3 diagram should show any high availability mechanisms and redundant network components or redundant paths. It’s customary to show router redundancy protocols as an elongated ellipse that covers the router links included in the high availability group.

The other important thing about Layer 3 diagrams is that they should only include Layer 3 objects. I don’t want to see switches in a Layer 3 diagram, for example. I don’t want to see any kind of indication of trunk links on a Layer 3 diagram either.

You can show a switch on a Layer 3 diagram only if it’s a Layer 3 switch , and then only because it functions as a router. Including Layer 2 objects like a switch in a Layer 3 diagram is confusing, particularly in more complicated pictures.

Another useful thing to put into a Layer 3 diagram is organizational boxes. If there are security zones or interesting groupings of users by function or servers by application, put them together on the picture, put a box around them, and label the box clearly. It’s then easy to see the exact network path those users take to reach their servers.

Drawing Layer 2 diagrams

Layer 2 diagrams show Layer 2 objects like switches and trunks. They include critical information like which VLANs are included in which trunks and they show spanning-tree parameters like bridge priorities and port costs. In many cases, this is too much information to show easily, so I generally use callout boxes to hold some of the information.

Unlike Layer 3 pictures, Layer 2 diagrams don’t need to be laid out in any special way. The most important thing is to keep the picture clear.

If two devices are intended to provide redundancy for one another, then their positions on the page should be related. They should either be located beside one another or in parallel locations on opposite sides of the picture.

If there are different link speeds, they should be indicated in the diagram. I usually show link speed with the thickness of my diagram’s connecting lines. The faster the link, the thicker the line.

Sometimes I also use color to indicate special properties of different physical links. For example, I might make fiber optic cables red and copper cables blue. (Technically the cable type is Layer 1 information, but because it doesn’t tend to cause confusion in the picture, it’s alright to include it in your Layer 2 diagram.)

Drawing Layer 1 diagrams

I usually use Layer 1 diagrams to show physical connections between devices, but they’re also useful for showing cabinet layouts.

Layer 1 diagrams should show port numbers and indicate cable types. In a network that includes many different types of cables, such as fiber optic cables, Category 5/6/7 copper cabling, and so forth, it’s useful to give each cable type a different color.

If there are patch panels, particularly if you want to document how patch panel ports map to device locations and switch port numbers, this information belongs on the Layer 1 diagram.

And if there are different link speeds, you might want to give them different line weights, as described previously for Layer 2 diagrams.

Another type of diagram that’s often useful in data center designs is a cabinet layout. It’s a diagram that shows exactly what you would see when looking at the front (and sometimes also the back) of the cabinet. A cabinet layout is helpful when you need to tell a remote technician how to find a certain piece of equipment.

Drawing combined-layer diagrams

There’s one very special type of diagram in which it’s possible to combine Layer 2 and 3 in a single picture. Such a combined diagram is sometimes useful if you have combined Layer 2 and 3 switches and you need to show the relationship between these layers.

A combined diagram is sometimes useful if you have combined Layer 2 and 3 switches and you need to show the relationship between these layers.

A combined-layer view is also useful when thinking about things like HSRP configuration. Which switch will be the default gateway for each VLAN? And, related to this, will the packets from A to B take the same path as the packets from B to A? None of these details appear in the pure Layer 2 or the pure Layer 3 picture.

Instead, we show the relationship in a combined-layer diagram by drawing boxes for the Layer 2 switch with the VLANs inside it, connected to the Layer 3 router, also inside the switch. The VLANs are connected to trunk interfaces to another Layer 2/3 switch.

Note that while this diagram can show the interaction between the layers, it doesn’t make either the Layer 2 or Layer 3 network design terribly clear. I’d actually draw all three as separate diagrams, each showing a different important aspect of the network design.

Follow these guidelines and you’ll be setting yourself up for drawing network diagrams that are easy-to-read, and easy to share. To help summarize, we’ve included a handy infographic below.

[Larger view of the network diagram infographic]

What do you think?

Share your thoughts and read what others have to say

Thank you very much for the advices

and the ebook!

You’re very welcome, Dominic. Glad you found them helpful.

Nice book Now i understand, how to amake my diagrams, thanks a lot

As a cable dog I say thank you from the bottom of my heart. This will save you money, time, and heart ache I am adding this to my curriculum for my presentation on best practices for the physical layer of the network.

Awesome! So glad you found the info helpful.

This is fantastic advice. It helped me with rudimentary concepts that I skipped b/c diagrams were needed immediately. Your eBook is phenomenal. It is now my Bible. It clearly explains Networking concepts. Great Job!

Glad you found the blog post and ebook helpful, Trina! Thank you for the feedback.

Excellent to the point explanations! Love it!

I am curious to what Ebook people are referring? Is it “Designing Large-Scale LANs”? or did i miss something entirely.

Hi Chris. This article was written in 2015, so unfortunately they are likely referring to an ebook we no longer offer. I’ve taken a look and don’t see anything in our current list of ebooks and reports that might relate, beyond “The No-Sweat Guide to Managing Network Switches”. Which you can download here: https://www.auvik.com/franklyit/reports/no-sweat-network-topology/

Great article Kevin. I hope to glean from the information and apply it to future roles.

Regards, Carleton

Yes, but showing “hand drawn diagram”.

Is not important to have mid clouds firewalls – regarding to the employment tree which usually is dividing access.

Same as should not there be totally separate line between storage place of data that is being sent to the printer.

Storage that could be used as a backup in case of leak offs’

In my point of view building UI and all the infrastructure these points are quite important.

Exempel is app that ground level employee could see what supervisor is doing during day same as looking into history of his tasks…

Sincerely LW

How to Create a Network Assessment Report with This Template

Subnetting: what it is and how it works, 11 types of networks: understanding the differences, what’s your shadow it risk factor.

• The impact shadow IT has on an organization
• How to evaluate tools
• Tips on security
• A quiz to help you determine the severity of shadow IT in your org
• Solutions to solve these problems

Network Analysis: Part 1 – An Introductory Note

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What is Network Diagram?

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.

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 switches, a NIC for the computers and laptops. First, we had to make a diagram of how the network is going to be designed so we would exactly know what products we would need for each. In conclusion, this assignment was very helpful to my skills in computers, and also I hope this assignment will help me in the future.

