What is network mapping? Definition and process

What is network mapping?

Network mapping breaks down complex networks into easy-to-understand visuals and smaller categories, allowing for proactive network monitoring. A network map includes diagrams and charts that account for the network components that make up your local area network (LAN), including hosts, switches, routers, firewalls, access points, and your virtual LANs. 

Thanks to the rise of cloud computing, remote work, and globalization, networks have expanded to such an extent that mapping is necessary for effective network monitoring for large organizations like corporations, network providers, and internet service providers. Networks are no longer bound to a single building, city, or even country, so network mapping has become a critical tool for network administrators.

How does network mapping work?

Network mapping combines visualization tools like diagrams and charts with network data, measuring metrics like latency, bandwidth, and throughput. Because network mapping is a proactive process — especially when it incorporates a live diagram — it allows IT teams to identify and resolve problems as soon as they arise, minimizing downtime and disruptions.

An automated network mapping tool can provide real-time updates, allowing the network map to accurately reflect the network status and, in turn, improve analysis and problem-solving. To achieve this goal, network mapping solutions often use probe packets, which travel from node to node to collect data like an IP address.

These network mapping functions generate network status notifications and enable consistent monitoring. Network mapping tools alert IT teams when a network is experiencing a problem, such as a connectivity issue or extreme traffic. When the IT team receives the notification, they can check the map to pinpoint the network element that is causing the issue and resolve it quickly.

Why is network mapping important?

Network mapping is important because it makes it easier to monitor, secure, and troubleshoot large networks. Network mapping is especially critical in our global society, where people may be accessing networks from different locations.

Enhances network security and control

Network maps give network administrators a robust understanding of the network, ultimately allowing them to quickly spot and eliminate security risks. Mapping provides a refined approach to network monitoring — having a comprehensive overview of the network’s day-to-day activities highlights anything strange or harmful that arises. Real-time network mapping notifications also make it easier to identify suspicious activity, unknown devices, and other threats and take immediate action.

With network mapping, an IT team has full view of and control over the network, increasing security, minimizing downtime, and enabling swift responses to security threats and other issues that could negatively affect network health.

Helps resolve issues faster

The controlled network monitoring that makes mapping a critical security tool also makes it an important problem-solver. Every network encounters periodic issues like latency, unresponsiveness, or excessive traffic, and these problems only scale as the network size increases. 

Network mapping solutions provide detailed information about device status. Whenever an issue arises, IT teams can address the problematic device(s) immediately. By eliminating the need to search for the struggling entity, network maps help IT teams locate the root cause of the issue and resolve it in record time. Some network mapping software even offer features that solve common network problems without human intervention. This prompt response results in better network performance and less downtime while saving the organization both time and money.

Leverages auto-discovery

Network mapping software can use specific network protocols to automatically discover new network devices. A simple network management protocol (SNMP) is often embedded in devices like routers, servers, and wireless access points to detect network devices and collect their information. Network mapping tools then take the information the SNMP collects and add the device to the map, letting network administrators monitor every device that is connecting to the network.

Optimizes network performance and planning

The insight network mapping provides can greatly improve your planning. A visual representation of your network reveals bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and out-of-date elements. That way, IT teams can take action to optimize network performance and resolve potential issues before they occur. This information also allows for more informed decision-making and planning within the IT environment.

Types of network maps

Network mapping is important, but the exact type(s) of network map you choose will vary depending on the size of your organization, its needs, and the extent of its network.

The different types of network maps include:

• Physical network maps. A physical network map reflects the physical devices on your network, such as computers, printers, routers, servers, and the cables that connect them. Physical network maps play a critical role in helping IT teams identify when a device is malfunctioning or needs to be updated.
• Layer 2 maps. Layer 2 maps outline the network data layer (Layer 2). Layer 2 allows devices to share data at high speeds, and Layer 2 network mapping provides information about the way network devices are connected.
• Layer 3 maps. Layer 3 maps concern IP addresses and how they interact with the network. Layer 3 network mapping uses a device’s IP address to plot the devices and the networks and subnets they are connected to.
• Logical network maps. Whereas physical network maps track physical devices, logical network maps outline the flow of information. Logical network maps show how data travels through the network and how devices communicate, mapping elements like routing protocols, firewalls, and subnets. 

How to map a network drive

You can choose from two methods for how to map a network drive — automatically or manually. Automatic network mapping leverages network mapping software to generate network maps with real-time data updates and notifications.

