What Is Data?

Data is defined as a collection of individual facts or statistics. (While “datum” is technically

the singular form of “data,” it’s not commonly used in everyday language.) Data can come in
the form of text, observations, figures, images, numbers, graphs, or symbols. For example,
data might include individual prices, weights, addresses, ages, names, temperatures, dates, or
distances.

Data is a raw form of knowledge and, on its own, doesn’t carry any significance or purpose.
In other words, you have to interpret data for it to have meaning. Data can be simple—and
may even seem useless until it is analyzed, organized, and interpreted.

There are two main types of data:

 Quantitative data is provided in numerical form, like the weight, volume, or cost of
an item.
 Qualitative data is descriptive, but non-numerical, like the name, sex, or eye color
of a person.

What Is Information?
Information is defined as knowledge gained through study, communication, research, or
instruction. Essentially, information is the result of analyzing and interpreting pieces of data.
Whereas data is the individual figures, numbers, or graphs, information is the perception of
those pieces of knowledge.

For example, a set of data could include temperature readings in a location over several years.
Without any additional context, those temperatures have no meaning. However, when you
analyze and organize that information, you could determine seasonal temperature patterns or
even broader climate trends. Only when the data is organized and compiled in a useful way
can it provide information that is beneficial to others.   

The Key Differences Between Data vs Information

 Data is a collection of facts, while information puts those facts into context.
 While data is raw and unorganized, information is organized.
 Data points are individual and sometimes unrelated. Information maps out that data to
provide a big-picture view of how it all fits together.
  Data, on its own, is meaningless. When it’s analyzed and interpreted, it becomes
meaningful information. 
 Data does not depend on information; however, information depends on data.
 Data typically comes in the form of graphs, numbers, figures, or statistics.
Information is typically presented through words, language, thoughts, and ideas.
 Data isn’t sufficient for decision-making, but you can make decisions based on
information.

Examples of Data vs Information

To further explore the differences between data and information, consider these examples of
how to turn data into insights:

 At a restaurant, a single customer’s bill amount is data. However, when the restaurant
owners collect and interpret multiple bills over a range of time, they can produce
valuable information, such as what menu items are most popular and whether the
prices are sufficient to cover supplies, overhead, and wages.
 A customer’s response to an individual customer service survey is a point of data. But
when you compile that customer’s responses over time—and, on a grander scheme,
multiple customers’ responses over time—you can develop insights around areas for
improvement within your customer service team.
 The number of likes on a social media post is a single element of data. When that’s
combined with other social media engagement statistics, like followers, comments,
and shares, a company can intuit which social media platforms perform the best and
which platforms they should focus on to more effectively engage their audience.
 On their own, inventory levels are data. However, when companies analyze and
interpret that data over a range of time, they can pinpoint supply chain issues and
enhance the efficiency of their systems. 
 Competitors’ prices are individual data elements, but processing that data can reveal
where competitors have an advantage, where there may be gaps in the market, and
how a company can rise above its competition.
Some of the most popular computer network types are:

 PAN (Personal Area Network)

 LAN (Local Area Network)
 MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
 WAN (Wide Area Network)

Let’s study all of these types of networking in detail.

What is PAN (Personal Area Network)?

PAN (Personal Area Network) is a computer network formed around a
person. It generally consists of a computer, mobile, or personal digital
assistant. PAN can be used for establishing communication among these
personal devices for connecting to a digital network and the internet.
Characteristics of PAN
Below are the main characteristics of PAN:

 It is mostly personal devices network equipped within a limited area.

 Allows you to handle the interconnection of IT devices at the
surrounding of a single user.
 PAN includes mobile devices, tablet, and laptop.
 It can be wirelessly connected to the internet called WPAN.
 Appliances use for PAN: cordless mice, keyboards, and Bluetooth
systems.

Advantages of PAN
Here are the important pros/benefits of PAN network:

 PAN networks are relatively secure and safe

 It offers only short-range solution up to ten meters
 Strictly restricted to a small area

Disadvantages of PAN
Here are the cons/drawbacks of using PAN network:

 It may establish a bad connection to other networks at the same

radio bands.
 Distance limits.

What is a LAN (Local Area Network)?

A Local Area Network (LAN) is a group of computer and peripheral
devices which are connected in a limited area such as school, laboratory,
home, and office building. It is a widely useful network for sharing
resources like files, printers, games, and other application. The simplest
type of LAN network is to connect computers and a printer in someone’s
home or office. In general, LAN will be used as one type of transmission
medium. It is a network which consists of less than 5000 interconnected
devices across several buildings.