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Network diagram examples and templates

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How to create a network diagram

Table of contents

A network diagram serves as the blueprint of a company’s communication framework, detailing the intricate web of connections that enable business operations. For IT professionals, system administrators, and network architects, the diagram is not just a representation; it's an essential tool for planning, managing, and troubleshooting the network infrastructure. Understanding how to create a network diagram is a fundamental skill that underpins effective network design and management.

This guide is crafted to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the network diagram's role and construction. Whether you’re an experienced network engineer looking to refine your skills or a newcomer aiming to grasp the basics, the forthcoming sections will take you through the critical steps and considerations in creating a precise and informative network diagram.

Initial steps in network diagram creation

To start creating a network diagram, one must first define the scope and gather all necessary information. These initial steps set the stage for a well-structured and detailed network diagram.

Defining the scope of your network

Determining the scope of your network is essential. This foundational step helps in identifying which parts of the network should be included in the diagram.

Information Collection for Diagramming

Hardware and Software Inventory: Gathering a detailed inventory of the network's hardware and software is pivotal for creating a comprehensive network diagram.

Network topology: Understanding the layout and design of your network topology will influence how you represent the network in your diagram.

Creating a network diagram involves several detailed steps. Each step is critical to ensure the final diagram is an accurate and useful representation of the network.

Step 1: Choose your diagramming tool

Selecting an appropriate tool is the first step in the diagramming process. For a smooth experience, consider using Miro's network diagram tool , which caters to both simple and complex diagramming needs.

Step 2: Layout the foundation

The initial layout involves drawing the central network components, which are the backbone of your network's infrastructure.

Step 3: Add Network components

This step involves placing all crucial network devices onto the diagram, ensuring their accurate representation in relation to the network's structure.

Step 4: Connect the elements

Connecting the elements with lines and arrows will map the relationships and data flow paths between the network's components.

Step 5: Label and annotate

Proper labeling and annotation provide essential details that define the characteristics and roles of the network's elements.

Step 6: Review and refine

A thorough review of the network diagram is necessary to ensure its accuracy and usability.

Enhancing your network diagram

An effective network diagram is not only accurate but also easy to read and understand. Enhancing your network diagram with additional visual elements can greatly increase its clarity and usefulness.

Utilizing symbols and icons

The use of universally recognized symbols and icons can convey information more efficiently within the diagram.

Applying color codes

Color coding is an effective method to differentiate between various segments and types of connections within the network.

Creating layers for complexity

For more complex networks, creating layers can help in managing and organizing the information effectively.

Finalizing your network diagram

The finalization of your network diagram is an iterative process that involves validation, feedback incorporation, and establishing maintenance protocols.

Validation against real network configurations

Ensuring that the network diagram accurately reflects the real-world configuration is essential for its effectiveness.

Incorporating feedback from stakeholders

Feedback from those who use the network will help refine and improve the diagram's functionality and accuracy.

Updating and maintenance best practices

Regular updates and maintenance are required to keep the network diagram current and relevant.

Troubleshooting common network diagram issues

Even the most experienced professionals can encounter issues when creating a network diagram. Troubleshooting common problems is part of maintaining an accurate and functional diagram.

1) Overcoming Complexity: Complex networks require careful planning and strategy to ensure the diagram remains clear and organized.

2) Ensuring Scalability: Designing with future expansion in mind is key to creating a scalable network diagram.

3) Addressing Inconsistencies: Regular reviews and updates will help in identifying and correcting inconsistencies in the network diagram.

Final thoughts for making a network diagram

Constructing a network diagram requires attention to detail, patience, and a clear understanding of the network's architecture. By following the structured approach outlined in this guide, you can create a network diagram that not only maps out the existing network but also anticipates future growth and challenges.

A well-crafted network diagram is more than a technical requirement; it is a roadmap to efficiency, a tool for troubleshooting, and a canvas for strategic planning. As you apply these principles and harness tools like Miro's network diagram capabilities, you become better equipped to manage your organization's IT infrastructure. Embrace the process, engage with the complexity, and let your network diagram be the guide to a resilient and optimized network system.

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Understanding the Importance of Network Diagrams in Project Management

In project management, network diagrams play a crucial role in illustrating the relationships and dependencies between various tasks and activities. These diagrams provide a visual representation of the project schedule, helping project managers and teams understand the sequencing and flow of work. By presenting the project tasks in a logical order and highlighting critical paths, network diagrams enable effective planning, resource allocation, and risk management. In this article, we will explore the significance of network diagrams in project management and how they contribute to project success. So, let’s dive in and discover the power of these diagrams in streamlining project execution!

Table of Contents

What is a Network Diagram in Project Management

Definition of a network diagram.

A network diagram in project management is a graphical representation of the activities and dependencies involved in a project. It illustrates the sequence and relationship between different project tasks and allows project managers to visualize the project flow. By depicting the relationship between activities, a network diagram helps project teams understand the project scope, critical path, and overall timeline.

Purpose of a Network Diagram

The purpose of a network diagram is to provide a clear and concise representation of project activities and their dependencies. It serves as a visual tool for project managers to plan, monitor, and control the project’s progress. By using a network diagram, project managers can identify the critical path, allocate resources efficiently, manage time effectively, and mitigate project risks.

Components of a Network Diagram

A network diagram consists of several key components:

Nodes or activities : Nodes represent individual project activities or tasks. Each activity has a unique identifier and is depicted as a box or a circle in the diagram. These nodes are connected by arrows to show the sequence and dependencies.

Arrows or dependencies : Arrows represent the logical relationship between activities. They indicate the direction and order in which activities should be carried out. The arrows illustrate the dependencies, such as finish-to-start, start-to-start, finish-to-finish, or start-to-finish.

Duration or time estimates : Each activity in the network diagram is assigned a duration, which represents the estimated time required to complete that task. The duration is usually shown in days, weeks, or months and is important for determining the project schedule.

Milestones : Milestones are significant events or achievements within a project. They are represented by diamond-shaped nodes in the network diagram. Milestones help project teams track progress and identify key deliverables.

Critical path : The critical path is the sequence of activities that determines the shortest possible duration for completing the project. It is shown in the network diagram by highlighting the activities with zero slack or float.

Benefits of Using Network Diagrams in Project Management

Improved visual representation.

