Another option for labeling equipment is to use callouts, which you can add from the Insert tab. To move the text, drag the control handle. To add text to a network shape, click the shape and type. If several devices are connected to a network backbone, use the Ring network or Ethernet shape for the backbone and connect the devices by using the shape's built-in connectors:Ĭlick the Ring network or Ethernet shape.ĭrag control handles out to the device shapes, and drop the connector line onto the middle of the device shape. The stencils also include a Dynamic connector shape, but you get the same connection a little easier by holding the pointer over a shape, and then dragging a connector from the little AutoConnect arrows that appear and dropping it on another shape.

Use AutoConnect for basic connections and the Comm-link shape for wireless connections. Use connectors to show how the devices are linked. You might find that it’s better to use the Detailed Network Diagram template instead of the basic network template, because it includes many more shapes for a larger variety of devices. If the diagram is very large and detailed, think about splitting the diagram up into multiple diagrams and connecting them by using hyperlinks. Use containers to create visual groupings of related devices. Larger networks: Plan how you can logically group the devices so the diagram is easier to read. People who read the diagram should be able to see where to start, and how to follow the connections. Arrange them into an order that makes it clear where the network origin and end points are, and how the various nodes are linked. Small networks: Start by dragging the shapes you need for each device onto the drawing page from the Computers and Monitors and Network and Peripherals stencils. To find the right template to start from, go to File > New and, in the search box, type Basic Network Diagram.

Use this template to document a network so people understand it, or to plan a network you’re going to build. The basic network diagram template includes standard shapes for servers, computers, and other parts of your network.

Network switch visio stencils