Local Area Network (LAN)

Characteristics of LAN
Here are the important characteristics of a LAN network:

 It is a private network, so an outside regulatory body never controls it.

 LAN operates at a relatively higher speed compared to other WAN
systems.
 There are various kinds of media access control methods like token
ring and ethernet.

Advantages of LAN
Here are the pros/benefits of LAN:

 Computer resources like hard-disks, DVD-ROM, and printers can

share local area networks. This significantly reduces the cost of
hardware purchases.
 You can use the same software over the network instead of
purchasing the licensed software for each client in the network.
  Data of all network users can be stored on a single hard disk of the
server computer.
 You can easily transfer data and messages over networked
computers.
 It will be easy to manage data at only one place, which makes data
more secure.
 Local Area Network offers the facility to share a single internet
connection among all the LAN users.

Disadvantages of LAN
Here are the cons/drawbacks of LAN:

 LAN will indeed save cost because of shared computer resources,

but the initial cost of installing Local Area Networks is quite high.
 The LAN admin can check personal data files of every LAN user, so
it does not offer good privacy.
 Unauthorized users can access critical data of an organization in
case LAN admin is not able to secure centralized data repository.
 Local Area Network requires a constant LAN administration as there
are issues related to software setup and hardware failures

What is WAN (Wide Area Network)?

WAN (Wide Area Network) is another important computer network that
which is spread across a large geographical area. WAN network system
could be a connection of a LAN which connects with other LAN’s using
telephone lines and radio waves. It is mostly limited to an enterprise or an
organization.
 Wide Area Network (WAN)
Characteristics of WAN
Below are the characteristics of WAN:

 The software files will be shared among all the users; therefore, all
can access to the latest files.
 Any organization can form its global integrated network using WAN.

Advantages of WAN
Here are the benefits/pros of WAN:
  WAN helps you to cover a larger geographical area. Therefore
business offices situated at longer distances can easily
communicate.
 Contains devices like mobile phones, laptop, tablet, computers,
gaming consoles, etc.
 WLAN connections work using radio transmitters and receivers built
into client devices.

Disadvantages of WAN
Here are the drawbacks/cons of WAN network:

 The initial setup cost of investment is very high.

 It is difficult to maintain the WAN network. You need skilled
technicians and network administrators.
 There are more errors and issues because of the wide coverage and
the use of different technologies.
 It requires more time to resolve issues because of the involvement of
multiple wired and wireless technologies.
 Offers lower security compared to other types of network in
computer.

Also Check: LAN vs WAN: What’s the Difference?

What is MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)?

A Metropolitan Area Network or MAN is consisting of a computer network
across an entire city, college campus, or a small region. This type of
network is large than a LAN, which is mostly limited to a single building or
site. Depending upon the type of configuration, this type of network allows
you to cover an area from several miles to tens of miles.
 Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
Characteristics of MAN
Here are important characteristics of the MAN network:

 It mostly covers towns and cities in a maximum 50 km range

 Mostly used medium is optical fibers, cables
 Data rates adequate for distributed computing applications.

Advantages of MAN
Here are the pros/benefits of MAN network:

 It offers fast communication using high-speed carriers, like fiber optic

cables.
 It provides excellent support for an extensive size network and
greater access to WANs.
 The dual bus in MAN network provides support to transmit data in
both directions concurrently.
 A MAN network mostly includes some areas of a city or an entire city.

Disadvantages of MAN
Here are drawbacks/cons of using the MAN network:

 You need more cable to establish MAN connection from one place to
another.
 In MAN network it is tough to make the system secure from hackers
Other Types of Computer Networks
Apart from above mentioned computer networks, here are some other
important types of networks:

 WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)

 Storage Area Network
 System Area Network
 Home Area Network
 POLAN- Passive Optical LAN
 Enterprise private network
 Campus Area Network
 Virtual Area Network

Let’s see all these different types of networks in detail:

1) WLAN
WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) helps you to link single or multiple
devices using wireless communication within a limited area like home,
school, or office building. It gives users an ability to move around within a
local coverage area which may be connected to the network. Today most
modern day’s WLAN systems are based on IEEE 802.11 standards.

2) Storage-Area Network (SAN)

A Storage Area Network is a type of network which allows consolidated,
block-level data storage. It is mainly used to make storage devices, like
disk arrays, optical jukeboxes, and tape libraries.

