network

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

Type	Purpose	Key Stencils	Example
LAN	Local network topology	mxgraph.networks.*	lan-topology.md
WAN	Wide area network	mxgraph.cisco.*	wan-topology.md
Enterprise	Corporate infrastructure	mxgraph.cisco.*	enterprise-network.md
Cisco	Cisco-specific icons	mxgraph.cisco.*	cisco-network.md
Wireless	WiFi network	mxgraph.networks.*	wireless-network.md
Cloud Hybrid	On-premise + Cloud	mxgraph.cisco.*	hybrid-cloud.md
Citrix	Virtual Apps/Desktops	mxgraph.citrix2.*	citrix-network.md
Security	Defence-in-depth	mxgraph.cisco_safe.security_icons.*	security-architecture.md
Data Center	Spine-Leaf / UCS / SAN	mxgraph.cisco19.*	datacenter-network.md