Here are the main network topologies to be aware of: When you map your network, you’re basically mapping its topology into a visual network diagram. The structure can have a major effect on how your network functions, what happens when a device or server goes down, and how complex it is to manage. Networks are set up in different structures, also called topologies. The network map generally equips you with information about whether the network is functioning properly or whether any particular device has a problem. Network mapping is the process of visualizing all the devices on your network, how they’re connected, and how the overall network is structured. These types of network maps are only as useful as they are accurate, which means you need an appropriate and high-quality tool.

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. Mapping your network is vitally important for keeping on top of how it’s performing, as well as for pinpointing bottlenecks or network issues, and troubleshooting problems.

Best free network topology mapper