One of the major benefits of using network diagrams in project management is the improved visual representation of project activities and their relationships. By depicting activities and dependencies in a graphical format, network diagrams make it easier for project teams to understand and visualize the flow of work.

Enhanced Understanding of Relationships

Network diagrams provide a clear visualization of the dependencies between project activities. Project teams can easily identify which tasks need to be completed before others can start and understand the logical relationships between different activities. This enhanced understanding helps in efficient planning and scheduling of project tasks.

Identification of Critical Path

A critical path is the longest sequence of dependent activities that determines the shortest possible time to complete a project. By analyzing the network diagram, project managers can identify the critical path and focus their efforts on activities that have the most impact on the project timeline. This allows for better resource allocation and improved project scheduling.

Efficient Resource Allocation

Network diagrams help project managers allocate resources efficiently by identifying the dependencies between tasks. By understanding the sequence of activities, project teams can allocate resources in a way that ensures each task has the necessary resources available at the right time. This prevents bottlenecks and delays in project execution.

Effective Time Management

Time management is crucial in project management, and network diagrams play a vital role in effective time management. By visualizing project activities and their dependencies, network diagrams enable project teams to identify potential delays and bottlenecks. Project managers can then allocate resources and adjust schedules to ensure timely completion of tasks.

Identification and Mitigation of Risks

Network diagrams assist in identifying and mitigating project risks. By mapping out dependencies and critical paths, project managers can easily identify potential risks and their impact on the project timeline. With this information, they can develop contingency plans and allocate resources to address any potential risks or issues that may arise during the project execution.

Types of Network Diagrams

Activity-on-node (aon) diagram.

Activity-on-Node (AON) is a type of network diagram where the nodes represent activities and the arrows represent dependencies. Each node represents a specific activity or task, and the arrows between the nodes show the logical sequence in which the activities should be performed. This type of diagram is widely used in project management for its simplicity and ease of understanding.

Activity-on-Arrow (AOA) Diagram

Activity-on-Arrow (AOA) is another type of network diagram commonly used in project management. In this diagram, the activities are represented by the arrows, and the nodes represent events or milestones. The arrows depict the activities and their dependencies, while the nodes represent the events or milestones that mark the completion of specific activities.

Steps to Create a Network Diagram

Defining the project scope.

The first step in creating a network diagram is to define the project scope. This involves identifying the project objectives, deliverables, and constraints. By understanding the scope of the project, project teams can determine the activities that need to be included in the network diagram.

Breaking Down the Project Activities

Once the project scope is defined, the next step is to break down the project activities into smaller, manageable tasks. Each task should be clearly defined and assigned to a specific team member or resource. This breakdown helps in accurately representing the activities in the network diagram.

Determining Dependencies

After breaking down the activities, project teams need to determine the dependencies between the tasks. Dependencies can be of various types, such as finish-to-start, start-to-start, finish-to-finish, or start-to-finish. The correct identification of dependencies is crucial for creating an accurate network diagram that reflects the project’s logical flow.

Sequencing the Activities

Once the dependencies are determined, the activities need to be sequenced in the network diagram. The sequencing involves arranging the activities in the order in which they should be executed based on their dependencies. This step helps project teams visualize the logical flow of tasks in the project.

Assigning Durations to Activities

Each activity in the network diagram needs to be assigned a duration, which represents the estimated time required to complete that task. This helps in determining the project schedule and identifying any potential delays or bottlenecks. Accurately estimating the durations of activities is crucial for creating a realistic network diagram.

Identifying the Critical Path

The final step in creating a network diagram is to identify the critical path. The critical path is the longest sequence of dependent activities that determines the shortest possible time to complete the project. By analyzing the network diagram, project managers can identify the activities on the critical path and focus their efforts on managing those activities to ensure timely project completion.

Tools and Techniques for Network Diagrams

Precedence diagramming method (pdm).

The Precedence Diagramming Method (PDM) is a technique used to create network diagrams. It involves representing activities as nodes and dependencies as arrows. PDM allows for the representation of both finish-to-start and start-to-start dependencies and is widely used in project management.

Critical Path Method (CPM)

The Critical Path Method (CPM) is a project management technique that uses network diagrams to determine the critical path and project schedule. CPM helps project managers identify the activities that have zero slack or float and are critical for the project’s timeline. By focusing on the critical path, project teams can ensure timely project completion.

Project Management Software

Project management software, such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or Trello, provides tools and features to create network diagrams. These software applications offer visual interfaces and automated calculations to simplify the process of creating and managing network diagrams. They also provide features for updating and sharing the diagrams with project stakeholders.

Best Practices for Creating Network Diagrams

Maintaining consistency.

Consistency is important when creating network diagrams. It is essential to use a standardized format and symbols throughout the diagram to ensure clarity and ease of understanding. Maintaining consistency in the layout and presentation of the network diagram makes it easier for project teams to interpret and work with the diagram.

Using Standard Symbols

Using standard symbols and notations is crucial for creating network diagrams that are universally understood. Standard symbols for activities, dependencies, milestones, and other elements make it easier for project teams to interpret the diagram accurately. It is important to use recognized symbols and notations to maintain consistency and readability.

Keeping the Diagram Simple

Simplicity is key when creating network diagrams. It is important to keep the diagram as simple and clean as possible to avoid confusion and misinterpretation. Overcomplicating the diagram with unnecessary details or excessive nodes and arrows may make it difficult to grasp the overall project flow.

Regularly Updating the Diagram

Network diagrams are dynamic tools that should be regularly updated throughout the project lifecycle. As the project progresses and tasks are completed, it is important to update the network diagram to reflect the actual progress. Regularly updating the diagram ensures that it remains an accurate representation of the project status.

Sharing and Communicating the Diagram

Network diagrams are not only useful for project managers but also for other project stakeholders. It is important to share and communicate the network diagram with the project team, stakeholders, and clients to ensure everyone understands the project flow and dependencies. Sharing the diagram promotes transparency and effective collaboration.

Common Challenges in Network Diagrams

Unclear dependencies.

One common challenge in network diagrams is the unclear identification of dependencies between activities. Unclear dependencies can lead to incorrect sequencing of tasks and misrepresentation of the project flow. It is important to thoroughly analyze and validate the dependencies to ensure the accuracy of the network diagram.

