Network Diagram Symbols
Network Diagram Icons & Symbols
If you need to create a network diagram—or read an existing one—it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of network diagram icons and symbols. We created a guide to the most popular shapes, including those from Cisco and AWS.
To experiment with these icons, just click the buttons below. Building a network diagram with Lucidchart is fast, easy, and completely free. Try it and see for yourself!
Common network diagram icons
Network diagrams are used to map out key connections in a computer or telelecommunications network. These charts can show high-level network connectivity across cities, the granular layout of an office building’s network, or anything in between. Since there are hundreds, if not thousands, of possible network diagram symbols, this guide depicts only the most commmon icons. Open Lucidchart to see our entire selection!
There are several ways to build network diagrams. Lucidchart offers two of the most popular shape libraries: Cisco and AWS (Amazon Web Services). In addition, we provide a shape library for generic network diagrams. With Lucidchart, it’s easy to access the symbols you see below. Users can also import SVGs and other image files to create a customized experience.
SWITCHES & BRIDGES
In a computer network diagram, switches provide multiple Ethernet ports to enable the connection of several devices. Switch symbols can also be used when mapping the transfer of data over telephone networks. Bridges connect two individual Ethernet networks into one whole (and extended) Ethernet. They are particularly important when a user is charting geographically dispersed networks. Bridges predate switches; nowadays, they’re rarely seen unless they happen to be wireless bridges.
ROUTERS
Routers may be the most popular symbol used in network diagrams. Like switches, they route traffic between devices or networks. Routers can perform more complex tasks than switches, and they have the added advantage of facilitating a wireless access point or broadband modem.
DATABASES
Databases are organized collections of data. Depending on your business and data needs, you may choose an operational, specific, external, or hypermedia database. Databases can also be selected based on other factors, such as the kind of machine that supports the database (e.g. server cluster) or the query languages used to access it (e.g. SQL).
CONNECTORS & DEVICES
Connections show the path that data travels within a network. The type of connection symbol that you choose is dependent on the type of traffic that’s being routed. This section also features a sampling of devices, which can range from PCs to telephones. Additional miscellaneous symbols can be found in Lucidchart’s network diagram shape library.
Lucidchart is the perfect network diagram builder, no matter which type you’re searching for. Enjoy the intuitive drag-and-drop editor and the huge array of shapes, all for an affordable price.