1. Creating a network plan: recording the IT infrastructure with suitable software
2. What exactly is a network plan?
3. Physical and logical network plan: what is the difference?
4. Network plan or network diagram?
5. Creating network plans: step by step to the goal
6. Creating a network plan with i-doit as software
7. Network plan: why software is a must
Why is a complete and up-to-date network plan more important than ever? On the one hand, one has to deal with dynamic requirements and growing IT system landscapes. Faced with this pressure, companies must know the structure of their IT network. A network plan delivers exactly that. Only then can root causes of errors be clearly identified and technical adjustments precisely implemented.
On the other hand, the threat situation shows how important network plans currently are. According to the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), the number of DoS attacks already increased significantly in the first half of 2024. Small and medium-sized enterprises as well as municipalities are particularly affected. Frequently, they are simple targets as they are insufficiently protected. Thorough documentation of the IT infrastructure is also part of a suitable protection strategy. Otherwise, it is impossible to react appropriately.
This article shows you what a network plan actually is and what matters when creating it. In the process, you will also learn about the different types of network plans as well as the advantages of suitable software.
A network plan is the graphical representation of an IT network. From it, you can identify how individual components are linked with one another. This includes, for example, servers, routers, firewalls, or client devices.
A network plan fundamentally offers you various advantages: for example, it supports you during error analysis and network expansions. Additionally, it is a practical aid when it comes to complying with IT compliance specifications. It also facilitates work in the event of a change in responsibility for the IT infrastructure. Last but not least, network plans specifically counteract the loss of know-how due to external attacks or staff turnover.
The IT-Grundschutz of the BSI and ISO 27001 also foresee the creation of a network plan. Within the framework of IT-Grundschutz, it is of decisive importance for structural analysis. In ISO 27001, it comes into play regarding measures for network security.
Please note that you must document a network plan in an audit-proof manner. In other words: every change must be logged and versioned in a traceable way. Only then can you meet the requirements of standards and audits.
As a rule, a distinction is made between a physical and a logical network plan. Nomen est omen? In this case, it is: the physical network plan describes physical connections. In contrast, the logical network plan represents logical relationships.
Real IT structures are mapped in a physical network plan. It shows the connection of network devices, their location, and the type of cable connection. This can be broken down to the level of the racks. Such a level of detail is particularly useful when recording larger office complexes or data centres.
A physical network plan includes elements such as:
In the logical network plan, the structuring of a network is shown from a functional point of view. The hardware and its connections therefore play no role. Instead, everything revolves around aspects such as IP address ranges, Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs), or rules for the firewall. They are decisive to guarantee the security of the network and to optimise performance.
You can find things like this in a logical network plan:
You have certainly seen it quite often: the technical terms "network plan" and "network diagram" are frequently used synonymously. But is that actually correct? Not quite, since they do differ in small details after all.
A network plan maps the network structure, with all components and connections. This is not solely about visualisation, but also about documentation and fulfilling regulations. Anyone who speaks of a "network diagram", on the other hand, thinks more about the visualisation. Often, the network diagram is the graphical representation of a network plan.
A systematic process has proven successful when creating network plans. It can be carried out either manually or automatically. For automation, it is best to use IT discovery software like i-doit. Based on the fundamental steps, you can see how much you are relieved by i-doit:
First, conduct an inventory of all network components. This also includes virtual systems such as cloud systems or containers. It is important that the network plan always indicates the respective function of the component.
After recording the components, the documentation of the connections is due. This includes physical connections and logical relationships.
Now follows the graphical representation of the network plan. Ensure a clear and uniform way of representation. Standardised colours for specific cable types, symbols for device types, and a legend are very helpful here. Not least, they facilitate readability, especially for external persons. Additionally, you should ensure to clearly separate the physical and logical representation.
It is essential that the plan is always kept up to date. Integrate maintenance into existing IT processes. This is ideal, for example, during the onboarding of new systems. In any case, you save time and money by deploying IT discovery software like i-doit.
Network plans help IT managers and IT administrators keep track of their networks and network components. With i-doit, you already receive all the information for your network plan via the IP address management and the CMDB Explorer and can map it individually.
If you need to uniquely identify not only networks but also the locations of network components, the i-doit Floorplan add-on is ideal. This gives you a visualisation of your infrastructure at the level of rooms and buildings. Simply upload your building or floor plans as an image and place your devices onto it via drag-and-drop. Thanks to the link with the CMDB, it is ensured that all information is always kept up to date.
With a complete overview of your networks, you can control and secure comprehensive IT infrastructures. Whether for the reduction of error sources or the fulfilment of IT compliance: the documentation and visual representation of corresponding structures is becoming increasingly important. Especially in times of rising cyber risks, there is definitely no way around floor plans, visualisations of dependencies and relationships, IP overviews, and network plans. They are an important component for effective IT protective measures.
In any case, a systematic approach is recommended. Regular updating is indispensable. Here, software like i-doit represents indispensable support, because the most important processes run automatically. With a precise overview of your IT landscape, you are perfectly positioned for daily operations and emergencies.
Would you like to benefit from the advantages of one of the leading software solutions when creating your network plan? We would be pleased to introduce the time-saving functions of i-doit to you.