

To note: Since logical and physical network maps depict the same network environment from two different perspectives, it’s best to use both types to get a more comprehensive look at your network.Ī functional network map shows you how application traffic flows through the network physically. This includes IP addresses, firewalls, routers, subnets and subnet masks, traffic flow, voice gateways, and other segments of the network. It shows the type of network topology (bus, ring, etc.), and how the data flows between the physical objects in your network. A physical network map gives you a visual representation of all the material elements of your network and the connections between them.Ī logical map is more abstract than the physical network map. There are three levels of maps to consider-physical, logical, and functional.Ī physical network map diagrams all the actual components of your network, including cords, plugs, racks, ports, servers, cables, and more. While open-source network mapping tools can create a physical network map, they may not offer automated scanning to ensure the map is always up to date. There are two main levels of maps to consider: physical and logical.

Skip to Best Network Mappers list > What Are Network Maps? For top-line solutions I recommend SolarWinds ® Network Performance Monitor and Network Topology Mapper, both easy-to-use tools capable of mapping your network along with providing important data and performance metrics. There are a number of quality tools on the market, paid and free, which I’ll go into after a review of the network mapping process. I’ve found using a network mapping tool is a much better approach-especially if it can map your network for you automatically.

But approaching this process manually with a large or complex network can quickly become overwhelming.
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You can always adjust, delete, or insert a new choice later.Īfter making your choices, the graphic you've selected will appear on the page. Think through your project and the process you are describing choose the design option that best meets your needs. After selecting the general category, additional options will appear for you to choose from. The Process option typically is a good choice for flowcharts, but the choice is yours. Within SmartArt, you'll find an array of graphic options to choose from. (Scroll down for instructions for Shapes.) You can either use SmartArt or Shapes from the Insert tab. For example, SmartArt is selected below in Word 2013. In Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, or Excel, you have two options for creating flowcharts.
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