Network Diagram Symbols

A network diagram visually represents a network's architecture, including its equipment, connections, and communication paths. These diagrams use standardized symbols for broader understanding and data coherence. Network administrators and teams rely on these visuals to map out all network elements, which helps in identifying bottlenecks, pinpointing critical activities, and monitoring the network's health.

Network diagrams are also essential for troubleshooting. A clear visual representation of the network enables administrators to quickly identify where an error may have occurred, allowing for a more efficient fix or bypass.

Network diagram symbols are standardized icons that represent the various components of a network, such as computers, workstations, servers, switches, and routers. Using the right symbols makes network diagrams clear, concise, and functional. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. Similarly, these symbols allow users to quickly grasp the network's structure for effective management, planning, and troubleshooting.

• Network diagram symbols provide a graphical representation of network components and structure.
• An accurate diagram facilitates quick and efficient network troubleshooting.
• Administrators use these diagrams with standardized symbols to continuously improve network performance by identifying and removing bottlenecks and risky pathways.
• Delegating tasks becomes easier when you can precisely pinpoint the site of work on a network diagram.

Network diagrams can feature a wide variety of devices and connections, so their symbols are categorized by function or the type of structure they represent.

2.1 Computer Network Icons

Computer network icons include all types of computers and monitors connected to a network. You can use generic symbols like a pad, desktop, or laptop, or more specific ones like MacPro, LCD monitor, or a Windows workstation for greater detail.

Source: EdrawMax

2.2 Network Switch Symbols

Switches and bridges facilitate connections between different devices and peripherals. A switch operates at the data link layer to connect devices, using packet switching to send and receive data. The symbols for network switches show multiple Ethernet ports connecting various devices and can also represent data transfer over telecommunication networks. Bridge symbols, on the other hand, connect two Ethernet networks into a single, larger one, which is essential for diagrams of geographically dispersed networks. While this section shows generic symbols, specific icons from manufacturers like Cisco are also often used.

Source: EdrawMax

2.3 Network Location Icons

A network topology icon library is incomplete without location symbols. These icons represent different physical locations like buildings, neighborhoods, or specific entities such as financial or law firms. Using specific location symbols is crucial for better explaining the network's form and scope.

Source: EdrawMax

2.4 3D Network Icons

3D network topology icons provide a more lifelike representation of network equipment and peripherals. They can be used to make key components of your system more prominent and visible. For example, 3D hacker icons can be used to quickly highlight risky pathways at a glance.

Source: EdrawMax

2.5 Server Rack Icons

Server rack symbols represent the physical racks and equipment that house network devices for organization, cooling, and security. They are commonly used by large businesses for data centers and communication closets.

Source: EdrawMax

2.6 Cisco Icons

Cisco icons are a specific set of network topology symbols designed for Cisco networks. They are used to represent the structure, equipment, and connections within a Cisco-based network. Since Cisco equipment is widely used, having a dedicated symbols library is a great way to improve productivity and efficiency.

Source: EdrawMax

2.7 AWS Icons

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a cloud computing platform. AWS network diagrams are crucial for documenting a customized solution and its infrastructure. Specially designed AWS icons support these diagrams, providing clarity and functionality.

Source: EdrawMax

2.8 Azure Icons

Microsoft Azure is Microsoft's cloud computing platform, supporting a wide range of services. The Azure network diagram symbols library contains icons and symbols for creating visual representations of Azure network infrastructure.

Source: EdrawMax

2.9 GCP Icons

The Google Cloud Platform (GCP) icons library contains symbols for creating diagrams that represent your organization's GCP infrastructure. These icons cover various categories like networking, big data, computing, and security.

Source: EdrawMax

2.10 Active Directory Icons

Active Directory icons and symbols visually represent the users, resources, and security rules within an active directory. These diagrams are vital for network documentation and should be kept up-to-date.

Source: EdrawMax

2.11 LDAP Icons

LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) is used for efficient access to user information. The LDAP icons library includes symbols for geographical locations, object classes, and services. These diagrams help administrators plan, manage, and troubleshoot the LDAP infrastructure to ensure optimal performance.

Source: EdrawMax

2.12 Video and Audio Ports

Video and audio ports and connectors are devices used for transmitting signals. Due to the variety of these devices, a dedicated library of symbols is necessary to accurately represent them in network diagrams.

Source: EdrawMax

2.13 Network Peripheral Devices

This category includes network devices like routers, modems, firewalls, and shared peripherals such as scanners and printers. These symbols are used in network diagrams to represent permissions and security systems for devices shared among network users.

Source: EdrawMax

Network diagrams are vital documents for planning, managing, and troubleshooting networks. Using standardized symbols ensures clarity and accuracy for all stakeholders. EdrawMax is a reliable, dedicated diagramming software with an extensive library of symbols for various types of network diagrams. It offers separate libraries for all the symbol types discussed, and you can also use pre-designed templates to save time. Let's explore how EdrawMax works.

