NTM can discover your entire network in typically a few minutes, creating comprehensive and detailed maps. This lets you produce an integrated OSI Layer 2 and Layer 3 network map with detailed device information. With numerous discovery methods at your disposal, you can perform multi-level network discovery. This tool automatically discovers network topology using SNMP, WMI, ICMP, VMware, CDP, Microsoft Hyper-V, and more. If you’re looking for a Cisco-supported, enterprise-grade tool capable of creating accurate and reliable network topology diagrams, then SolarWinds NTM comes highly recommended. SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper (NTM).Network diagramming software should be featured in every network administrator’s toolkit, ensuring your network diagrams are accurate, up to date, and clear. Some of the best software for network diagrams can automatically detect your network and map it out according to your custom settings. The individual or team responsible for creating the network diagram should also have a proven understanding of which type of diagram is best suited to your company’s requirements.Īn automated network diagram tool can save you time and resources by creating the network diagram for you. This should include network switch diagrams, computer network diagrams, and network security diagrams.
To ensure your network diagram is accurate, it should be created by a highly experienced member of your team who’s familiar with different types of network diagrams. Why Do Businesses Need Network Diagramming Software?Ĭreating a detailed network diagram can be time-consuming and resource intensive. Network diagrams are also useful for keeping track of components, sending relevant information to a vendor for a request for proposal (RFP) without needing to disclose sensitive information, selling a network proposal to stakeholders, and proposing high-level syslog infrastructure alterations. It also serves as a helpful reference point to help solve network issues quickly and efficiently. A clear and detailed network diagram can save businesses a significant amount of time when onboarding new team members. Network diagrams can also be used to report and troubleshoot network problems, while helping ensure your business complies with PCI and other requirements.īusinesses often use network diagrams as documentation for external communication, onboarding, and training activities. Network diagrams can help you plan the structure of a new home or professional network, in addition to supporting the coordination of updates to an existing network. Why Are Network Diagrams Useful?īecause network diagrams provide insight into how network components interact, they can be useful for several reasons. This type of diagram provides a bird’s-eye view of the network in a physical space, much like a floorplan. Physical Network DiagramsĪ physical network diagram, as its name suggests, shows the actual physical arrangement of the network components. This means a logical network diagram will usually display subnets (i.e., VLAN IDs, addresses, and masks), routing protocols, and network devices like firewalls and routers. Logical Network DiagramsĪ logical network diagram addresses how information passes through a network. Each of these network diagrams focuses on a single component or aspect of a network. A network diagram can be physical or logical.ĭifferent types of network diagrams include network switch diagrams, computer network diagrams, and network security diagrams. As an example, a Local Area Network (LAN) diagram might show the IP addresses of individual devices, while a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) diagram might represent areas or buildings with a single node. Depending on the scope and purpose, a network diagram may provide a simple overview of the network or a more detailed network diagram. This includes routers, hubs, firewalls, devices, and other components. Skip to Best Network Diagram Tools List > What Is a Network Diagram?Ī network diagram provides a visual representation of a computer network, displaying how the individual components of a network interact. If you’re looking for the best software for network diagrams that meets your business’ specific requirements, NTM comes highly recommended. For those who don’t have time to read the full list, SolarWinds ® Network Topology Mapper (NTM) ranks highest as an automated network diagram tool that’s easy to use, advanced, and comprehensive. This guide will help you choose the best network diagram software for your business, considering user-friendliness, suitability for business use, sophistication of features, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. With so many network diagram tools on the market, choosing between them can be a challenge.
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