VLAN - basics for a newbie [Solved]

PM_13

@johnpoz Excellent tip!!!

"For example one of my vlans is 192.168.6/24 - guess what the vlan ID is ;) 6"

I am convinced that I will forget the VLAN IDs (even more so if it works properly) but I will likely have IP subnets etched in my brain so using subnet seems like a practical way to remember VLAN ID.

Thanks!

bingo600

@johnpoz said in VLAN - basics for a newbie [Solved]:

If you really want to get fancy, you might want to look at something like https://github.com/netbox-community/netbox

And its FREE ;)

Nice one ...

PM_13

Since starting this thread, I have become little mature

The challenge with handwritten topology is that anytime you change details it might mean starting from scratch. The links are useful and I am amazed that there are services making money offering IP management, well make sense when you are running a large network.

I found that writing things in a spreadsheet (not Word) is good enough for small networks like a home lan. It is easy to use a cell as a port (for diagram) with option to color code and use the zoom or resize feature to type in notes or tables!!!

bingo600

@pm_13

I'we been glaring at Dia , for a non Visio package
https://wiki.gnome.org/Apps/Dia

Seems to be usable , but nothing beats Visio.

Untested by me :
Shapes for libreoffice
https://www.vrt.com.au/downloads/vrt-network-equipment

Prob ends up costing a few $
https://www.lucidchart.com/pages/visio-linux-alternative

Another
https://opensource.com/life/14/6/tools-diagramming-fedora

bingo600

5 minutes in dia
It does have some usefull shapes that we all know.

PM_13

@bingo600 Is this GNS UI?

If so then I overlooked it as an option and might be worth reviewing again.
Thanks

bingo600

@pm_13

Nope

It's dia (diagram writer) - on a linux Mint
https://wiki.gnome.org/Apps/Dia

apt install dia

johnpoz

@pm_13 said in VLAN - basics for a newbie [Solved]:

I am amazed that there are services making money offering IP management

When you have 1000's of networks to manage, yeah you really need something other than a spreadsheet ;).

There are many an options for sure - many are pretty freaking pricey if you ask me ;)

If you have a windows 2016 server in your network - MS added IPAM..

If just wanting ipam - another pretty well rounded tool for free is https://www.gestioip.net/

cburbs

@pm_13 For drawings you could also try the following.
https://online.visual-paradigm.com
https://app.diagrams.net/

PM_13

@cburbs , @johnpoz & @bingo600 for all the suggestions!

I ended up using LibreOffice Draw, the start was clunky but once I got the hang of its drawing toolbar it became a breeze. Also realized that by documenting details, it took that extra level of time and scrutiny made me think through the topology functionally and not use my standard "do first then think later" approach

It is also easy to edit and make changes so for a free solution and a simple network like mine it worked out great, here is a blurred screenshot for your delight!!!