Logical Network Topology Diagram
Build complex, accurate, and detailed logical network diagrams
Logical network diagrams provide bird’s-eye views of networks, which is invaluable in large or complex environments. However, these maps can be difficult and time-consuming to create manually.
SolarWinds® Network Topology Mapper (NTM) is designed to make logical network topology mapping easier. This software automatically discovers devices across your entire network and can generate detailed diagrams based on their connections typically in just a few minutes. After you’ve mapped your network, you can modify node details to keep the network diagram updated as changes occur.
Maximize your time and effort by creating multiple network diagrams from a single scan
A single logical network diagram is often not enough to capture the complexity of your entire network, but sometimes you don’t have the time to perform constant scans.
With NTM, you can use a single scan to create multiple maps with detailed graphics and statistics to help you drill down to the interface level. NTM can also perform multi-level network topology discovery, integrating port level (Layer 2) and logical connectivity (Layer 3), so you can build a deeper understanding of the relationships between devices on your network.
Troubleshoot quickly and effectively using automated discovery
Logical network topology software like NTM can be essential for troubleshooting. Automated discovery is designed to make it easier to gain visibility into your network and pinpoint problem areas at a glance. The resulting logical network diagrams can help you dig deeper into troubleshooting by highlighting complex relationships you might not have noticed before. NTM logical network topology software also includes alerts to help notify you when a certain event, condition, or threshold has been breached.
Use logical and physical network diagrams to enhance network management
Following network management best practices can be challenging in a diverse IT environment, especially if you can’t keep track of your numerous servers, workstations, desktops, and personal devices.
NTM makes it easier to create network diagrams to keep track of inventory and helps maintain these physical and logical network diagrams, which means you can refer to updated views at any time. NTM’s diagrams are built to automatically update and detect any changes made to elements like routers, switches, desktops, VoIP phones, and wireless access points, so you always have an accurate account of what’s on the network.
Help demonstrate PCI regulatory compliance with network topology maps
You can get the most out of network diagram software by using physical and logical network maps to help demonstrate compliance. NTM is built to be FIPS 140-2 compliant and can help you demonstrate compliance with SOX, HIPAA, and regulations like PCI that require maintaining an up-to-date network topology.
With NTM maps, there’s no more scrambling to account for your devices when it comes time for an audit. Also, NTM can generate custom reports based on your maps, so you can provide an even more detailed record of network information.
Get More on Logical Network Diagrams
Why is a network diagram important?
Logical and physical network diagrams are important because they can provide comprehensive overviews of networks. In diverse environments, it can be challenging to get a handle on devices, servers, workstations, and virtual machines in your network, and sometimes standard inventory lists get overwhelming.
A network diagram uses visual elements to make it easier to see what’s on your network and better understand relationships between objects. Other benefits of network diagramming include:
- Faster troubleshooting
- More informed capacity planning
- Fewer redundancies
- More accurate firewalls
- Easier network information sharing
- Better network management
What is a logical network diagram?
A logical network diagram is a visual representation of how information flows on your network, particularly the relationship between nodes and connections. Logical network diagrams map the information that takes invisible hops between points.
A logical network diagram typically includes the following elements:
- Subnets and subnet masks
- Network objects like firewalls and routers
- Network segments
- Routing domains
- Voice gateways
- Specific routing protocols
What are the main differences between logical and physical network diagrams?
The physical vs. logical network diagram distinction can be boiled down to a difference in scope. A physical network diagram depicts the network topology with the physical aspects like ports, cables, racks, and more. A logical network diagram, on the other hand, shows the “invisible” elements and connections flowing through the physical objects on the network.
Therefore, physical vs. logical network diagrams offer two different perspectives on and representations of the same network. Logical network diagrams answer the “how” while physical network diagrams answer the “what.” By using both types of network diagrams, you can create the fullest possible picture of a network.
What does network diagram software do?
Manual diagramming networks can be time-consuming, error-prone, and often requires constant updating. Network diagram software does the heavy lifting for you by automating the creation and constant updating of logical and physical network maps.
Network mapping software is built to scan your network and automatically discover objects on your network. Once everything has been detected, the software can create maps showing the functional relationships between elements. If node statuses change or more objects get added to the network, the logical network diagram software can automatically update and keep maps as accurate as possible.
How do network diagrams work in SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper (NTM)?
SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper (NTM) is designed to be a lightweight, user-friendly network mapping software with logical and physical diagramming capabilities designed to give you a better understanding of your network.
The solution offers a wide range of features to streamline and automate the network diagramming process and ease the burden on your team. NTM supports multiple discovery methods, including SNMP v1-v3, ICMP, WMI, CDP, VMware, Hyper-V, and more. Each map is automatically updated as your environment changes, helping you stay up to date. You can also customize the different icons to create the visual interface that works for you.
NTM can also help you demonstrate compliance with physical and logical network diagrams that can provide accurate inventory lists for auditing purposes. NTM is also FIPS 140-2 compliant.
Why is a network diagram important?
Logical and physical network diagrams are important because they can provide comprehensive overviews of networks. In diverse environments, it can be challenging to get a handle on devices, servers, workstations, and virtual machines in your network, and sometimes standard inventory lists get overwhelming.
A network diagram uses visual elements to make it easier to see what’s on your network and better understand relationships between objects. Other benefits of network diagramming include:
- Faster troubleshooting
- More informed capacity planning
- Fewer redundancies
- More accurate firewalls
- Easier network information sharing
- Better network management
Take a deep dive into your network with a logical network diagram
Network Topology Mapper
- Automatically discover physical and logical network topology using ICMP, SNMP, VMware, and more.
- Create many network topology maps from a single scan.
- Use logical and physical network diagrams to demonstrate regulatory PCI compliance.
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