CloudNetDraw is a free and open-source Azure Network Diagram Generator designed specifically for cloud engineers and architects. It automates the creation of detailed Draw.io network diagrams directly from your Azure environment, providing high- and mid-level visualizations with intelligent topology mapping, icons, and colors.

Key Features

• Generates comprehensive Draw.io diagrams from Azure infrastructure in seconds.
• Automatically maps virtual networks, subnets, and peerings with intelligent topology.
• Provides high- and mid-level visualizations using standard icons and color-coding.
• Ensures minimal and secure access, with no credentials stored and user-controlled permissions.
• Free and open-source (MIT licensed), offering both a hosted version and self-deployment options.

Use Cases

CloudNetDraw is invaluable for streamlining documentation and enhancing understanding of complex Azure network architectures. Cloud engineers can quickly generate up-to-date diagrams for onboarding new team members, ensuring everyone has a clear visual representation of the environment. Architects can leverage it for design reviews, identifying potential issues, or validating proposed changes before implementation.

Furthermore, it serves as an excellent tool for compliance and auditing purposes. By automating diagram generation, organizations can ensure their network documentation is always current and accurate, reducing manual effort and the risk of outdated information. This helps in demonstrating adherence to regulatory requirements and internal policies efficiently.

Pricing Information

CloudNetDraw is completely free and open-source, licensed under MIT. Users have the flexibility to utilize the hosted version for immediate access or self-deploy the tool within their own Azure tenant, incurring no direct software costs.

User Experience and Support

The tool emphasizes a fast and automated user experience, delivering detailed diagrams in seconds. Its design prioritizes security, ensuring no credentials are stored and allowing users to precisely control access to their Azure subscriptions or resources. As an open-source project, community support is available, complemented by various deep-dive blogs and a GitHub repository for technical insights and contributions.

Technical Details

CloudNetDraw integrates directly with the Azure environment to extract network configuration data. It then processes this information to generate structured network diagrams compatible with Draw.io, a popular diagramming tool. Being open-source and MIT licensed, it offers transparency and flexibility for customization and community-driven enhancements.

Pros and Cons

• Pros:
• Free and open-source with an MIT license.
• Automated and rapid diagram generation (seconds).
• Produces Draw.io compatible output with intelligent topology.
• Secure by design: no stored credentials, user-controlled access.
• Trusted by over 100 Azure tenants.
• Cons:
• Automatically generated diagrams require validation for critical infrastructure audits or documentation.
• Potential for misinterpretation or rendering limitations, as per the disclaimer.

Conclusion

CloudNetDraw provides an essential, free, and secure solution for Azure professionals looking to automate and simplify their network diagramming process. Its ability to quickly visualize complex Azure topologies makes it an invaluable asset for documentation, design, and operational understanding. Explore CloudNetDraw today to enhance your Azure infrastructure visualization.