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What is a Logical Network Diagram?

Dulce Corazon
Dulce Corazon

A logical network diagram illustrates the network architecture of a group of interconnected computers and other devices, such as printers, modems, switches, routers, and even mobile devices. These electronic components form the physical network that provides local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN) access to users. In addition to this, a physical network in one area can also be connected to the Internet, providing online access to all connected devices. How these components work together is shown in the diagram.

The information in a logical network diagram contains details that tell users how domain names are assigned, which servers perform specific tasks, and how all network components communicate with each other, frequently taking into consideration security and reliability. Domain names and Internet protocol (IP) addresses give individual components their identification. A physical network diagram shows the physical connections of network components, while a logical one shows how they relate and communicate with each other.

A logical network diagram is an illustration of the networked architecture for a group of interconnected computers or other devices.
A logical network diagram is an illustration of the networked architecture for a group of interconnected computers or other devices.

Most strong network designs require a sophisticated yet robust physical network diagram and a sensible logical network diagram. Before any physical connection is made or any software is installed, the network should have an architecture that is both efficient and elegant. This is why the creation of networking diagrams is often done with care and with much thought.

Printers, modems, switches, routers, mobile devices, and more can all be part of a logical network diagram.
Printers, modems, switches, routers, mobile devices, and more can all be part of a logical network diagram.

Network diagrams do not have to be complicated, and they can just be made using simple shapes with short but descriptive notes or labels. A flow diagram works great because it shows the flow of tasks and data between network components with the use of directional arrows. Tree diagrams may also help to show the hierarchy between network components and tasks. With the right kind of logic applied, diagrams can show different kinds of networks, including computer networks, artificial neural networks, and project management networks, among many others.

An Ethernet cable, which can be used in a Local Area Network (LAN).
An Ethernet cable, which can be used in a Local Area Network (LAN).

In a lot of ways, logical network diagrams are often more useful than physical network diagrams because of their ability to show how things work instead of just showing how things are connected. This type of diagram does not only show the connections between network components, it also shows information about these components and how they function in the larger scheme of things. There are a number of network diagram creation software applications available on the Internet. These applications usually come with templates and pre-drawn shapes and common symbols so users can simply drag and drop these components to create many different kinds of networking diagrams.

Discussion Comments

DylanB

I've seen someone using the software that helps you draw a network diagram. It's really neat, because it has universal symbols that everyone familiar with the software can understand.

healthy4life

@lighth0se33 – A network drawing is always good to have for when something goes wrong. At my office, it seems like every time we have an issue, our IT guy is unavailable. So, we have to figure things out ourselves.

The logical network diagram makes this possible. We still leave things up to the most tech-savvy guys in the office, but even they need to know how everything is hooked together. It's a great backup plan.

lighth0se33

I've always found computer network design confusing. However, even I can understand everything better after looking at a logical network diagram.

I'm glad that someone in the company understood the system well enough to put the diagram together. Now, the rest of us can benefit from his knowledge.

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    • A logical network diagram is an illustration of the networked architecture for a group of interconnected computers or other devices.
      By: Sergey Ilin
      A logical network diagram is an illustration of the networked architecture for a group of interconnected computers or other devices.
    • Printers, modems, switches, routers, mobile devices, and more can all be part of a logical network diagram.
      By: Dmitry
      Printers, modems, switches, routers, mobile devices, and more can all be part of a logical network diagram.
    • An Ethernet cable, which can be used in a Local Area Network (LAN).
      An Ethernet cable, which can be used in a Local Area Network (LAN).