snekerpimp

Network Topology Diagram/Map Tools?

https://lemmy.world/post/2292414

Network Topology Diagram/Map Tools? - Lemmy.world

I am trying to finally get my homelab organized, and I need assistance visualizing my network. I am just wondering if there are tools out there that assist with this. I have tried the paint and gimp routes, and I find myself spending more time trying to make it look good and organized rather than actually mapping my network. Is there any utility out there that is purpose build just for visualizing network topology? Or am I better off with just graph paper, pencil and a straight edge?

Jul 28, 2023 at 12:56pmWeb
Show threadLittle1LostJul 28, 2023
maybe cisco packet tracer or better look for an alternative that does not need an account
the software is made for emulationg networks and packet is annoying for even simulationg the powerbutton that have to be turned by EVERY SINGLE on connecting cables progsoft.net/de/software/cisco-packet-tracer
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Show threadslazer2auJul 28, 2023

Are you looking for a Visio type program? Draw.io is a free alternative.

If you want something crawls your managed switch for LLDP or CDP info then maybe a monitoring system like LibreNMS has a map feature.

Show threadklangcolaJul 28, 2023

Yes! I can not recommend draw.io aka diagrams.net enough! (I still don’t understand why it has two names and which name is the current “correct” one)

It works both in the browser, or as a downloadable standalone application that works 100% offline.

My favourite feature is exporting PNG or PDF with the complete diagram XML embedded as metadata, which means they can be opened and edited again by draw.io

It’s very useful not only for networking, but all sorts of diagramming needs

Show threadstatic09Jul 28, 2023

The old name is draw.io with the self-hosted version keeping that name. The current name is diagrams.net hosted on their servers.

In the end, it’s all the same

Show threadsnekerpimpJul 28, 2023
My omada switches give me a basic topology, which gave me the notion that I might want to pre-plan plugging things in. I hear nothing but draw.io, so I guess I’ll have to check them out. thanks
Show threadJesterRaiinJul 28, 2023

I have tried the paint and gimp routes,

😱

Man, MS WORD features block diagrams, that might be connectd to one another with adjustable lines and it will be far superior tool to either of these abominations…

There are also countless tools that might help you, that are either dedicated to this task, or simply useful enough to get the job done.

Network Diagram Tool - Free Online Network Diagram Maker

Easily create network diagrams, layouts and much more in minutes with SmartDraw. Anyone can make visual network drawings quickly.

Show threadsnekerpimpJul 28, 2023
I use obsidian for my project notes, why did I not think of that. thanks!
Show threadJesterRaiinJul 28, 2023
It often takes a different pair of eyes to see the hidden potential. 😎
Show threadtychosmooseJul 28, 2023

I tried draw.io, but ended up liking LibreOffice Draw better for hand-drawing.

If you want to get a live map of the connections on your network you may want to check out netdisco.org or librenms.org. Both are open source network management tools that have mapping.

Show threadvegetaaaaaaaJul 28, 2023

dia diagram editor (desktop application). I like that .dia diagrams can be exported to PNG by command-line so this fits well in my automated setup (edit diagram in dia, run make doc, PNG diagram updated and embedded in my projects README).

As others said, draw.io is also nice.

Debian -- Details of package dia in bookworm

Show threaddiggitJul 28, 2023
Best I was able to find was lucid chart, worked great, but I’ll have to check out diagrams.net based on all these comments.
Show threadabrerAug 1, 2023
Draw.io is pretty amazing.
Flowchart Maker & Online Diagram Software

draw.io is free online diagram software for making flowcharts, process diagrams, org charts, UML, ER and network diagrams