Inaccurate Activity Durations

Another challenge is inaccurately estimating the durations of activities. Incorrect duration estimates can lead to unrealistic project schedules and delays in project completion. Project teams should gather accurate data and involve subject matter experts to ensure accurate duration estimates for each activity.

Missing Activities

Missing activities can also pose a challenge in network diagrams. Failure to include all the necessary activities can lead to gaps or incomplete representations of the project scope. It is important to conduct a thorough analysis and engage with the project team to identify all the relevant activities and include them in the network diagram.

Miscommunication of Diagrams

Effective communication is critical when working with network diagrams. Miscommunication or lack of understanding can lead to misinterpretation of the diagram, resulting in incorrect planning and execution of tasks. Project teams should ensure clear and concise communication of the network diagram, provide explanations where necessary, and address any questions or concerns from stakeholders.

Real-Life Examples of Network Diagrams

Construction project.

In a construction project, a network diagram can help in visualizing the sequence of activities involved in building a structure. The diagram can include activities such as site preparation, foundation construction, framing, electrical and plumbing installations, finishing touches, and final inspections. By accurately representing the dependencies between these activities, project teams can optimize resource allocation, manage time effectively, and ensure timely project completion.

Software Development Project

In a software development project, a network diagram can illustrate the flow of tasks involved in developing a software application. The activities may include requirements gathering, design, coding, testing, integration, and deployment. By creating a network diagram, project teams can identify critical activities, allocate resources efficiently, and ensure timely delivery of the software product.

Event Planning Project

In an event planning project, a network diagram can help in organizing and coordinating various tasks required to plan and execute an event. The activities may include venue selection, vendor management, guest invitations, catering arrangements, decoration setup, and event day coordination. By using a network diagram, event planners can effectively manage time, allocate resources, and ensure a seamless and successful event.

Importance of Network Diagrams in Project Management

Effective project planning.

Network diagrams are essential for effective project planning. They provide project managers with a visual representation of the project flow, allowing for accurate planning and sequencing of activities. By understanding the dependencies and critical path, project teams can create realistic project schedules, allocate resources effectively, and ensure successful project execution.

Resource Optimization

Network diagrams help project managers optimize resource allocation. By identifying task dependencies, project teams can allocate resources in a way that ensures each activity has the necessary resources available at the right time. This prevents bottlenecks and delays, maximizing the efficiency and productivity of resources.

Risk Management

Network diagrams play a crucial role in risk management. By analyzing the diagram, project managers can identify potential risks and their impact on the project timeline. This allows for proactive risk mitigation strategies and the development of contingency plans. By addressing risks early on, project teams can minimize the impact on project deliverables and ensure project success.

Efficient Communication

Network diagrams serve as a visual tool for effective communication in project management. They provide a common language for all stakeholders to understand the project flow and dependencies. By sharing the network diagram with the project team, stakeholders, and clients, project managers can promote transparency, collaboration, and effective decision-making.

Project Schedule Optimization

A well-designed network diagram helps project managers optimize project schedules. By identifying the critical path and non-critical activities, project teams can prioritize tasks and allocate resources accordingly. This allows for efficient time management and timely completion of project milestones and deliverables.

In conclusion, network diagrams play a crucial role in project management. They provide a visual representation of project activities, dependencies, and critical path, helping project teams understand the project scope, allocate resources efficiently, manage time effectively, and mitigate project risks. From effective project planning to resource optimization, risk management, efficient communication, and project schedule optimization, network diagrams are invaluable tools for successful project execution. By following best practices, using appropriate tools and techniques, and regularly updating and communicating the diagram, project managers can ensure a smooth and organized project flow.

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How to Draw a Network Diagram

What are your network diagram needs, i want to make my own network diagram in lucidchart., i want to make a network diagram from a lucidchart template..

One of the first things you should do before setting up a complex network is create a network diagram so you’ll know how everything will work together. The diagram provides a visual representation of a network architecture. You can clearly see how things like peripherals, firewalls, servers, and mainframes will co-exist and work in harmony. Conversely, when a network doesn’t work properly, this type of diagram can aid in pinpointing issues.

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Want to make a network diagram of your own? Try Lucidchart. It's quick, easy, and completely free.

Tips for making a network diagram

Just like networks, a network diagram can have a lot of elements depending on the complexity. It’s helpful to draw a network diagram on paper first. Start by listing all the components (cloud, servers, clients, mainframes, peripherals, hubs, routers, etc.) that will be part of the diagram. Next, draw lines between the elements to see how they will connect to each other. It’s best not to let the lines cross each other, that way you can clearly see the connection points.

As the diagram starts to materialize, start customizing it. Start by naming all the elements on the diagram and then change the font and size of text when naming peripherals versus backend components. Try using different colors for the lines that symbolize connections. Adding these elements will provide more texture to the diagram. When the network diagram is complete, you should be able to save and print it. If you used an online tool, you’ll also be able to share it via a link (or other format) and even invite others to work on it as well.

How to create a network diagram

Now that you have a sketch of your network diagram, use Lucidchart’s intuitive online tool to make a digital version. You’ll want to use the network diagram template to get started since it includes all the icons and images you’ll need to represent the various network elements. Don’t worry if the template looks nothing like your design, you can easily delete the elements that are already on the diagram. Login to your account (if you don’t have one, sign up for a free Lucidchart trial) and follow the steps below.

1. Select a network diagram template

In the Documents section, click on the orange +Document button and double-click on the Network Diagram template.

2. Name the network diagram

Click on the Network Diagram header in the top left corner of the screen. A pop-up screen opens, type the name of your diagram in the text box and click OK. The name of your network diagram appears in the top left corner of the screen.

3. Remove existing elements that you don’t need on your diagram

A template is just a starting point, but if there are any elements on the network diagram template that you won’t be using, remove them now. Click on the item and then right-click on the mouse. Menu options will appear on the screen, select Delete.

4. Add network components to the diagram

In the left column of the screen, you’ll notice a plethora of computer-related icons. You can choose from our options, standard icons, Cisco (basic and extended), network, electronics, audio equipment, and Bing images. There are a lot of options, so you may want to enter the name of the network device you’re looking for in the search box at the top of the left column. You can also scroll through the images/icons. When you see one you like, click on it and drag it to the screen.

(Note: We’ve used a variety of icons/images to demonstrate all the options available. For consistency, you may want to use icons from the same set.)

