Network Design Center

HOW TO DRAW NETWORK DIAGRAMS

Using the Curved Line and Curved Connector
You can also use curved lines or curved connectors to connect your shapes. If you are using the Curved Line , you can adjust the curve's degree of curvature with the special selection handle at its center.

Curved Connector lines are segmented lines with rounded corners. They follow the same rules as segmented lines created by the Shape Connector.

Indicating Communication Links or Digital Links
You can make a straight line display a special communication link or digital link symbol at its midpoint. Just click on the line and choose Change Line Shape from the Change Line menu located under the Design tab.

The line has been changed to show a digital link line between a router and a workstation.

Link to Outside Files
SmartDraw allows you to link objects in your drawings to outside files. Then when you click on the object in SmartDraw the outside file is automatically opened.

To link a device or symbol in SmartDraw to an outside file, select the image and click the HyperLink button located on the Insert tab.

The Create a Hyperlink dialog will appear. Select between SmartDraw Drawing, Web Page, Document, or Program as the Type of Link. You can browse your computer to find a file or program.

Link to an Excel^® Spreadsheet Cell
To link a device name in SmartDraw to a cell in an Excel^® spreadsheet, first select the cell in your spreadsheet that contains the device name. Copy it by choosing Copy from the Excel^® Home tab. Once back in SmartDraw, right-click on your work area and select Paste.

Move the pasted cell next to the appropriate device. To link the cell to the device (so it will stay attached), make sure you Allow Shapes to Link in the Options menu under the SmartDraw Button. Drag the cell toward your device until you see the link points appear. Release the mouse to link the two shapes. Now if you move the device, its name will move with it.

Now, when you double-click on the device name, Excel^® will open the appropriate worksheet and highlight the cell where you can view or edit its specifications.