Visualizing your network’s security setup is key to keeping systems safe and organized. Firewall network diagrams help IT teams see how traffic flows, identify weak points, and plan robust defenses. In this guide, we’ll explore practical examples and templates you can use to design clear, effective firewall diagrams for any network.
What Is a Firewall in Computer Network
A firewall is like a security guard for your network. It monitors all the traffic coming in and going out, letting safe data through and blocking anything suspicious. Whether it’s stopping hackers, preventing malware, or keeping sensitive info safe, firewalls are your first line of defense. They can be physical devices, software programs, or even virtual cloud solutions — whatever your setup, a firewall keeps your network secure and under control.
A firewall network diagram is a visual map that shows where firewalls sit in your network and how traffic flows between trusted and untrusted zones. It helps teams quickly understand, plan, and secure their network.
A firewall diagrams show:
Firewall placement – where firewalls sit in your network.
Traffic flow – how data moves between zones.
Trust boundaries – where inspection points and security rules apply.
Free Editable Firewall Network Diagram Templates
Below are practical, real-world firewall network diagram examples you can reference or adapt for your own network documentation:
1. Internet Firewall Deployment
Shows how an internet-facing firewall protects internal resources and controls traffic between the internet, public services (DMZ), and your internal network. This type of diagram makes it clear where perimeter defenses are placed.
2. Distributed Firewall Topology
Illustrates a network with firewalls placed at multiple points, not just at the perimeter. Distributed firewall setups are common in larger enterprises where segmented traffic control improves security and reduces lateral movement.
3. UTM Firewall Diagram
Visualizes a unified threat management (UTM) firewall that combines multiple security functions (like filtering, antivirus, and intrusion prevention) into one device. This helps teams see how layered security tools integrate into network flow.
4. Firewall Zone Diagram
Focuses on visualizing different network zones (such as internal, external, and DMZ) and how firewalls enforce boundaries between them. It’s great for showing trust levels and controlled traffic paths.
5. Simple Network Firewall Diagram
A simple, clean network layout that can be adapted to include firewall icons and zones. It’s useful when you want a foundational view before adding security layers.
6. Basic Firewall Network Diagram
General network structure diagrams without firewalls can also serve as a starting point. You can build on them by marking firewall positions and security segments.
7. CAD Network and Firewalls
Diagrams that merge architectural network views (CAD style) with firewall placements offer detailed layouts useful in physical infrastructure planning.
8. IIIT Firewall
Tailored examples like institutional network firewall diagrams provide context for environments with specific access control needs (e.g., campus networks).
Why Use Creately for Firewall Network Diagrams
Creately’s network diagram software helps you quickly design and document firewall network setups using ready-made templates and simple visual tools. Instead of starting from scratch, you can adapt proven layouts to match your real network.
1. Ready-made templates
Get started fast with firewall network diagram templates for common setups like perimeter firewalls, DMZs, and zone-based architectures.
2. Quick and easy editing
The quick access toolbar appears at the top of each shape, giving you instant access to colors, text, and connectors—making it easy to highlight zones and critical firewalls.
3. Clear zones and traffic flow
Use containers, colors, and arrows to clearly separate internal networks, external networks, DMZs, and cloud segments, and show how traffic moves between them.
4. Context, collaboration, and sharing
Add notes and attachments for firewall rules, collaborate in real time with your team, and use presentation mode or exports to share diagrams for reviews, audits, or training.
Security zones are segments of a network with different trust levels. Firewalls control traffic between these zones to enforce security policies. Common zones include: Internal network – fully trusted systems like employee workstations and core servers. External network – untrusted sources such as the internet. DMZ (demilitarized zone) – semi-public areas for web or email servers, accessible from the internet but isolated from core systems. Management zones – restricted areas for administrative access and monitoring. Firewalls come in several types, each designed for specific security needs: Packet-filtering firewalls check basic information like IP addresses, ports, and protocols to allow or block traffic. They are simple and fast but don’t consider connection context. Stateful firewalls track the state of active connections, allowing smarter filtering based on session history. This provides better protection than basic packet filters. Application-level or proxy firewalls inspect traffic at the application layer, blocking suspicious activity specific to applications, such as web or email attacks. Next-generation firewalls (NGFW) combine traditional filtering with advanced features like intrusion prevention, application awareness, and threat detection, providing modern, comprehensive protection. Common symbols help make diagrams clear and readable: Firewall – represented as a brick wall, shield, or flame icon. Router – shown as a circle or labeled box, directing traffic between networks. Switch – a box with multiple connection lines, connecting multiple devices in a network. Server – a tower or rack icon representing web, database, or application servers. Client/workstation – a desktop or laptop icon representing end users. To make firewall diagrams effective: Label all devices, zones, and connections clearly. Group related devices logically using shapes or shading to define zones. Use a legend to explain symbols, colors, and line styles. Keep diagrams organized and simple so they’re easy to analyze, share, and update as your network changes.FAQs About Network Diagrams with Firewalls
How are firewalls deployed?
What are security zones?
What are the common types of firewalls?
Why use multiple layers of firewalls?
What symbols are used in firewall network diagrams?
How to create an effective network diagram with firewall?
