Build a Network Diagram Lab Begin Your Network Diagram Draft

Learning objective: By the end of this lesson, students will be able to create a first draft of a network diagram in draw.io, representing the key components and connections of General Co.’s network.

Exercise

With your list of General Co.’s network components in hand, it’s time to start your diagram. Remember, the goal is to create a clear, accurate visual representation of the network that will be useful for troubleshooting, planning, and communicating with stakeholders.

  1. Create a new diagram in draw.io. You can start with a blank diagram or use one of the network diagram templates.

  2. Start adding shapes for each of the network components you identified earlier. Use the Network shape library in the sidebar. For each component, choose a shape that best represents its function (router, switch, server, and so on).

  3. Arrange your shapes in a logical layout that reflects the structure of General Co.’s network. For example, you might put the internet connection and router at the top, the firewall below that, and then the switches, servers, and so on.

  4. Add text labels to your shapes to clearly identify what each component is.

  5. Use lines to connect the shapes and represent the connections between components. Use the connector tool for this.

  6. Label the connections with the type of connection (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, VPN) if known.

  7. If your diagram is getting complex, consider using colors, line styles, or other visual elements to differentiate different types of components or connections. For example, you might use red for the internet connection, black for Ethernet, and blue for Wi-Fi.

  8. Don’t forget to represent the cloud services (Microsoft 365 and AWS) in your diagram. You can use cloud-shaped icons from the Network shape library.

  9. If you use non-standard symbols or color coding, add a legend to your diagram to explain their meaning.

As you work on your diagram, refer to the network description and your component list from earlier. Make sure you’re not leaving anything out or misrepresenting any connections.

This is your first draft, so don’t worry if it’s not perfect. The main goal at this stage is to get all the key components and connections represented on the canvas.

In the next exercise, you’ll have a chance to review and refine your diagram.

If you get stuck or have questions, consult the draw.io documentation. And remember, diagramming is as much an art as a science. Trust your intuition about what makes a clear, effective visual representation.

Good luck, and happy diagramming!