5. Name the items in your network diagram

Before you start drawing network connections, let’s name the items added to the diagram. As you can see, you can group entities by drawing squares around them. Here’s how to add text and draw squares.

Group items using containers

6. Draw connections between components

Double-click on any component and then click and hold one of the orange circles, and drag the line to the appropriate symbol. Continue to draw all the connections on the network diagram.

7. Add a title and share your network diagram

The title at the top of your network diagram grid is the same as what you named the file. If you want to change the name on the actual diagram, double-click the diagram title and type in a new name. If you’d like to adjust the font and type size, use the shortcut keys in the menu bar at the top of the screen.

You can easily share your network diagram with others either via email, web link, social media (Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and LinkedIn), or embed it on a website. Click the blue Share button in the top right corner of the screen and a pop-up will appear. Choose how you’d like to share your diagram and enter the appropriate information.

When you add collaborators, you can give them permission to work on the diagram and have discussions with them using the chat feature (the yellow quote icon in the top right corner of the screen).

The simplest way to draw a network diagram

There you have it. With Lucidchart’s intuitive and powerful online tool, it’s easy to turn paper drawings into beautiful network diagrams that you’ll want to share with all your coworkers. Since Lucidchart is a web-based app, your diagram is automatically saved, and you can access it virtually anywhere you have an Internet connection. When you share your network diagram with colleagues, you’ll never have to wonder if they can open the file or access it. Give them permission to edit the diagram and they can make changes and add comments. Sign up for a free trial and see how easy it is to use Lucidchart.

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• Network Diagram Template For Excel
• What is a Network Diagram
• Network Diagram Symbols and Icons
• Why you should visualize your cloud infrastructure

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Home / Project Management / PMP / 6 Benefits of Network Diagrams

6 Benefits of Network Diagrams

In the Sequence Activities process of Project Time Management , the major output is a Network Diagram. But what is a Network Diagram? In the online PMP training , its purpose is explained as “visualizing the project activities in boxes with the activity IDs and showing the interrelationship of activities with arrows” . Network diagrams tell if an activity will start before, after or at the same time with another activity. As explained in the PMP training course  the most common way of drawing network diagrams is called the Precedence Diagramming Method (PDM) . 

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In this article, we are going to list the 6 benefits of using Network Diagrams.

What are the benefits of Network Diagrams?

If you are in the process of application for PMP , you must be already aware that Network diagrams are very useful for the projects in many ways. During this lecture, we will go over the major benefits of network diagrams.

• Network Diagrams help justify your time estimate for the project . Since network diagram of a project shows how activities are interrelated with each other from the beginning of the project till the end, it will be very beneficial for calculating the overall project duration. After the critical path of the project is determined, activities on the critical path will give us the total duration of the project respectively.
• Network Diagrams aid in planning, organizing and controlling . Since all project activities are shown in sequence with relevant interrelationships, the network diagram of a project will help the project manager and team during planning and organizing. Network diagram will be useful during project execution as well since it is a snapshot of the project activities tied with the dependencies.

• Network diagrams show interdependencies of activities . Since interdependencies of activities are visible in the network diagram, it will be easier to see which activity can start after which one, which activity depends on each other, predecessors and successors of each activity etc.

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• Network diagrams identify opportunities to compress the schedule . You may need to shorten the duration of the remaining activities in a project. This can be because your project is behind schedule and in order to complete the project on time, you need to compress the schedule. In this case, since network diagrams show the order of the activities and durations, it will be easier to focus on how to compress the remaining activities in the project.
• Network diagrams show project progress . Since it shows the order of activities in a project and total path from the beginning of the project till the end, it is a good instrument for showing the project progress.

So these 6 benefits of using a network diagram show that, in Time management, estimating the project duration, knowing the interdependencies between the activities, being able to see the workflow are really important. Furthermore, a network diagram can help the project team and the project manager to see the opportunities to shorten the duration of the project and also see the progress in general.

Review by: Tony Chapman

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An Introduction to Project Network Diagram with Examples

A Project Network Diagram is a chart that shows the arrangements of tasks within a project. It can also contain other information such as the duration and connection between each task. This is an essential part of project management since you will be able to streamline the execution process. You will also have the option to review the processes involved to make sure that there aren’t any redundant ones. If this has piqued your interest and wants to learn more about it, then continue reading below.

Project Network Diagram

• What is a Project Network Diagram?

Benefits of Using Project Network Diagram

Project network diagram examples by gitmind, what is a project network diagram.

A project network diagram, or Project schedule network diagram contains the general scheduling of a project. This means that it is a timetable where you will find the estimated time of completion of each task. In a sense, this is relative to time management since you will be using it to track the amount of time spent on a task. This diagram is made up of arrows and boxes that explain the logical relationship between each task. To put it in simpler terms, we can say that it resembles a guide in completing a project.

Aside from the ones mentioned above, there are other benefits that you can get from using a Project network chart. With that being said, we listed down some of the benefits of using this diagram.

• Time-efficiency

This diagram shows the estimated time needed for a task to finish. Having a clear idea about the time it takes to complete a task, gives the project manager a clear view of the next steps needed to proceed with the task.

• Control over the task sequence

As a project manager, you are responsible for making sure that all steps are done in chronological order. This is where project network diagram examples come in. By using this tool, you can ensure that all necessary tasks are done without any complications to avoid any future issues.

• Task time management

There is no absolute way to avoid minor hiccups in any project. However, there are ways to minimize the effects of these hiccups is to know when to do the mending even before the actual problem arrives. Using a project network diagram and agile framework can help you predict upcoming issues, so you can immediately decide if you need more or less time in a single task.

Diagrams like this one often contain more than five boxes and arrows. In a sense, it is a confusing one to make since you need to be accurate with the positioning of each task. This is important since one misstep can have a huge negative effect on the entire project. With that being said, one good recommendation is to use templates like the project network diagram below. Not only will you save an enormous amount of time, but you will also be sure that all details are right where they are supposed to be.

• Blank Project Network Diagram Template

This template above is very compatible with complex projects since it has a lot of room for individual tasks. That is why for such instances, you should use blank templates like this one.

• Arrow Diagram Method Template

One type of diagram that is often used in project management is the Arrow diagram method, which is a variation of a project network chart. The one above is an example of the said method and is applicable for straightforward project planning.

