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A comparison of network diagram software finds a number of tools exist to generate computer network diagrams. Broadly, there are three types of tools that help create network maps and diagrams:
My favorite tool is called 'the inturn'. The inturn can be trained in propper use of Microsoft Visio, SSH, and HTTPS. The inturn can also be made highly available by hiring multiple of them. Ultimately, having the inturn perform network discovery will also indirectly train potential future hires by providing familiarity with your environment. When you think of network diagramming, Microsoft Visio is usually the first tool that comes to mind. However, Visio does have its drawbacks, especially when it comes to autodiscovery.
- Hybrid tools
- Network Monitoring tools
- Drawing tools
Network mapping and drawing software support IT systems managers to understand the hardware and software services on a network and how they are interconnected. Network maps and diagrams are a component of network documentation. They are required artifacts to better manage IT systems' uptime, performance, security risks, plan network changes and upgrades.
Hybrid tools[edit]
These tools have capabilities in common with drawing tools and network monitoring tools. They are more specialized than general drawing tools and provide network engineers and IT systems administrators a higher level of automation and the ability to develop more detailed network topologies and diagrams. Typical capabilities include but not limited to:
- Displaying port / interface information on connections between devices on the maps
- Visualizing VLANs / subnets
- Visualizing virtual servers and storage
- Visualizing flow of network traffic across devices and networks
- Displaying WAN and LAN maps by location
- Importing network configuration files to generate topologies automatically
Examples of commercially-available hybrid tools include:
Network monitoring tools[edit]
![Tool Tool](http://pcwdld.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Microsoft-Visio-Network-Diagrams.jpg)
Some network monitoring tools generate visual maps by automatically scanning the network using network discovery protocols. The maps are ideally suited for viewing network monitoring status and issues visually. Typical capabilities include but not limited to:
- Automatically scanning the network using SNMP, WMI, etc.
- Scanning Windows and Unix servers
- Scanning virtual hosts
- Scanning routing protocols
- Scanning connection speeds
- Performing scheduled scans
- Tracking changes to the network
Drawing tools[edit]
These tools help users to create network topology diagrams by adding icons to a canvas and using lines and connectors to draw linkages between nodes. This category of tools is similar to general drawing and paint tools. Typical capabilities include but not limited to:
- Libraries of icons for devices
- Ability to add shapes and annotations to maps
- Ability to create free-form diagrams
List of network monitoring tools that generate network maps[edit]
Some notable tools (may not be an exhaustive list):
Name | License | Deployment | Platforms |
---|---|---|---|
netTransformer | GPL | Desktop | Windows/Linux/macOS |
OpenNMS | AGPLv3 | Desktop | Linux, macOS, others |
SolarWinds | Proprietary | Desktop | Windows |
PathSolutions | Proprietary | Desktop | Windows |
Spiceworks | Proprietary | Desktop | Windows |
List of drawing tools[edit]
Some notable tools (may not be an exhaustive list):
Name | License | Deployment | Platforms |
---|---|---|---|
Cacoo (Software) | Proprietary | SaaS | Windows, macOS |
ConceptDraw PRO | Proprietary | Desktop | Windows, macOS |
Microsoft Visio | Proprietary | Desktop | Windows |
SmartDraw | Proprietary | Desktop | Windows |
Lucidchart | Proprietary | SaaS | Linux, macOS, Windows |
Gliffy | Proprietary | SaaS | Linux, macOS, Windows |
See also[edit]
External links[edit]
- 'Cisco Brand Center / Network Topology Icons'. www.cisco.com. Retrieved 2018-04-09.
- 'Cisco Unified Communications System for IP Telephony: Microsoft Visio network topology diagrams (resp. diagram templates)'. www.cisco.com. Retrieved 2018-04-09.
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