Computer network diagram

Readily identifiable icons are used to depict common network appliances, e.g. routers, and the style of lines between them indicates the type of connection.

[1] Depending on whether the diagram is intended for formal or informal use, certain details may be lacking and must be determined from context.

For example, the sample diagram does not indicate the physical type of connection between the PCs and the switch, but since a modern LAN is depicted, Ethernet may be assumed.

If the same style of line was used in a WAN (wide area network) diagram, however, it may indicate a different type of connection.

In addition, when the scope of a diagram crosses the common LAN/MAN/WAN boundaries, representative hypothetical devices may be depicted instead of showing all actually existing nodes.