| name | network |
| description | Create network topology diagrams using PlantUML syntax with mxgraph device icons (Cisco, Citrix, etc.). Best for LAN/WAN layouts, datacenter interconnects, and physical/logical network design. |
| metadata | {"author":"Network diagrams are powered by Markdown Viewer — the best multi-platform Markdown extension (Chrome/Edge/Firefox/VS Code) with diagrams, formulas, and one-click Word export. Learn more at https://docu.md"} |
Network Topology Diagram Generator
Quick Start: Choose topology type → Declare stencil icons for network devices → Connect with arrow syntax → Group into zones with rectangle or package → Wrap in ```plantuml fence.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Always use ```plantuml or ```puml code fence. NEVER use ```text — it will NOT render as a diagram.
Critical Rules
- Every diagram starts with
@startuml and ends with @enduml
- Use
mxgraph.* stencil syntax for network device icons (routers, switches, firewalls, etc.)
- Default colors are applied automatically — you do NOT need to specify
fillColor or strokeColor
- Use
rectangle "Zone" { ... } or package "Zone" { ... } to group devices into network zones
- Use
cloud "Name" { ... } for cloud/Internet shapes
- Bidirectional physical links use
-- (no arrow); directed flows use -->
- Dashed lines for VPN/wireless/logical links use
.. or ..>
- Use
skinparam for global styling
Full stencil reference: See stencils/README.md for 9500+ available icons.
Mxgraph Stencil Syntax
mxgraph.<namespace>.<icon> "Label" as <alias>
mxgraph.<namespace>.<icon> "Label" as <alias> #color
mxgraph.<namespace>.<icon> <alias>
Common Network Stencil Families
| Family | Prefix | Typical Icons |
|---|
| Networks | mxgraph.networks.* | switch, router, firewall, server, pc, laptop, wireless_hub, cloud |
| Cisco | mxgraph.cisco.* | routers.router, switches.layer_3_switch, security.firewall, servers.fileserver |
| Cisco 19 | mxgraph.cisco19.* | nexus_9300, nexus_5k, fabric_interconnect, ucs_5108_blade_chassis, storage |
| Cisco SAFE | mxgraph.cisco_safe.security_icons.* | ngfw, waf, ids, siem, nac, vpn, ddos, malware_sandbox |
| Citrix | mxgraph.citrix2.* | netscaler_gateway, storefront, delivery_controller, vda |
Connection Types
| Syntax | Meaning | Use Case |
|---|
A -- B | Solid line, no arrow | Physical Ethernet / LAN link |
A --> B | Solid line with arrow | Directed traffic flow |
A .. B | Dashed line, no arrow | VPN tunnel / wireless link |
A ..> B | Dashed line with arrow | Directed VPN / logical flow |
A -- B : "label" | Labeled connection | Link description |
Quick Example
@startuml
mxgraph.networks.cloud "Internet" as inet
mxgraph.networks.firewall "Firewall" as fw
mxgraph.networks.router "Router" as rtr
mxgraph.networks.switch "Switch" as sw
rectangle "Office LAN" {
mxgraph.networks.pc "PC 1" as pc1
mxgraph.networks.pc "PC 2" as pc2
mxgraph.networks.server "Server" as srv
}
inet -- fw
fw -- rtr
rtr -- sw
sw -- pc1
sw -- pc2
sw -- srv
@enduml
Network Diagram Types
