Many organizations create network maps of their network system. These maps can be made manually using simple tools such as [[Microsoft Visio]], or the mapping process can be simplified by using tools that [[Network documentation|integrate auto network discovery with Network mapping]], one such example being the [https://ipfabric.io/ IP Fabric platform]. Many of the vendors from the [[Network mapping#Notable network mappers|Notable network mappers]] list enable you to customize the maps and include your own labels, add un-discoverable items and background images. Sophisticated mapping is used to help visualize the network and understand relationships between end devices and the transport layers that provide service. Mostly, network scanners detect the network with all its components and deliver a list which is used for creating charts and maps using network mapping software.<ref>{{Cite web|title=FREE network mapping software PRTG|url=https://www.paessler.com/network-mapping|access-date=2021-09-07|website=www.paessler.com|language=en}}</ref> Items such as bottlenecks and [[root cause analysis]] can be easier to spot using these tools.
There are three main techniques used for network mapping: [[Simple Network Management Protocol|SNMP]] based approaches, [[active probing]] and [[route analytics]].