Manual network mapping can be completed by literally drawing static network maps by hand, using another visualization or network administrative tool, like Visio, or importing a data file. However, manual options cannot offer real-time notifications like automatic network mapping. 

No matter which network mapping method your organization chooses, follow these steps:

1. 1.Identify the devices that need to be mapped. Should the network map reflect the entire network, or should it only focus on a small subset of the network, such as an IP address range or office floor? Large networks in particular may want to build a hierarchical map with different layers for different subnets. However, most network maps will want to include all the IP addresses on the network or subnet, firewalls, and the rack layout.
2. 2.Add devices to the network map. Once you decide on your network map’s scope, you need to add devices to the map. Automated network mapping software will find and identify devices on its own. However, manual network mapping will require your network administrator to personally identify and add all the devices one by one.
3. 3.Optimize the network map for easy analysis. Once the network map has been created, refine it to make it more user-friendly. Consider techniques like improving the visual layout and implementing color coding.
4. 4.Share the network map. You should share the completed network map with relevant team members, such as the IT staff, and make it easy to access whenever an employee needs it.

How to manually map a network drive

Follow these steps to manually map a network drive on a Windows or Mac device.

Windows 

To map a network drive on Windows devices:

1. 1.Open File Explorer.
2. 2.Select “This PC.”
3. 3.Click “…” and then “Map network drive.”
4. 4.Select an available drive letter from the Drive list.
5. 5.Type the path of the folder or computer in the Folder box. If you do not know the path, use “Browse” to find it.
6. 6.If you want to connect every time you sign in, select the “Reconnect at sign in” option.
7. 7.Click “Finish.”

Mac 

To map a network drive on Mac devices:

1. 1.Open Finder.
2. 2.Input Command + K.
3. 3.In the “Connect to server” window, enter the path to the network drive you want to map.
4. 4.Click “Connect.”
5. 5.Enter the device’s login and password when prompted. Click “Ok.”

These commands will make the drive appear on your desktop and in the Finder window sidebar. However, it will not remount after a system reboot.

If you want to enable remounting, follow the network mapping process outlined above and then:

1. 1.Open System preferences.
2. 2.Select “Accounts.”
3. 3.Select “Login items” and then +.
4. 4.Add the network drive you already mounted.

How to automatically map a network drive

To automatically map a network drive, you will want to choose a network mapping software. Automated network mapping involves three basic techniques to keep up with the dynamic nature of your network:

• SNMP mapping uses a simple network management protocol, gathering data from the router and switching MIBs to create maps.
• Active probing uses probe packets to create a network map.
• Route analytics leverage routing protocol data, tracking Layer 3 exchanges between routers to generate a network map with real-time updates.

Look for network mapping solutions with robust security features, real-time monitoring, and notifications. You can invest in specific network mapping software like ManageEngine or Lansweeper or use a free network mapping software like Domotz.

Best network mapping practices

To get the most out of your network map, follow these best network mapping practices:

• Involve multiple stakeholders. During the network mapping process, include multiple relevant stakeholders to ensure that the final network map meets everyone’s needs.
• Update network maps regularly. Accurate network maps are critical for quickly resolving issues, so ensure that the network map is updated regularly — especially if you opt for a manual network mapping solution. Include new devices, network reconfigurations, and decommissioned or updated hardware.
• Write a network mapping policy. A network mapping policy ensures that your network administrators and IT staff understand how the network map should be implemented and who is responsible for each element of network map maintenance.
• Document network changes. Anytime the network or map changes, it should be documented. Each log entry should outline what changed, why, and who was responsible for the change and when they made it.
• Integrate network mapping with other IT management systems. Network mapping is just one part of an IT strategy, so be sure to integrate it into your current IT environment.
• Use a VPN. A virtual private network, or VPN, can help protect every network component from cybercriminals.

How can a VPN enhance network mapping?

Network mapping is useful and necessary for many organizations. However, it also raises certain security concerns. The entire network could become prone to cybersecurity threats if one map element is breached. A VPN can enhance your network mapping process to improve security and accessibility. 

A VPN encrypts online traffic for added security. VPNs protect online traffic and prevent unauthorized access to networks. They also play a key role in remote file access, so if your team works remotely or across multiple locations, a VPN will make it easy for everyone on the network to be on the same page.

With some careful planning and network mapping solutions, like a network mapping tool or VPN, network maps can help your organization improve network monitoring, rapidly address issues, maximize network performance, and maintain security.