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Maps LAN/MAN Map Logical Map Routing Map Upper Layer Services Mail Routing Power Distribution IT Org Relationship IT Support Relationship

Maps Visualizing If I can't draw it, I have difficulty trouble-shooting it, particularly when working with stuff which is effectively invisible. Because most of IT doesn't reflect light ... code executing on a CPU ... packets whizzing along wires ... I rely heavily on pictures for comprehending and managing an IT infrastructure. The diagrams on this page illustrate how I visualize the enterprise network which I help support. In general, I use ACD's Canvas to produce these maps -- Canvas has the data density features I want for this task. When I have a low-density relationship to portray, I tend to employ Microsoft's Visio. Multilayer Maps In these diagrams, I focus on transport, starting from a high-level, deepening, and gradually drilling into detail. These three diagrams portray aspects of the deep infrastructure behind an enterprise network (~10000 nodes). They employ the following conventions: Connectivity: Packets can flow across lines and through boxes. Thus, one can use this map as one would a road map, figuring out how to perambulate from point A to point B. Bandwidth: Indigo means gigabit ethernet, purple means fast ethernet, baby blue means vanilla ethernet. Packet forwarding gear -- switches, routers, firewalls, etc. -- are colored according to the best case forwarding rate of their backplanes. Server OS: Popular end-stations (typically called "servers") are included, and they are colored by operating system brand/version rather than by packet forwarding rate. I document routing using both concrete and abstract diagrams, combined with a textual version of how the design works. Older Network Maps I inherited this network and developed my own way of portraying it (as well as made a few upgrades along the way!) Layer 7 Services The Upper Layer Services map illustrates a primarily Layer 7 and above view of infrastructure services, depicting a few of their interdependencies. Mail Routing The Mail Routing map illustrates how mail traverses our environment. Power Distribution The Power Distribution map illustrates, from an IT perspective, how power flows through our physical infrastructure. IT Support Relationships These IT Org Relationship and IT Support Relationship diagrams illustrate how a decentralized company delivers deep infrastructure support to its various revenue-generating arms.