A network diagram is a visual tool used to map and analyze the relationships and connections among people, organizations, systems, or concepts. It helps reveal how different elements interact within a network, making it easier to understand complex structures, flows of information, and patterns of influence.
Typically composed of nodes (representing individuals or entities) and links (indicating relationships or interactions), network diagrams are widely used in fields such as project management, social science research, public health, and development evaluation. They can show formal structures like organizational hierarchies or informal relationships such as collaboration, communication, or resource exchange.
What are the Uses of Network Diagrams? #
Some key uses of network diagrams include:
- Stakeholder analysis: Network diagrams identify who is involved and how they are connected.
- Resource flow mapping: They trace the movement of information, funding, or support.
- Influence and power analysis: They also reveal who holds influence in a system and how decisions are shaped.
What are the Benefits of Network Diagrams? #
Some benefits of network diagrams are:
- Network diagrams make invisible connections visible, aiding in better decision-making.
- They help identify key actors, gaps, or bottlenecks in systems.
- They are useful for both the planning and evaluation phases of a project.
What are the limitations of Network Diagrams? #
Some limitations of network diagrams include:
- They require accurate and up-to-date data to be meaningful.
- They can become overly complex in large systems if not clearly organized.
List of recommended resources #
For a broad overview #
An Overview on Network Diagrams: Graph-Based Representation
This article gives a brief introduction to network diagrams–a graph-based representation–as part of graph theory. The article explains the methodology as well as some types of networks, along with applications of technological networks.
This blog post by Lucidchart gives an overview of network diagrams and network typology, along with an explanation of how network diagrams are used. It also gives examples and symbols of network diagrams along with steps to make a network diagram.
For in-depth understanding #
Chapter 5 – Diagramming the Network Infrastructure
This chapter by Dale Liu in Cisco Router and Switch Forensics explores essential devices involved in documenting a network infrastructure and outlines the key information that should be included in such reports. The chapter emphasizes that a well-constructed network diagram should serve two main purposes: visually representing the structure of the network—including components, connections, and logical layout—and detailing important specifics such as device model numbers, IP addresses, and host names.
This article by Figma provides an in-depth understanding of network diagrams. The article explains the various types of network diagrams as well as an activity network diagram along with network diagram icons. It also gives step-by-step instructions on how to make a computer network diagram along with an example and a template.
Case study #
This paper by Negin Mirriahi, Bhuvinder Singh Vaid, and David P. Burns presents selected findings from a broader study examining academic staff resistance to incorporating technology into on-campus foreign language instruction at a higher education institution in North America. A network diagram is included in the report to visually illustrate the various factors influencing the adoption of technology.
The application of social network theory to animal behaviour
In this study, Amelia Coleing used Social Network Analysis (SNA) to explore the structure and interactions within a group. A network diagram was created to visually represent the social relationships among the group’s 10 members. The research highlights SNA as a valuable method for examining group dynamics, especially in species that rely heavily on social interactions.