EdrawMax is a comprehensive solution for all network and cloud diagrams. It features dedicated libraries for AWS, Cisco, GCP, and many more. Here is a step-by-step guide to using network diagram symbols in EdrawMax.

4.1 How to Use Network Diagram Symbols in EdrawMax

Step1 Launch and Sign In to EdrawMax

New users can begin by registering an account with the official EdrawMax website. Once signed in, you can start your network visualization from scratch or use a template. Templates are free, professionally designed sample diagrams available in the Templates Community. You can use these to learn how to create effective network diagrams and download them without any extra cost.

Step2 Select Required Network Diagram Symbols

To create a diagram from scratch, go to "Network" > "Basic Network Diagram," which will open a clean canvas. If you prefer templates, go to the Templates Community and search for a suitable one. Browse the extensive Symbol Library on the left pane. EdrawMax offers a wide variety of symbols, but you can also import your own or create new ones. To add more libraries, simply click the symbol library link and select from the list.

Step3 Drag and Drop

Once you find the network diagram symbols you need, simply drag and drop them onto the canvas. Customize your diagram by choosing the right symbols, adjusting their scale, and adding details like color and font. After completing your network diagram, you can easily export or share it. For more detailed instructions, refer to the Network Diagram Guide.

Step4 Save and Export

When your work is finished, save, download, and export your diagram. The export feature allows you to convert your EdrawMax file into portable formats like PDF, PPT, and JPEG, making it easy to share without platform dependencies. The export option can be found in the "File" menu in EdrawMax.

4.2 How to Import and Create More Network Diagram Symbols in EdrawMax

You can also import new symbols into EdrawMax or create your own from scratch. To do so, navigate to "New Library" in the menu under "Libraries." This will open a new blank library on the left pane, which you can name and add new symbols to from EdrawMax or your computer.

Step1 Find Symbol Tool

If you can't find a symbol that meets your needs, you can use the **Pencil**, **Pen**, and **Anchor** tools to draw your own custom symbols. Creating your own symbol is often easier than searching for a specific one. You can also save your custom symbol to your library for future use.

• Select "Symbols" on the upper toolbar.
• Use the "Pencil Tool", "Pen Tool", and "Anchor Tool" to draw a symbol from scratch.
• Choose tools like "Union", "Combine", "Subtract", "Fragment", "Intersect", and "Smart Shape" to create your symbols.

Step2 Create Network Diagram Symbols

Creating network icons in EdrawMax is similar to creating a new diagram. Draw your symbols on the canvas using the shapes in the left pane, then modify them with the "Symbols" menu on the toolbar. You can use various tools like the Pencil tool and Pen tool, and you can also use "Symbols > Symbols Tools" to further manipulate them.

• Use different pen styles to create various parts of your symbol.
• Ensure that the illustration within the shape does not overlap its boundaries.
• Use the appropriate colors to represent the icon effectively.

Step3 Import Symbols

Next to the 'My Library' title, you'll find an "Import" button. Clicking this opens a dialog where you can import images in formats like SVG and VSSX. The option to import EDT/EDL files is for adding libraries you have previously created.

Step4 Save to Your Symbol Libraries

Once you have finished designing or importing your symbols, click "Symbols" on the top toolbar and choose "Save Symbol" to add it to your library. Alternatively, you can click the "+" icon in the "My Library" section on the left toolbar. For a more detailed guide, check out this Network Diagram Guide.

EdrawMax is a free and reliable network diagram software that helps you create clear and effective diagrams for systems, concepts, and processes. It supports a vast range of symbols and icons for virtually any type of diagram.

Key Features of EdrawMax:

• A user-friendly, intuitive interface with an ergonomic layout of tools, libraries, and menus.
• Supports over 26,000 symbols for more than 260 types of diagrams, with a searchable, hierarchical structure of symbol libraries.
• Offers a web-based program for platform independence, and diagrams can be easily shared and distributed by exporting to popular formats like PDF, PPT, and JPEG.
• Access a wealth of professional designs in the Templates Community, where you can download and modify pre-designed templates to learn from or get a quick start.
• A fully-featured trial version is available for free.
• Online cloud storage enables team collaboration and provides a secure online archive.

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Network diagram symbols are essential for illustrating your system, planning, designing, and troubleshooting. EdrawMax simplifies this process by providing a vast, hierarchically structured library of network diagram symbols. It's a user-friendly tool that supports all types of network diagrams and a wide variety of symbols.

EdrawMax is an excellent network diagram tool for creating detailed diagrams with a fully stocked icon library. You can also use other libraries to add more descriptions to your diagrams, and the Templates Community is a great resource for getting started quickly.

Network Diagram Complete Guide

Check this complete guide to know everything about the network diagram, like network diagram types, network symbols, and how to make a network diagram.

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