• Precedence Diagram Method Template

A more accepted and used diagram variation is the Precedence diagram method. This chart covers all the essential parts of a project. Like the previous one, it also shows the relationship between each task.

Project management is never easy. That is why you should use the right strategy to execute it the right way. On that note, using a Project Network diagram is a good way to arrange your priorities. This will ensure that the entire project will run smoothly without any issues.

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LAN Network Diagram Overview Report (Assessment)

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

The diagram below represents the Local Area Network that is equipped with six workstations. The twisted-pair cable is used in the given diagram, which is considered the most common type of cabling for LAN. The magnetic fields around the wire interfere with signals on the nearest wires, creating noises. In order to avoid crosstalk and statics, the pairs are twisted, thus forming a circuit for data transmission. In the given Network Diagram, the unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable is used. The cable consists of 4 copper wires that are tightly twisted together. The UTP was used due to technical and safety reasons. It has a smaller diameter because of thin pairs of copper wires and does not require grounding.

The distance between connections is 80-95 m to ensure safety since the standard for any twisted-pair cables is no more than 100 m. The standard of wiring which stipulates the division of twisted pair categories is the American TIA-EIA-568B Standard.

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Detailed Network Diagram Essays

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Deriving individual and group knowledge structure from network diagrams and from essays

• Learning & Performance Systems

Research output : Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter

This chapter describes an approach for analyzing lexical aggregates (i.e., ALA) from network diagrams such as concept maps and from texts such as essays in order to establish individual and group knowledge structure representations. We describe two free software tools that were designed to work with Pathfinder Network analysis, ALA-Mapper for analyzing network diagrams and ALA-Reader for analyzing text. The derived knowledge structure representations can be compared to each other, for example, to compare novices to an expert, or can be combined into a group representation, for example, to compare one team to another team. Several investigations are reviewed that have used these tools. Then, possible applications and also limitations of the software and the approach are described. Finally, the next stage of software development for these tools is described.

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

• General Social Sciences
• General Arts and Humanities

Access to Document

• 10.1007/978-1-4419-5662-0_7

Other files and links

• Link to publication in Scopus
• Link to the citations in Scopus

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• Network Diagram Keyphrases 100%
• Alpha-Linolenic Acid Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology 100%
• Structure Representation Keyphrases 66%
• Mapper Keyphrases 33%
• Free Software Tools Keyphrases 33%
• Group Representation Computer Science 33%
• Free Software Computer Science 33%

T1 - Deriving individual and group knowledge structure from network diagrams and from essays

AU - Clariana, Roy B.

N2 - This chapter describes an approach for analyzing lexical aggregates (i.e., ALA) from network diagrams such as concept maps and from texts such as essays in order to establish individual and group knowledge structure representations. We describe two free software tools that were designed to work with Pathfinder Network analysis, ALA-Mapper for analyzing network diagrams and ALA-Reader for analyzing text. The derived knowledge structure representations can be compared to each other, for example, to compare novices to an expert, or can be combined into a group representation, for example, to compare one team to another team. Several investigations are reviewed that have used these tools. Then, possible applications and also limitations of the software and the approach are described. Finally, the next stage of software development for these tools is described.

AB - This chapter describes an approach for analyzing lexical aggregates (i.e., ALA) from network diagrams such as concept maps and from texts such as essays in order to establish individual and group knowledge structure representations. We describe two free software tools that were designed to work with Pathfinder Network analysis, ALA-Mapper for analyzing network diagrams and ALA-Reader for analyzing text. The derived knowledge structure representations can be compared to each other, for example, to compare novices to an expert, or can be combined into a group representation, for example, to compare one team to another team. Several investigations are reviewed that have used these tools. Then, possible applications and also limitations of the software and the approach are described. Finally, the next stage of software development for these tools is described.

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84892786626&partnerID=8YFLogxK

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84892786626&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1007/978-1-4419-5662-0_7

DO - 10.1007/978-1-4419-5662-0_7

M3 - Chapter

AN - SCOPUS:84892786626

SN - 9781441956613

BT - Computer-Based Diagnostics and Systematic Analysis of Knowledge

PB - Springer US

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How to draw Deep learning network architecture diagrams?

I have built my model. Now I want to draw the network architecture diagram for my research paper. Example is shown below:

• machine-learning
• neural-network
• deep-learning
• software-recommendation

• 1 $\begingroup$ I think graphiz, based on the dot language can, can help you. $\endgroup$ –  Michael Hooreman Commented Nov 4, 2016 at 6:24
• 1 $\begingroup$ github.com/gwding/draw_convnet $\endgroup$ –  Emre Commented Nov 8, 2016 at 3:27
• $\begingroup$ If you are using latex, just use tikz. It does require a little time to get used to. $\endgroup$ –  Ricardo Cruz Commented Jan 25, 2018 at 18:30
• 6 $\begingroup$ It seems like the best approach would be to endow the network with the capability for self-reflection, and teach it how to draw its mind. Easy peasy. $\endgroup$ –  Somatic Custard Commented Jun 6, 2019 at 20:33
• 1 $\begingroup$ For a tool & approaches overview, see: medium.com/inbrowserai/… $\endgroup$ –  Piotr Migdal Commented Jul 5, 2019 at 8:51

6 Answers 6

I recently found this online tool that produces publication-ready NN-architecture schematics. It is called NN-SVG and made by Alex Lenail .

You can easily export these to use in, say, LaTeX for example.

