Types of Cisco Network Diagrams with Examples

Cisco network diagrams are used to visualize the topology and design of Cisco Networks. Commonly used by network and system administrators and IT professionals, Cisco network diagrams are drawn using Cisco network symbols and icons.

What is a Cisco Network Diagram?

A Cisco network diagram is a visual map of a computer network infrastructure that uses Cisco networking devices. It represents the network’s topology, device connections, data flow, IP addresses, VLANs, and security devices.

Who Uses Them?

Network administrators use Cisco network diagrams to troubleshoot problems, plan network changes, and document the network for future reference. IT managers use Cisco network diagrams to understand the network and make decisions about how to improve it. Cisco network diagrams are also utilized by business users to understand how the network works and how it can be used to support their business needs.

Cisco network diagrams are a valuable tool for anyone who works with them. They provide a clear understanding of the network layout, aid in identifying issues, and ensure efficient network management; while improving network performance, security and reliability.

How to Create a Cisco Network Diagram?

Cisco network diagrams can be created manually or using a network diagramming software tool. Manually created diagrams are often simple and easy to understand, but they can be time-consuming to create and update. Network diagramming software tools can create more complex and detailed diagrams, but they can be more difficult to learn and use.

With Creately’s Network Diagram Software , you can easily create simple Cisco templates as well as intricate Cisco topology examples, using professionally designed Cisco network diagram symbols and icons available in the app.

Compiled below are some helpful Cisco templates to get you started on your network diagrams right away. You can start editing by simply clicking the Cisco templates.

• Advanced Cisco Home Network
• Network with Multiple VLANs and a DHCP server
• Internet Firewall Deployment
• VLAN Topology Example with Cisco Catalyst 2950-24 Switch
• Outbound Traffic Control Using an Access List Extended ACL
• Network Address Translation Cisco Example
• Configuring a Virtual Private Network Cisco Example
• VOIP Phone Setup
• Cisco Data Center Fabric
• Spanning Tree Protocol Cisco Example
• Cisco Solution for VMware View
• IP Video Surveillance

Advanced Cisco Home Network

The following Cisco example, that is inspired by the diagram designed by Iwan Eberhart who is Cisco’s Grand Prize winner of its competition for the best overall home network using Cisco equipment, shows an advanced home network. It illustrates how the home network is set up to provide internet access to different devices in a household, such as the TV, IP radio, IP telephony, Home LAN gaming etc.

Network with Multiple VLANs and a DHCP server

Here is one of Creately’s Cisco templates that illustrate a small network with basic subnetting. It shows how you can have one DHCP server for multiple VLANs. You can easily extend this diagram using the professionally designed Cisco network diagram icons available in the app. Click on the image to edit the template online.

Internet Firewall Deployment

This is one of the Cisco network diagram templates that shows the deployment of a Cisco ASA firewall at the internet perimeter. An internet firewall is placed to protect the internal data and resources of the enterprise from external threats. This safeguards the services provided by the DMZ and controls the user’s traffic to the internet. Simply click the image to use it as a template or edit it online.

VLAN Topology Example with Cisco Catalyst 2950-24 Switch

This is one of the Cisco templates that represents a VLAN topology. Here 2950-24 switches, which belong to the Cisco Catalyst 2950 Series that provides basic workgroup connectivity to small to midsize networks, and 6 PCs are used; and the PC VLAN configurations are presented in the box below the diagram. Simply click on the image to edit the template according to your own requirements.

Outbound Traffic Control Using an Access List Extended ACL

With access lists you can either allow traffic from lower-security interfaces or restrict traffic from higher-security interfaces. Shown below is one of the Cisco examples that illustrates an outbound access list which is used to allow hosts on the inside networks to access a webserver on the outside network. It also prevents any other host from reaching the outside network. To modify this template, click on the image.

Network Address Translation Cisco Example

Network Address Translation (NAT), which is an IOS feature, helps translate an IP address (x.x.x.x) into a different IP address (y.y.y.y). The following Cisco network example represents a common network scenario of configuring a Network Address Translation (NAT) on a Cisco router. Click on the image to modify the template according to your requirements.

Configuring a Virtual Private Network Cisco Example

The following Cisco Network diagram template is an example of configuring a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Here 2 routers are used to support a site-to-site IPsec VPN for traffic coming from their own LANs. The IPsec VPN traffic will pass through the 3rd router which has no knowledge of the VPN. Click on the Cisco template to use it as a template or edit it online.

VOIP Phone Setup

The following Cisco example shows a Cisco VOIP phone setup. It shows 4 IP Phones connected; two phones to network 1 (Madang) and two phones to network 2 (Lae). To edit and extend this Cisco Network diagram, simply click on the image.

Cisco Data Center Fabric

The Cisco topology template below is a visualization of a Cisco data center fabric. Using the Cisco networking diagram icons in the app, you can easily extend or modify this template. Click on the image to start right away.

Spanning Tree Protocol Cisco Example

Following Cisco network template is a Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) which is implemented to prevent network loops and to introduce redundancy in the link connections. Click on the image to start making changes according to your requirements.

Cisco Solution for VMware View

This is one of the Cisco topology templates that represents a Cisco solution for VMware View. A high-level overview, the diagram illustrates three main VMware View roles (View Agent, View Client, and View Connection Server) that are used in the validation of the Cisco solution. Simply click the Cisco template to use it as a template.

IP Video Surveillance

Below is one of the Cisco templates that show a virtualization topology where relevant configuration commands are shown. The template can be used to segment the IP video surveillance devices and end-points from the global routing table. Click the image to start editing the template according to your needs.

More Cisco Templates

While Creately’s Cisco Diagram Software can help you draw Cisco network diagrams easily, its professionally designed Cisco Templates in the community will definitely save you a lot of time. Since we constantly update our diagram community, don’t forget to check on it from time to time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating Cisco Network Diagrams

Using inaccurate information.

This can lead to incorrect network diagrams, which can make troubleshooting and planning more difficult. Make sure to use accurate and up-to-date information when creating your diagrams.

Overcomplicating the diagram.

Adding too much information or using too many symbols and lines can make the diagram hard to read and understand. Keep the diagram simple and easy to follow.

Not labeling activities and nodes.

It is essential to label activities and nodes in the diagram clearly. Failing to label activities and nodes can cause confusion and make it challenging to understand the diagram.

Incorrect symbol usage.

Each network diagram symbol has a specific meaning. Incorrectly using symbols can lead to misinterpretation of the diagram. Ensure that the symbols are used correctly and consistently throughout the diagram.

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