Best Free Network Diagram Tools (2024) for visualizing IT

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Network map software helps you see and understand networks that are very complicated. These tools give users detailed pictures of network parts, devices, and nodes that help them understand how they all connect to each other. With these kinds of tools, users can quickly record and create networking patterns, which makes it easier to communicate and make decisions.

But not all tools for making network diagrams is the same. From what I’ve seen, the best result requires a stable and reliable tool. Software that isn’t stable can lead to restrictions, problems with connectivity, customisation issues, and security holes, all of which slow down work. Users may also be stuck when they need help if the technology support isn’t good. To lower these risks and make network management better, you need a reliable network map builder.

After a lot of study, we carefully looked over and chose a few software solutions that looked good. After a lot of testing, we’ve found solutions that are the best in terms of stability, usefulness, compatibility, customisation, and customer service. This makes the user experience smooth and satisfying.

Best Free Network Diagram Tools

A network diagram is a visual representation that allows one to see how an organisation is structured. It is also a reflection of the interactions that the organisation has had with the members of the team. Using diagrams like this can assist improve the efficiency of a business.

Feature	Miro ????	Gliffy ????	SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper ????	Microsoft Visio ????	Lucidchart ????
Primary Function	Collaboration & Ideation ????	Diagramming & Design ????	Network Topology Mapping ????️	Diagramming & Visualization ????️	Diagramming & Design ????
Collaboration Tools	Yes ????	Yes ????	No ❌	No ❌	Yes ????
Cloud-Based	Yes ☁️	Yes ☁️	No ❌	Yes ☁️	Yes ☁️
Real-Time Collaboration	Yes ????	Yes ????	No ❌	No ❌	Yes ????
Diagram Templates	Yes ????	Yes ????	No ❌	Yes ????	Yes ????
Customization Options	Extensive ????️	Moderate ????️	Limited ????️	Extensive ????️	Extensive ????️
Price	Freemium, Paid ????	Freemium, Paid ????	Paid ????	Paid ????	Freemium, Paid ????
Learning Curve	Easy ????	Easy ????	Moderate ????	Moderate ????	Easy ????

Best Free Network Diagram Tools

Every network controller will have to draw a network at some point. Some people do it all the time, and they like to use powerful, pricey program like Microsoft Visio for it. But for people who only need to use a drawing tool sometimes, something cheaper is better.

Miro

Feature	Description
Workflow Automation	Miro AI lets you auto-generate ERD and UML diagrams within seconds.
Create diagrams from codes	The inclusion of Plant UML and Mermaid apps allows you to transform codes into diagrams quickly.
Automated Diagramming	This feature creates AI-based diagrams with a few clicks.
Interactive Video Collaboration	Communicate with your team members through video for better decision-making.
Central Workspace	One workspace is what Miro uses to accumulate data and content for teams. This approach makes it easy for teams to make better decisions.
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Miro is a name for a free program that can be used to make network layouts. For teams to work together on brainstorming, planning, and scheduling while handling projects, it provides a digital canvas. As an option for a group of people who work from home or in different places, Miro is a great choice. The graphically dynamic workspace that Miro offers can be used by teams of any size to make the work process go more quickly.

Gliffy

Feature	Description
Templates	Offers a variety of pre-made templates
Integration	Integrates with popular platforms like Jira, Confluence, etc.
Export	Export diagrams in multiple formats
Cloud-based	Accessible from anywhere with an internet connection

I’ve asked Gliffy for help. As well as being easy to use, its drag-and-drop feature makes it simple to make flowcharts, network diagrams, and wireframes. The free plan has some reduction, but I’ve found it to be a good place to start for simple projects. You can upgrade to get more features.

SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper

Feature	Description
Automated Network Discovery	Automatically discovers and maps network devices and their connections.
Multi-Layer Network Maps	Generates detailed maps that include Layer 2 and Layer 3 connectivity.
Export Options	Allows for export of network maps to Microsoft Office, PDF, and PNG formats.
Customizable Views	Offers customizable views and maps to focus on specific network elements.
Scheduled Scanning	Enables scheduled network scans to ensure up-to-date network topology documentation.

The SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper is a useful tool that makes a significant contribution. It provides extensive insights into network architecture while simultaneously proactively identifying possible problems by combining capabilities for network mapping and discovery with real-time monitoring and warning services.

Microsoft Visio

Feature	Description
Versatile Diagramming	Supports creating a wide range of diagrams including flowcharts and floor plans.
Collaboration	Allows multiple users to work on diagrams simultaneously.
Integration	Works seamlessly with other Microsoft products like Office and SharePoint.
Templates and Shapes	Offers a vast library of templates and shapes to streamline design work.
Data Linking	Enables linking diagrams to real-time data for dynamic visualizations.

Microsoft Visio shows itself to be a flexible tool for making diagrams and vector drawings, letting you make your own network diagrams. Even though Visio wasn’t really made to be a network management tool, it does let users make complex network visualisations that fit their needs.

Lucidchart

Feature	Description
Collaboration	Real-time collaboration with team members
Templates	Wide range of pre-made templates for various diagrams
Integration	Integrates with popular platforms like Google Drive, etc.
Export	Allows exporting diagrams in multiple formats

Lucidchart has been very helpful. It has many templates and shapes that make it easy to make flowcharts, thought maps, and wireframes. Its real-time collaboration feature has been very helpful for working smoothly with coworkers, and the fact that it works with productivity tools makes it even more useful. The free plan is a good place to start, but I’ve found that paying for a subscription to unlock advanced tools really makes the platform more useful.

Criteria for Evaluating Network Diagram Tools

To find a network diagram tool that matches your needs, examine several factors. Here are several important criteria:

1. An intuitive UI and easy learning and use are essential for the product. Expect drag-and-drop, customisable templates, and a user-friendly design.
2. Compatibility and Integration: Make sure the tool works with your existing systems and integrates with other network administration, documentation, and monitoring applications. Compatible with OS systems, cloud platforms, and other software.
3. Scalability: Consider whether the tool can handle your network’s size and complexity. It should grow with your network without affecting performance or requiring a new tool.
4. Choose a diagram-customization tool. This includes configurable icons, layouts, and extensive device and connection descriptions and annotations. Flexible design lets you customise diagrams to your organization’s specifications.
5. Features and Functionality: Assess the tool’s automatic diagram generation, real-time updates, version control, and capacity to build physical, logical, and topology diagrams. Simulation or integration with network monitoring systems for real-time status information are advanced features.
6. Collaboration: Sharing schematics with team members, management, and external stakeholders is essential in many settings. Collaboration tools should have multiple user access, comment functions, and safe sharing.
7. Security: Protect sensitive data with strong tool security. If diagrams contain precise network settings, IP addresses, or other exploitable information, this is crucial.
8. Cost: Compare cost to budget and ROI. Some tools are subscription-based, while others are one-time purchases. Consider updates and support expenditures over time. Consider whether free tools match your needs and their drawbacks.
9. Support and Community: Complex network settings require reliable customer support. An active user community can give templates, tutorials, and troubleshooting tips.
10. Documentation & Export Options: Diagrams must be exported in PDF, PNG, and Visio formats for documentation, presentations, and compliance. Good tool documentation can help manage and maintain the network over time.
11. Reviews and Advice: Read reviews from other users, especially those with comparable demands or network conditions. Industry specialists and peers can also advise you.

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