How to Draw a Network Topology Diagram

Edraw Content Team

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A network topology diagram visually represents a network's devices, connections, and paths. It is used to graphically display and describe the flow of information within a computer network. The primary purpose of a network diagram is to simplify complex and lengthy connections and help understand them.

A basic network topology drawing can show the primary pieces of your network and how those pieces are connected, while detailed ones help understand how a network is set up and quickly identify errors or bugs. Many organizations use network diagrams for project management, debugging, network structures, computer networking, etc. IT professionals draw network diagrams to structure networks for both professional and personal use.

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1. What Is Included in a Network Topology Diagram

Network topology diagrams show the components of a network, how they are connected and how they work with each other. Physical network diagrams comprise pieces of hardware in a network, whereas logical network diagrams illustrate information flow in the Network. Essentially, your network drawing needs to account for every device and any digital path that connects each device. Network diagrams commonly use symbols like device, firewall, server, cloud, signal, and router. Here are the main components included in a professional network topology diagram:

Servers:

A server is a dedicated computer that provides services on behalf of clients, such as ordinary desktop computers or workstations. So, it is a centralized machine where multiple clients connect over the Internet or in a local area network (LAN). They connect to the server for a specific service. The main purpose of servers is to house your data. Businesses opt for onsite servers or cloud server hosting, depending on the size and nature of the organization.

Computers:

Computers are assigned as the personal workstation to employees within an organization. It is essential to understand and record what data passes between employee computers and the rest of the Network, as employees are your biggest cybersecurity risk.

Mobile Devices:

Mobile devices also present a significant risk. Employees can't carry company computers out of the premises, but it is common for careless personnel to leave mobile devices lying about. Network diagrams are used to track what data passes back and forth from mobile devices.

Ethernet and Router:

Ethernet is a communication standard developed in the early 80s to network computers and other devices in a local environment such as at home or building. It connects multiple devices so they can create, store and share information with others in the location. Ethernet is a wired system that uses twisted-pair copper and fiber optic wiring. Routers are used in homes, small businesses, and larger organizations. Router passes your Internet connection to all of your devices in your home or business and directs it to all of your computers, tablets, phones, etc. Routers have a bundle switch with multiple parts so that you can connect multiple devices using an Ethernet cable connection.

Printers:

Printers are used to create a hard copy of digital data. Modern printers are wireless and connect to multiple devices. Many IT personnel forget that printers also send and receive data. Thus, printers are also integrated into an organization's IT network. Therefore, network diagrams should document how printers fit into the company network.

Network Security Measures:

Firewalls and authentication tools also form part of a network diagram. These components identify access points and remedial response measures in the event of a breach or malicious intrusion. Therefore, they should be accounted for and represented within a network system.

Web Service or Presence:

Various data passes from web services to the rest of the Network. It is essential to document and present the flow of that data. Thus, network diagrams are also used for consumer data mapping.

Remember to add these important elements to your topology diagram:

Servers;
Computers;
Routers and ethernet;
Mobile devices;
Printers;
Network security measures;
Web services;

2. Preparations for Drawing a Network Topology Diagram

Now that you have decided to work on a network diagram and are now on the stage to plan one for your organization or personal IT system, there are a couple of tips that you should follow before you start designing the network topology drawing. To draw a network diagram from scratch, you have to make a few preparations. Here are the things you need to do:

Determine The Type

Before designing or planning the Network, consider what type of network diagram you have to create. There are two main types of network diagrams, logical and physical. Then you can choose the layout. For example, do you want to create a star, linear, ring, or basic network topology?

List down steps

Prepare a list of all the main activities included in the project and how they depend on each other. This will help plan and synchronize the process.

Create An Outline

Draft the Network roughly by creating an outline of the main connections. You can draw by hand using a soft pencil and an eraser. You can revise any part of the drawing.

Estimate Time

The estimate of the time required for each activity is made considering human resources and equipment available. In some instances, professionals make assumptions based on statistical analysis and experience.

Computations

Then scheduling computations are done to get the earliest and latest allowable start and finish times for each activity, identify critical paths, and indicate the amount of slack on non-critical paths.

3. How to Draw a Network Topology Diagram in General

There are many different ways to create a network topology diagram but is a general guide to drawing network diagrams:

Pick a Medium:

You can create a network diagram using a pen and paper, a whiteboard, or a diagramming tool. We recommend using EdrawMax, a professional drawing tool designed for technical drawing. It is more efficient and effective than drawing by hand.

Choose a Network:

Pick the Network you want to illustrate. The diagram could focus on a personal computer or an entire company network. Once you have decided what type of Network you want to draw, set limits on the outside connections you want to include. Make sure the diagram is concise to avoid cluttering.

Add Relevant Equipment:

Start placing any equipment involved, such as computers, routers, servers, and other components. You can use visual representations and add the names to each element for better clarity.

Add Other Important Components:

You can add other essential components like internet connections, firewalls, etc. Once again, use visual representations and add text descriptions where needed.

Add Text:

Add text to label each component to make it easy to understand. You can also number each element and attach a key/legend with descriptions to avoid cluttering the diagram.

Draw Connecting Lines:

Use lines with directional arrows to show how each component is connected and related to another.

Final Formatting:

Review the diagram and adjust the placement, size, color, and other features of your diagram until you are satisfied.

How to Draw a Network Topology Diagram in General:

Overview of the Standard Method of Drawing Network Topology Diagrams:

Pick a Medium;
Choose a Network;
Add Relevant Equipment;
Add Other Important Components;
Add Text;
Draw Connecting Lines;
Final Formatting;

4. How to Draw a Network Topology Diagram in EdrawMax

EdrawMax is an all-in-one drawing and graphics tool used to create different types of visual content, including network diagrams. Edraw works as a free network diagram tool that anyone can use, from a beginner to an expert. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide to designing network topology in EdrawMax using two different methods.

4.1 Draw Network Topology Diagrams from Scratch

Step1 Open EdrawMax & Login

If you are using the offline version of EdrawMax, then open the tool in your system. If you wish to have remote collaboration, head to EdrawMax Download and log in using your registered email address. If this is your first time using the tool, you can register yourself using your personal or professional email address.