Creating network diagrams with LibreOffice

The LibreOffice Extension VRT Network Equipment contains multiple shapes (template shapes) for creating network diagrams with LibreOffice. It is licensed under CC-BY-SA and can be used for free. This article shows how to integrate the shapes in LibreOffice (tested with Ubuntu 14.04 LTS with LibreOffice 4.2.6.3).

Install extension

The LibreOffice Extension VRT Network Equipment gallery contains shapes for numerous network components.

For the installation of the extension, execute the following steps:

1. Download the latest version of the extension from extensions.libreoffice.org:
   • VRT Network Equipment (extensions.libreoffice.org)
2. Installation in LibreOffice in the menu under: Tools -> Extension Manager... -> Add...

Integration in gallery

Clicking on the gallery icon at the bottom right of the LibreOffice Drawing Tool Bar displays the galleries (including those from VRT Network Equipment).

Click on the gallery symbol of LibreOffice Draw to use the shapes.

After this, you can select the individual subject areas:

• VRT Clients & Peripherals
• VRT Energy Management
• VRT Industrial Automation
• VRT Networking & Communications
• VRT Servers
• VRT Visualisation

Advice for creating network diagrams

The following pages provide advice for creating network diagrams:

• VRT Network Equipment (www.vrt.com.au, Project description and usage hacks in paragraph Tips for Use)
• 10 Tips for Creating Better Network Diagrams (networkdiagram101.com)

References

Author: Werner Fischer Werner Fischer, working in the Knowledge Transfer team at Thomas-Krenn, completed his studies of Computer and Media Security at FH Hagenberg in Austria. He is a regular speaker at many conferences like LinuxTag, OSMC, OSDC, LinuxCon, and author for various IT magazines. In his spare time he enjoys playing the piano and training for a good result at the annual Linz marathon relay.

Translator: Alina Ranzinger Alina has been working at Thomas-Krenn.AG since 2024. After her training as multilingual business assistant, she got her job as assistant of the Product Management and is responsible for the translation of texts and for the organisation of the department.