Here are a few examples:

• 9 $\begingroup$ This tool seems great -- however, I noticed that it assumes the inputs are always square. I'm in an application with a rectangular input, so this doesn't quite work. $\endgroup$ –  eraoul Commented Oct 27, 2018 at 0:22
• 5 $\begingroup$ The tool now accommodates rectangular inputs, give it a try $\endgroup$ –  David Cian Commented Jun 20, 2020 at 14:52
• $\begingroup$ This is great for standard CNN backbones, but in more complex architectures like encoder-decoder, attention, etc. it'd be nice to have the flexibility to re-arrange the rectangular components in any arbitrary layout $\endgroup$ –  Addison Klinke Commented Apr 1, 2021 at 19:29

I wrote some latex code to draw Deep networks for one of my reports. You can find it here: https://github.com/HarisIqbal88/PlotNeuralNet

• $\begingroup$ Best answer and should be voted up. $\endgroup$ –  ledawg Commented Jun 18, 2020 at 8:36
• $\begingroup$ Just wanted to say that this is an amazing tool. Wish I had time to utilize this! $\endgroup$ –  rocketsfallonrocketfalls Commented Jul 10, 2021 at 13:50
• $\begingroup$ +1. Used it for my bachelor thesis two years ago, I think it is awesome especially for slides. $\endgroup$ –  Ciodar Commented Feb 14, 2023 at 21:34
• For automated drawing, see How do you visualize neural network architectures? , https://softwarerecs.stackexchange.com/q/28169/903 and https://softwarerecs.stackexchange.com/q/47841/903
• For manual drawing, see https://redd.it/574usi
• 1 $\begingroup$ Can VISIO draw these architectures? $\endgroup$ –  Muhammad Ali Commented Nov 4, 2016 at 6:36

Netron viewer is the best tool to draw your model architecture

I suppose you have a pretrained model stored in .h5 file.

• $\begingroup$ Great tool. Thanks for sharing. This works well with MATLAB exported networks as well. $\endgroup$ –  Asim Commented Mar 9, 2021 at 7:58
• $\begingroup$ I love Netron for visualizing and understanding my models, but I don't think it's great for explaining them to others in a paper. The diagram is far too detailed in my opinion to get a high-level overview of the architecture $\endgroup$ –  Addison Klinke Commented Apr 1, 2021 at 19:32
• $\begingroup$ the link is broken $\endgroup$ –  SheppLogan Commented May 14, 2023 at 20:54
• $\begingroup$ The new link seems to be: netron.app $\endgroup$ –  Benjamin Loison Commented Dec 2, 2023 at 18:15

I drew this with draw.io , you can also choose other structures of the drawing e.g circles.

We can use Powerpoint to get the job done.

Draw the diagram (3D rectangles and perspectives come handy) -> select the interested area on the slide -> right-click -> Save as picture -> change filetype to PDF -> :)

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged machine-learning neural-network deep-learning svm software-recommendation or ask your own question .

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• Essay Database >
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Project Network Diagram Essay Example

Type of paper: Essay

Topic: Project , Relationships , Management , Relationship , Actions , Activity , Activities , PND

Published: 05/29/2023

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A project network diagram (PND) is a diagrammatic representation of the relationship of a project’s work activities and how they will progress from start to finish (Phillips, 2014). Project managers have to deal with various stakeholders that include the management, customer, and project team members who have a big stake in the delivery of the project. Project managers face triple constraints of time, scope, and cost. A PND is a useful tool that helps a project manager to plan the activities of a project to ensure that the project is completed on time. A project manager can use the precedence diagramming method (PDM) to create a PND. There are four possible relationship types between activities in a PDM: Finish-to start (FS): In this relationship, activity A must be complete before activity B can begin. For instance, the walls must be plastered before they are painted (Phillips, 2014). Start-to Start (SS): in this relationship, activity A must start before activity B starts (Phillips, 2014). For instance, in making doors, the cutting has to be complete before the assembly can start. Finish-to-finish (FF): in this relationship, activity A must be complete before activity B can be completed (Phillips, 2014). For instance, when one team is installing a radio base dish and another team is doing a test drive to test the signal from the radio base station. Start-to-finish: in this relationship, task A must start so that task B may be completed. This technique is also known as just-in-time scheduling (Phillips, 2014). The PND helps project managers to illustrate to the various stakeholders the relationship between the work activities. PND helps proper planning of the project activities to ensure that the project is completed on time.

Phillips, J. (2014). CAPM/PMP Project Management Certification Exam Guide. 3rd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill.

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Where was Trump rally? What we know about Butler Farm Show Grounds

During a campaign rally held at the Butler Farm Show Grounds today, former President Donald Trump faced a security scare when several popping sounds were heard while he was speaking. Trump appeared to clutch his right ear as Secret Service agents quickly moved in to protect him.

Here’s what we know about the rally site. (Story continues after map.)

What is the Butler Farm Show Grounds?

The Butler Farm Show Grounds , at 625 Evans City Road, is a central venue for a variety of community events in Butler. Just a few miles northwest of downtown Butler, the grounds are a popular spot for gatherings and activities and well known for hosting the annual Butler Farm Show for over 70 years. 

The Butler Farm Show , typically held in August, is week-long agricultural fair attracts thousands of visitors.

The grounds can hold tens of thousands of people, depending on the event.

Check your VPN, abortion seekers. New 'Vagina Privacy Network' aims to keep data safe

Advocates warn messages, search history, location data and even period trackers can be too easily accessed by police, anti-abortion groups and others..

Two years after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, reproductive rights and data privacy advocates teamed up to launch a new kind of VPN: The Vagina Privacy Network.

The campaign offers a how-to guide on protecting digital privacy for people worried their data could be used against them after they've had an abortion, particularly those in one of the 14 states that ban the procedure. The seven tips range from using encrypted messaging apps to communicating on burner phones, which campaign creator MSI Reproductive Choices has been handing out at reproductive rights marches nationwide, according to Whitney Chinogwenya, the organization’s global marketing manager.

“Confidentiality is quite a big part of searching for information on health, so we really want to protect that,” Chinogwenya said.

The Vagina Privacy Network is just one new tool launched to help people proactively reduce their digital footprint as the legal landscape around abortion and data privacy continues to shift.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation offers a guide on how digital surveillance works and how to protect yourself called Surveillance Self Defense. The Digital Defense Fund has a guide to help people seeking abortions protect their privacy by browsing safely without tracking, private messaging and securing devices with strong passwords.

Advocates say instant messages, search histories, location data and even period trackers can be too easily accessed by not only police, but also anti-abortion groups, friends or family. Authorities have used digital footprints to investigate abortion-related cases long before the Dobbs decision, including in Indiana, where a woman was convicted of feticide in 2015 using evidence including private text messages and emails.

"There's people who have been targeted and whose information has been posted online and whose travel routes to and from home and commutes are also posted," said Cynthia Conti-Cook, director of research and policy at the Surveillance Resistance Lab. "There's a lot of potential use of access to digital information in interpersonal violence, and so the threats can come from within one's family, the threats can come from within one's community if someone disagrees with you."