3) System-Area Network
System Area Network is used for a local network. It offers high-speed
connection in server-to-server and processor-to-processor applications.
The computers connected on a SAN network operate as a single system at
quite high speed.

4) Passive Optical Local Area Network

POLAN is a networking technology which helps you to integrate into
structured cabling. It allows you to resolve the issues of supporting
Ethernet protocols and network apps.

POLAN allows you to use optical splitter which helps you to separate an
optical signal from a single-mode optical fiber. It converts this single signal
into multiple signals.
5) Home Area Network (HAN):
A Home Area Network is always built using two or more interconnected
computers to form a local area network (LAN) within the home. For
example, in the United States, about 15 million homes have more than one
computer.

These types of network connections help computer owners to interconnect

with multiple computers. This network allows sharing files, programs,
printers, and other peripherals.

6) Enterprise Private Network :

Enterprise private network (EPN) networks are build and owned by
businesses that want to securely connect numerous locations in order to
share various computer resources.

7) Campus Area Network (CAN):

A Campus Area Network is made up of an interconnection of LANs within a
specific geographical area. For example, a university campus can be linked
with a variety of campus buildings to connect all the academic
departments.

8) Virtual Private Network:

A VPN is a private network which uses a public network to connect remote
sites or users together. The VPN network uses “virtual” connections routed
through the internet from the enterprise’s private network or a third-
party VPN service to the remote site.

It is a free or paid service that keeps your web browsing secure and private
over public WiFi hotspots.

Summary
 Types of connections in computer networks can be categorized
according to their size as well as their purpose
 PAN is a computer network which generally consists of a computer,
mobile, or personal digital assistant
 LAN (Local Area Network) is a group of computer and peripheral
devices which are connected in a limited area
 WAN (Wide Area Network) is another important computer network
that which is spread across a large geographical area
 A metropolitan area network or MAN is consisting of a computer
network across an entire city, college campus, or a small region
  WLAN is a wireless local area network that helps you to link single or
multiple devices using. It uses wireless communication within a
limited area like home, school, or office building.
 SAN is a storage area network is a type of network which allows
consolidated, block-level data storage
 System area network offers high-speed connection in server-to-
server applications, storage area networks, and processor-to-
processor applications
 POLAN is a networking technology which helps you to integrate into
structured cabling
 Home network (HAN) is a always built using two or more
interconnected computers to form a local area network (LAN) within
the home
 Enterprise private network (EPN) networks are build and owned by
businesses that want to securely connect various locations
 Campus area network (CAN) is made up of an interconnection of
LANs in a specific geographical area
 A VPN is a private network which uses a public network to connect
remote sites or users together
 What does LAN stand for? – LAN stands for Local Area Network.
 What is the difference between LAN and WAN? – LAN is a computer
network that covers a small geographic area, like a home, office, or
group of buildings, while WAN is a computer network that covers a
broader area.

What is network topology?

Network topology is the description of the arrangement of nodes (e.g.
networking switches and routers) and connections in a network, often
represented as a graph.

No matter how identical two organizations are, no two networks are

exactly alike. However, many organizations are relying on well-
established network topology models. Network topologies outline how
devices are connected together and how data is transmitted from one
node to another.

A logical network topology is a conceptual representation of how

devices operate at particular layers of abstraction. A physical
topology details how devices are physically connected. Logical and
physical topologies can both be represented as visual diagrams.

A network topology map is a map that allows an administrator to

see the physical network layout of connected devices. Having the
map of a network’s topology on hand is very useful for understanding
how devices connect to each other and the best techniques for
troubleshooting.

Types of network topology

There are many different types of topologies that enterprise networks
have built on today and in the past. Some of the network topologies
we’re going to look at include bus topology, ring topology, star
topology, mesh topology, and hybrid topology.

What are the types of network topology?

 Bus Topology Simple layout and cheap but vulnerable to failure
and only suitable for low traffic volumes. Not used for office
networks today, but can still be found within some consumer
products.
 Ring Topology Easy to manage and with a low risk of collision
but reliant on all nodes being powered up and in full working
order. Rarely used today.
 Star Topology All devices are connected to a central switch,
which makes it easy to add new nodes without rebooting all
currently connected devices. This topology makes efficient use
of cable and is easy to administer. On the other hand, the health
of the switch is vital. This topology requires monitoring and
maintenance. However, it is a commonly encountered
topology.  
 Tree Topology A hierarchical layout that links together groups
of nodes. Creates parent-child dependencies between root
nodes and regular nodes. This layout can be vulnerable to
failure if a root node has a problem. This topology is complicated
and difficult to manage and it uses a lot of cable.
 Mesh Topology Each node is connected to every other mode
with a direct link. This topology creates a very reliable network,
but requires a large amount of cable and is difficult to administer.
Wifi networks make this topology more feasible.
 Hybrid Topology Combines two or more of the standard
topologies. This can be a good solution to create quickly link
together different existing networks into a unified system. Don’t
confuse the term “hybrid network topology” with “hybrid system”
 – a term that is applied to the combination of onsite and cloud
resources.

