What Is Network Topology? – IT Glossary | SolarWinds

How to make a network topology map

IT teams can visualize overall network architecture by creating a network topology map or diagram. They can also track and troubleshoot various network issues by assessing the flow of information and interdependencies among different components through these maps. To manually create a network diagram, IT teams should first list all network components, then draw the components on paper and connect them through separate lines to depict their relationships.

Manually creating such a diagram is often time-consuming and perplexing for IT staff, with a high possibility of errors. And with an increase in network devices, managing such handmade maps can be tedious and complex. Therefore, using an automated tool like network topology software is preferable for IT teams. Such software automatically scans all the components in a network and their dependencies to create an accurate and up-to-date network diagram with several customization options.

Network topology software also generates multiple maps in a single network scan with high accuracy and detailed insights. It can help IT teams schedule daily or weekly scans to track every minor alteration in their network topologies, such as the addition and/or removal of devices and configuration changes. IT teams can also generate integrated Layer 2 and Layer 3 network maps, export them as a PDF, PNG, and other formats, and monitor network performance, asset availability, and compliance status using network topology software reporting and inventory management tools.