Network Diagram Templates - SmartSketch - Help

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SmartSketch Version
8.0(2014)

You use these templates to produce network diagrams.

  • Imperial Template—This template has imperial units in decimal inches, ANSI sheet sizes, ANSI dimensioning, and ANSI text.

  • Metric Template—This template has metric units in millimeters, ISO sheet sizes, ISO dimensioning, and ISO text.

Network Diagram symbols are available in the Symbol Explorer for these templates. The Schematic toolbar containing tools to create network diagrams appears on the left of the drawing window.

Network Diagram Workflow

You can create network diagrams with Maintain Relationships set on or off.

  1. Set up the sheet.

    • Select an appropriate sheet size. The network symbols are accurately scaled to 1/10th of their true size so you should leave the sheet scale at 1:1, the default.

  2. Prepare to draw.

    • Set the drawing aids to your preferences using SmartSketch Settings, Grid Display, and Grid Snap. For more grid options click the View tab after you click Options on the Tools menu to set the grid style to either dynamic or static. Set the static grid to the preferred grid spacing.

    • These settings provide visual feedback to you to improve the workflow while you draw.

Simple Network Diagram

  1. Drag symbols from the Symbol Explorer.

  2. Use Connector to connect symbols.

  3. Double-click each symbol to add text.

Optimal Network Diagram

  1. Place network diagram symbols by dragging from the Symbol Explorer.

    • While dragging a symbol, use the left/right arrow keys to rotate the symbol dynamically before placement. Use the up/down arrow keys to select different drag points on the symbol before placement.

    • If you press Alt during symbol placement, the alignment indicators are temporarily disabled, allowing symbol placement with grid snap or visual alignment.

    • You can use two methods to place multiple copies of the same symbol:

      • Holding down the right mouse button, drag the symbol into the template. When you release the right mouse button to place the symbol, you are prompted with two options. Click Stamp Here, and use the left mouse button to place multiple copies of the symbol.

      • Press Ctrl as you drag in a symbol with the left mouse button. Place the first instance of the symbol while holding down Ctrl. Once you have placed the first symbol, you can release Ctrl and use the left mouse button to place multiple copies of the symbol.

    • Some network symbols mount into the rack or chassis symbols when you drag the symbol into a rack or chassis. When you pause over a drop point in a chassis or rack, a tool tip appears; for example, Attach Module. When you move a symbol, all associated symbols follow. To independently move an associated symbol, select the symbol and click the green lock. This frees the symbol from the element. A symbol is not associated to an element if a green lock is not displayed when you select the symbol.

  2. Add attributes to the network symbols by selecting the symbol and editing fields in the Attribute Viewer.

  3. Connect the symbols by using Connector, or by dragging in Cable symbols and then connecting the endpoints to network symbols. The result is a symbolized connector with attribution.

    • When drawing connectors, you should set Clearance. Type the minimum distance from the symbols that you would like the first turn in the connectors to occur. This action allows you to control the visual consistency of connectors that make right-angle turns just before they attach to a symbol.

    • When you draw a connector to a symbol, approach the symbol from the direction you want the connector placed. As the pointer intent zone nears the symbol, suggested targets for the connector appear. The connector end point can be placed on a target or any of the symbol vector geometry. If you press Alt while drawing a connector, the diagonal mode is temporarily invoked, and the alignment indicators are temporarily disabled.

    • Note the connect points display a tool tip when the connector end point is drawn or modified over a port on the network symbol.

    • You can edit attribute information on the connector and the network symbols in the Attribute Viewer.

    • SmartLabels are provided for network symbols and cables. These SmartLabels appear in the Symbol Explorer in the network symbol directories. When you drag a network SmartLabel over the drag point (usually the lower left corner) of a network symbol, the label associates to the symbol and accesses the symbol attribute information.

    • The description attribute data is displayed in the label. The cable labels display the type and the speed-type of the cable.

  4. Place text.

    • Double-click on the symbols to place text below the symbol or connector. The active text settings in the file are used.

    • Right click on text to edit properties.

    • To move the text, select and highlight the text.

    • Click the green lock to unlock; then with the pointer, drag the text to a new position. Note that text is entered in paper units regardless of the sheet scale.

  5. Report on the network diagram.

    • Drag a report from the Symbol Explorer on to the sheet and follow the instructions. An Excel spreadsheet is updated from the attributes of all the network symbols in the file.

    • The following symbol sets aid in drawing diagrams.

Content

Description

[Product Folder]\Symbols\Diagramming\Network Diagram

Network diagram symbols that include Cables, Chassis, Cards, Modules, Input-Output Devices, Intelligent Network Devices, Network Accessories, Non-intelligent Network Devices, Physical Plant, and Servers and Storage devices. These symbols have attribution and special behaviors for enhanced placement and modification.

See Also

Drawing Basic Elements
Drawing Connectors
Create a Template