How data can be used against abortion seekers

Ahead of the high court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, one piece of advice went viral: delete your period tracking apps . But Eva Galperin,  director of cybersecurity at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, said deleting those kinds of apps alone provides a false sense of security.

“It's bad advice because, simply, this is not the data that is being used in these prosecutions right now,” said Galperin.

Galperin said that communications on platforms like Facebook messenger, inquiries on search engines like Google and location data collected by all kinds of apps are among the digital evidence she is most immediately concerned about.

In 2023, a Nebraska woman was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to ordering abortion pills online for her teenage daughter and helping to dispose of the fetus, the Associated Press reported . Norfolk police used a search warrant to gain access to Facebook messages between the pair, which allowed investigators to charge Jessica Burgess with illegally providing an abortion after 20 weeks, the outlet reported.

Facebook parent company Meta said in a blog post about the case that the warrants did not mention abortion and were accompanied by non-disclosure orders that have since been lifted.

Conti-Cook, who authored a 2020 paper on the digital evidence used in abortion prosecutions, found targets of abortion-related prosecutions are often people who "are already very much in the crosshairs of police and prosecutors," like those who are on parole, probation or are being monitored for immigration proceedings.

"It's being used against people who are already targeted and criminalized," she said. "So people who are already either belonging to criminalized community who are relying on criminalized economies."

While law enforcement has the most sophisticated tools for extracting and interpreting our personal data, Conti-Cook said this kind of information can also be accessed by other third parties, noting that reproductive health care providers have increasingly been the target of online harassment and doxxing .

Last year, a Texas man used text messages to file a wrongful death lawsuit against three women he claims helped his ex-wife terminate a pregnancy. In February, an investigation by a U.S. senator and the Wall Street Journal found an anti-abortion group used location data to target women who visited 600 Planned Parenthood locations with anti-abortion advertisements on social media.

"There's a great deal of threats coming from multiple directions," Conti-Cook said.

"It is important to to know and to tell your friends that you do have the right to refuse a search," Conti-Cook said. "You do have the right to refuse consenting to searches of your person, of your belongings, of your car, of your house and of your phone."

What tech companies can do to keep abortion seekers' data private

The Electronic Frontier Foundation published a guide on steps companies can take to make sure they aren't collecting sensitive data about people seeking abortions “so that they don’t have it when the government comes looking for it,” Galperin said. She said some companies have taken steps to increase privacy protections, but with mixed results. A 2023 Washington Post investigation found Google was not consistently deleting location data of people who visited “particularly personal” places, including abortion clinics as the company had promised to do.

The company disputed these claims and said they are following through on their pledge to delete this data. In December, Google announced it would store location data on a user's device and encrypt location data backed up to the cloud, meaning they won't be able to respond to geographical fence or geofence warrants from law enforcement once the update is rolled out, the company said. Geofence warrants allow police to drop a virtual dragnet over crime scenes  and locate people’s phones within about 10 feet of accuracy.

Cold cases cracked by cellphones: How police are using geofence warrants to solve crimes

That same month, Meta began rolling out end-to-end encryption for Messenger, which keeps data entirely private between sender and recipient. Both Meta and Google comply with the majority of government requests for user data, according to their own reports.

"Meta responds to government requests for data in accordance with applicable law and our terms of service," the company says on its transparency website . "Each and every request we receive is carefully reviewed for legal sufficiency and we may reject or require greater specificity on requests that appear overly broad or vague."

Conti-Cook said there's more tech giants like these can do to push back on broad requests from law enforcement. When asked how period and ovulation tracking app Clue would handle a request for user data from U.S. law enforcement, CEO Audrey Tsang told USA TODAY simply "we would not give it up."

"We never want our users' data to be used against them," she said.

Tsang said that because the company is based in Germany, they are required to follow data privacy laws set by the European Union, which she called "some of the strictest in the world." Given that high standard, Tsang the company did not make any changes in how they handle the sensitive data of their more than 10 million users worldwide following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

"I think people everywhere reacted to the fear that perhaps their data could be used against them in some form of reproductive surveillance," she said. "I think that that fear is very understandable. I empathize quite a bit with that. But we've always been very careful with that."

State lawmakers step up efforts to protect data privacy for abortion-seekers

Meanwhile, several states including Washington, Nevada, Connecticut, New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Jersey and California have recently passed or introduced legislation designed to protect sensitive health information, according to Amie Stepanovich, vice president for U.S. policy at The Future of Privacy Forum. In Illinois, a new law went into effect in January that bans providing government license plate reading data to law enforcement in states with abortion bans, the AP ssociated Press reported.

As states like Idaho and Alabama seek to criminalize helping residents travel out of state to obtain an abortion s , Stepanovich noted a federal rule related to the  Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act , also known as HIPAA, was recently updated to prevent healthcare providers from disclosing sensitive information to conduct a criminal, civil, or administrative investigation targeting someone seeking reproductive health care in a state where it remains legal.

After hearing concerns about period tracking apps from constituents, Washington state Rep. Vandana Slatter said she began investigating the issue and learned that HIPAA doesn't apply to all apps and websites. After meeting with dozens of stakeholders, Slatter introduced the My Health, My Data Act, which went into full effect last month.

"What the bill is doing is it ensures, first of all, that deeply personal information about our private health care decisions can't be collected or shared without your consent, and protects the data from being sold to third parties," Slatter said.

The bill also prevents companies from using geofencing to track when people visit places like doctor's offices or hospitals and using that data to serve them advertisements or collect data on their health, Slatter said. Given the popularity of medication abortion, she said these protections may need to be expanded to other vulnerable locations like pharmacies and clinics.

Slatter said she's been contacted by several other lawmakers wanting to enact similar legislation, and she hopes to see more federal protections for reproductive health data. Stepanovich noted that Congress recently canceled a hearing on a piece of privacy legislation called the American Privacy Rights Act.

"I think ultimately, if we're looking at the need to protect individuals across the country and make sure that we have privacy protections available to everybody, that we might need to see federal government action on this," Stepanovich said. "And I don't know if we're in a place where that's going to happen imminently."

Contributing: Ryan Autullo , Austin American-Statesman ; Kinsey Crowley , Ramon Padilla , Javier Zarracina and Brett Molina , USA TODAY ; Reuters