network

---
name: network
description: Create network topology diagrams using PlantUML syntax with industry-standard device icons. Best for LAN/WAN diagrams, enterprise networks, cloud infrastructure, and vendor-specific diagrams (Cisco, Citrix, etc.). Uses mxgraph stencil icons for network devices with auto-layout. NOT for abstract dependency graphs (use graphviz) or simple flowcharts (use mermaid).
license: MIT
---

# 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](../uml/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

```plantuml
@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](examples/lan-topology.md)                   |
| WAN          | Wide area network        | `mxgraph.cisco.*`                     | [wan-topology.md](examples/wan-topology.md)                   |
| Enterprise   | Corporate infrastructure | `mxgraph.cisco.*`                     | [enterprise-network.md](examples/enterprise-network.md)       |
| Cisco        | Cisco-specific icons     | `mxgraph.cisco.*`                     | [cisco-network.md](examples/cisco-network.md)                 |
| Wireless     | WiFi network             | `mxgraph.networks.*`                  | [wireless-network.md](examples/wireless-network.md)           |
| Cloud Hybrid | On-premise + Cloud       | `mxgraph.cisco.*`                     | [hybrid-cloud.md](examples/hybrid-cloud.md)                   |
| Citrix       | Virtual Apps/Desktops    | `mxgraph.citrix2.*`                   | [citrix-network.md](examples/citrix-network.md)               |
| Security     | Defence-in-depth         | `mxgraph.cisco_safe.security_icons.*` | [security-architecture.md](examples/security-architecture.md) |
| Data Center  | Spine-Leaf / UCS / SAN   | `mxgraph.cisco19.*`                   | [datacenter-network.md](examples/datacenter-network.md)       |