Bus Topology

Bus Topology Diagram

Pros:

 Easy installation
 Fewer cables required than Mesh and star topology
 Good for small businesses
 Low cost
 Easy to manage and expand

Cons:

 Backbone performance is critical

 Easily congested on busy periods
 Efficiency decreases rapidly with each added node
 Data can only travel in one direction at any point in time

Bus topology is a network type where every device is connected to a

single cable that runs from one end of the network to the other. This
type of network topology is often referred to as line topology. In a
bus topology, data is transmitted in one direction only. If the bus
topology has two endpoints then it is referred to as a linear bus
topology.
Smaller networks with this type of topology use a coaxial or RJ45
cable to link devices together. However, the bus topology layout is
outdated and you’re unlikely to encounter a company using a bus
topology today.

Advantages

Bus topologies were often used in smaller networks. One of the main
reasons is that they keep the layout simple. All devices are
connected to a single cable so you don’t need to manage a complex
topological setup.

The layout also helped make bus topologies cost-effective because

they can be run with a single cable. In the event that more devices
need to be added then you could simply join your cable to another
cable.

Disadvantages

However, relying on one cable does mean that bus topologies have

a single point of failure. If the cable fails then the entire network will
go down. A cable failure would cost organizations a lot of time while
they attempt to resume service. Further to this, high network traffic
would decrease network performance because all the data travels
through one cable.

This limitation makes bus topologies suitable only for smaller

networks. The primary reason is that the more network nodes you
have, the slower your transmission speeds are going to be. It is also
worth noting that bus topologies are limited in the sense that they
are half-duplex, which means that data can’t be transmitted in two
opposite directions simultaneously.

See also: Network, Server and Application Monitoring for SMBs

Ring Topology
Ring Topology Diagram
Pros:

 Low incidence of collision

 Low cost
 Suitable for small businesses
 Dual ring option provides continuity through redundancy

Cons:

 One faulty node will bring the entire network down

 Requires extensive preventative maintenance and monitoring
 Performance declines rapidly with each additional node
 Reorganizing the network requires a full system shutdown

In networks with ring topology, computers are connected to each

other in a circular format. Every device in the network will have two
neighbors and no more or no less. Ring topologies were commonly
used in the past but you would be hard-pressed to find an enterprise
still using them today.

The first node is connected to the last node to link the loop together.
As a consequence of being laid out in this format packets need to
travel through all network nodes on the way to their destination.

Within this topology, one node is chosen to configure the network and
monitor other devices. Ring topologies are half-duplex but can also
be made full-duplex. To make ring topologies full-duplex you would
need to have two connections between network nodes to form a Dual
Ring Topology.

Dual Ring Topology

Dual Ring Topology Diagram

As mentioned above, if ring topologies are configured to be

bidirectional then they are referred to as dual ring topologies. Dual
ring topologies provide each node with two connections, one in each
direction. Thus, data can flow in
a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

Advantages

With ring topologies, the risk of packet collisions is very low due to

the use of token-based protocols, which only allow one station to
transmit data at a given time. This is compounded by the fact
that data can move through network nodes at high speeds which
can be expanded on when more nodes are added.

Dual ring topologies provided an extra layer of protection because

they were more resistant to failures. For instance, if a ring goes
down within a node then the other ring can step up and back it up.
Ring topologies were also low cost to install.

Disadvantages
One of the reasons why ring topologies were replaced is because
they are very vulnerable to failure. The failure of one node can take
the entire network out of operation. This means that ring topology
networks need to be constantly managed to ensure that all network
nodes are in good health. However, even if the nodes were in good
health your network could still be knocked offline by a
transmission line failure!

Ring topologies also raised scalability concerns. For instance,

bandwidth is shared by all devices within the network. In addition, the
more devices that are added to a network the more
communication delay the network experiences. This means that the
number of devices added to a network topology needed to be
monitored carefully to make sure that the network resources weren’t
stretched beyond their limit.

