![]() Often, it’s more important to understand how data is transmitted between devices and how data behaves in your network, which doesn’t necessarily match the underlying physical layout. However, this isn’t necessarily the most useful type of diagram to create. In a sense, this is the most “accurate” representation of your network, as you’re portraying how the actual elements are laid out and connected in a material sense. A physical network topology diagram will include icons of elements like workstations, servers, routers, and switches, while the lines between these elements represent cable connections. ![]() When you map your physical network topology, the focus is on the physical devices and the cable connections between them. ![]() Diagrams can range from hand-drawn maps to automated, highly customizable software diagrams, but regardless of how sophisticated the diagram is, it’s important to understand whether you want it to refer to physical topology or logical topology. These diagrams consist of nodes and lines, with different icons to make it easy to quickly see different elements on the network. Network diagrams are the schematic representations of the underlying physical or logical network topologies. For this reason, a network could technically have one underlying physical topology describing the cable connections, and a different logical topology describing how data flows between devices, which is why it’s important to clarify which type of diagram, physical or logical, you want to create and use. But in the case of logical network topology, the connections between the nodes refer to data flow, which does not necessarily follow the cabling. Each of these topologies has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of data flow, efficiency, cost, and other factors.Īs is further explained below, in the case of physical network topology, the “connections” between network elements refer to physical cables. Other possible topologies include dual-ring, which allows data to flow two directions in a circle, a tree topology with a branching structure, and a mesh topology where individual nodes are connected to multiple other nodes. In a ring topology, each node is connected only to the ones on either side, so data flows in a circle. In a bus topology, devices are arranged along a line, with data flowing in one direction. A star topology arranges nodes around a central hub. While the topic is thoroughly covered in other articles, it’s worth reiterating the basic topology types. There are a few main types of network topologies, which can apply to both physical and logical network layouts. Topologies describe the layout of elements in a network and the connections between them. The Basics of Physical and Logical Network Topologiesĭiagramming networks accurately relies on understanding the underlying topologies. Start Enjoying the Benefits of Logical and Physical Network Diagrams.The Benefits of Network Diagram Software (+ Recommended Tool).The Purpose of Physical and Logical Network Diagrams.The Basics of Physical and Logical Network Topologies.If you’re looking for physical or logical network diagram software, look no further than SolarWinds ® Network Topology Mapper (NTM), my top choice for streamlining the network mapping and diagramming process, from discovering devices and scheduling scans to customizing visual elements and sharing maps with your team. Whether you prefer to use a logical or physical network diagram, it’s worthwhile to find a way to automate the diagramming process as much as possible. But what type of map is more useful, a logical network diagram or a physical network diagram? It’s useful to understand the merits of both, though for most admins, logical network diagrams are the more common choice, as they offer a look at the flow of data in the network. For network IT admins, network diagrams can be invaluable, as they offer a quick visual overview of the IT environment.
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