Sometimes network administrators need to diagram their networks. That could be accomplished using basic tools like Paint, or more advanced tools like Adobe Photoshop [buy]. However, it's sometime frustant due to complexity. For this task, I recomend the software Visio from Microsoft. This software is very handy, and it's not limited only to Network Diagram, it can be used to make other diagrams, like workflow, flowcharting, database, UML, etc. Visio can be expanded by adding stencils. At this time, the last available version is Visio 2003 Profesional (works under Win 2000/XP), but, from Amazon, older version still available, such as version 2000 in Enterprise, Technical and Profesional Upgrade flavors (Works from Windows 95 - XP), and Version 5 Plus. Each version has new features, and differences between 2000 flavors are mainly stencils. From this link you can download a trial version of Microsoft Visio 2003.

Visio Addons

Visio as I said before, can be expanded by adding stencils. Stencils can be downloaded from Internet, but following, I will list some stencils that I have tested:

• Cisco Stencils: They are free stencils from Cisco products.
• NetZoom Stencil for Visio : It's a commercial product from Altima Technologies Inc. that contains millions of stenctils and shapes from many computer and network manufacturers. There is a similar product called NetZoomAV Stencil for Visio, which contains millions of stencils and shapes from Audio/Video manufacturers, focused to Media Distribution like Television Broadcasters. For customers, Altima offers a free shape request. They offer also a bundle product that contains Audio, Video, Computer and Network stencils called NetZoom Universal Professional.