Making changes to a ring topology was also complicated because

you need to shut down the network to make changes to existing
nodes or add new nodes. This is far from ideal as you’ll need to
factor in downtime every time you want to make a change to the
topological structure!

See also: Tools To Monitor Throughput

Star Topology

Star Topology Diagram

Pros:
  Easy to manage from one point – the switch
 Easy to add and remove nodes
 Durable
 Low cable usage
 Good for small businesses

Cons:

 Requires specialist network hardware (the switch)

 Makes the network reliant on the switch’s performance
 A finite number of switch ports limits the network’s size

A star topology is a topology where every node in the network is

connected to one central switch. Every device in the network is
directly connected to the switch and indirectly connected to every
other node. The relationship between these elements is that the
central network hub is a server and other devices are treated as
clients. The central node has the responsibility of managing data
transmissions across the whole network and acts as a repeater. With
star topologies, computers are connected with a coaxial cable, twisted
pair, or optical fiber cable.

Advantages

Star topologies are most commonly-used because you can manage

the entire network from one location: the central switch. As a
consequence, if a node that isn’t the central node goes down then the
network will remain up. This gives star topologies a layer of protection
against failures that aren’t always present with other topology setups.
Likewise, you can add new computers without having to take the
network offline like you would have to do with a ring topology.

In terms of physical network structure, star topologies require fewer

cables than other topology types. This makes them simple to set up
and manage over the long-term. The simplicity of the overall network
design makes it much easier for administrators to run troubleshooting
when dealing with network performance faults.

Disadvantages

Though star topologies may be relatively safe from failure, if the

central switch goes down then the entire network will go down.
As such, the administrator needs to manage the health of the central
node closely to make sure that it doesn’t go down. The performance
of the network is also tied to the central node’s configurations and
performance. Star topologies are easy to manage in most ways but
they are far from cheap to set up and use.

Tree Topology

Tree Topology Diagram

Pros:

 Blends bus and star topologies

 Easy to manage
 Easy to expand
 Suitable for middle-sized businesses

Cons:

 The network is dependent on the health of the root node

 Requires networking expertise
 Involves a lot of cable
 Larger implementations require monitoring software
 Can get expensive

As the name suggests, a tree topology network is a structure that is

shaped like a tree with its many branches. Tree topologies have a
root node that is connected to another node hierarchy.
The hierarchy is parent-child where there is only one mutual
connection between two connected nodes. As a general rule, a tree
topology needs to have three levels to the hierarchy to be classified
this way. This form of topology is used within Wide Area
Networks to sustain lots of spread-out devices.

Advantages

The main reason why tree topologies are used is to extend bus and
star topologies. Under this hierarchical format, it is easy to add more
nodes to the network when your organization grows in size. This
format also lends itself well to finding errors and
troubleshooting because you can check for network performance
issues systematically throughout the tree.

Disadvantages

The most significant weakness of tree topology is the root node. If the
root node fails then all of its subtrees become partitioned. There
will still be partial connectivity within the network amongst other
devices such as the failed node’s parent.

Maintaining the network system is not simple either because the

more nodes you add, the more difficult it becomes to manage the
network. Another disadvantage of a tree topology is the number of
cables you need. Cables are required to connect every device
throughout the hierarchy which makes the network layout more
complex when compared to a simpler topology.

Mesh Topology
Mesh Topology Diagram
Pros:

 High speeds data transfers

 Durable network that isn’t dependent on any one node
 Very secure
 Suitable for high-value networks for small to middle-sized
networks
 Easy to identify faulty equipment

Cons:

 Requires a very large amount of cable

 Can be difficult to secrete all the cable
 Takes a long time to set up
 Requires meticulous planning
 There is a limit to the number of cables each computer can
accommodate

A mesh topology is a point-to-point connection where nodes are

interconnected. In this form of topology, data is transmitted via two
methods: routing and flooding. Routing is where nodes use routing
logic to work out the shortest distance to the packet’s destination. In
contrast, flooding is where data is sent to all nodes within the network.
Flooding doesn’t require any form of routing logic to work.

There are two forms of mesh topology: partial mesh

topology and full mesh topology. With partial mesh topology, most
nodes are interconnected but there are a few which are only
connected to two or three other nodes. A full mesh topology is where
every node is interconnected.

Advantages

Mesh topologies are used first and foremost because they are
reliable. The interconnectivity of nodes makes them extremely
resistant to failures. There is no single machine failure that could
bring down the entire network. The absence of a single point of failure
is one of the reasons why this is a popular topology choice. This setup
is also secure from being compromised.

