Network Diagram equivalent to UML

Question

So UML is a modeling specification for software & systems designs. I am wondering if there is an equivalency to UML for drawing network diagrams (for systems and networking professionals). Diagrams that require you to map out DMZs, how different servers communicate, etc.

Thanks!

Answer 1

There isn't a standard for network diagrams like there is with UML, however there are common icons for common networking devices (routers, switches, computers, databases, firewalls, users, etc).

Cisco has a set of icons it publishes free for use (I'm sure there's a license agreement) and they make the claim that their icons are:

globally recognized and generally accepted as standard for network icon topologies.

Most diagrams include text describing what the icon is, so as long as you use something that looks like the device (no comment about Cisco's router icon) and has an accurate description, you should be OK.