Disadvantages

However, mesh topologies are far from perfect. They require an

immense amount of configuration once they are deployed. The
topological layout is more complex than many other topologies and
this is reflected by how long it takes to set up. You’ll need to
accommodate a whole host of new wiring which can add up to be
quite expensive.

Hybrid Topology

Hybrid Topology Diagram

Pros:
  Very flexible
 Suitable for middle-sized and large organizations
 Infinitely extendible
 Adaptable to optimize equipment use

Cons:

 Requires professional management

 Needs monitoring software
 Equipment costs are high

When a topology is composed of two or more different topologies it is

referred to as a hybrid topology. Hybrid topologies are most-
commonly encountered in larger enterprises where individual
departments have network topologies that different from another
topology in the organization. Connecting these topologies together will
result in a hybrid topology. As a consequence, the capabilities and
vulnerabilities depend on the types of topology that are tied together.

Advantages

There are many reasons why hybrid topologies are used but they all
have one thing in common: flexibility. There are few constraints on
the network structure that a hybrid topology cannot accommodate,
and you can incorporate multiple topologies into one hybrid
setup. As a consequence, hybrid topologies are very scalable. The
scalability of hybrid setups makes them well-suited to larger networks.

Disadvantages

Unfortunately, hybrid topologies can be quite complex, depending

on the topologies that you decide to use. Each topology that is part of
your hybrid topology will have to be managed according to its unique
network requirements. This makes administrators’ jobs more difficult
because they are going to have to attempt to manage multiple
topologies rather than a single one. In addition, setting up a hybrid
topology can end up being quite costly.

See also: Network Discovery Tools and Software

Which Topology Should I Choose?

There is a range of factors that you need to take into account when
choosing which topology to use. Before choosing a topology you’ll
want to closely consider the following:

 Length of cable needed

 Cable type
 Cost
 Scalability

First, you need to take into account the length of the cable you
need to provide service to all your network devices. A bus topology is
the most lightweight in terms of cable needs. In this sense, this would
be the simplest topology to install and buy cables for. This ties into the
second factor, you need to consider the type of cable you’re going
to use. Cable types range from twister pairs to coaxial cables and
optical fiber cables.

The cost of installing the topology is also very important. The more
complex the topology you choose is, the more you’ll need to pay in
terms of resources and time to create that setup.

The final factor you’ll want to take into account is scalability. If you’re
planning to upscale your network infrastructure in the future you
want to make sure that you use a network that is easy to add
devices to. A star topology network is ideal for this because you can
add network nodes with minimal disruption. This isn’t as simple within
a ring network because you will incur downtime if you add any nodes.

Network Topology Mapping Software

Now that we know the different types of topology, it is time to consider
how to design your network from scratch. There are several software
products that allow you to create your own network topology
diagrams. Network topology diagrams show you a diagram of how
your network connects together and helps you to create an efficient
network design. It also provides you with a reference point that assists
you when you attempt to run troubleshooting to fix faults.
Our methodology for selecting network topology mapping software

We reviewed the market for network topology mapping software and

analyzed the options based on the following criteria:
  Automatic network discovery
 Live topology map creation for up-to-date
 Device identifiers and statuses displayed on the map
 Options for different layout formats
 Options to manually redesign the network layout within the
mapper
 A free assessment period or money-back guarantee
 Value for money, represented by a price that represents a
good deal for the number of tools the package includes

Microsoft Visio
There are many different network topology mapping products out
there but one of the most widely used is Microsoft Visio.
Pros:

 Easy to use, part of the Microsoft Suite

 Good for network planning and theoretical designs
 Widely used file format
 Supports a wide range of export types

Cons:

 Only available in Windows

 Lacks live network auto-discovery builtin

With Microsoft Visio, you can draw up your network by adding network
elements to a canvas. This program allows you to design a topology
diagram that details your network. Of course, drawing up your own
network isn’t always ideal particularly when you’re attempting to map
a larger computer network.

SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper (FREE TRIAL)

As a result, you might want to consider using another tool
like SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper which can autodiscover
devices connected to your network. Autodiscovery comes in handy
because it means that you don’t have to draw up your network
structure manually.

Pros:

 Uses auto-discover for automated mapping, great for larger

more complex networks
 Uses multiple protocols to identify network devices, ICMP,
SNMP, WMI, and CDP
 Designed to work in virtual environments and supports both
VMWare and Hyper-V hosting
 Can build static maps and include devices from your network for
capacity planning and testing