Can I add the device used at each layer?

Yes. Add a node under each layer, such as "Devices, switches and bridges" under data link and "Devices, routers" under network.

Does a slash in a protocol name cause problems?

No, "TCP/IP" renders as written. The characters to avoid are parentheses and square brackets.

I want stacked boxes instead of a mind map.

Use flowchart syntax with one subgraph per layer, top to bottom. The architecture templates in the library show the pattern.

Diagramate

Start drawing

Mind map

Computer networking concepts mind map template

A computer networking mind map organized by layer: physical, data link, network, transport and application, plus a security branch. Adapt it to your course or interview prep, then export PNG, SVG, Word or PowerPoint free.

Previewed in the “Gradient” theme; you can switch themes in the editor

When to use it

Networking is taught layer by layer, and the main branches follow those layers. Use it for course review, certification study or backend interviews, when you want one page that names the protocols and mechanisms at each layer.

Make it yours

Add "Three-way handshake" and "Connection teardown" under TCP connection management.
For the seven-layer model, add Presentation and Session branches before Application.
For interviews, break "What happens when you open a URL" into nodes under the application layer.

Mermaid code

computer-network-mindmap.mmd

mindmap
  root((Computer networking))
    Physical layer
      Transmission media
      Encoding and modulation
      Multiplexing
    Data link layer
      Framing and error detection
      Ethernet and switches
      Medium access control
    Network layer
      IP addressing and subnetting
      Routing protocols
      ARP and ICMP
    Transport layer
      UDP
      TCP connection management
      Flow and congestion control
    Application layer
      DNS
      HTTP and HTTPS
      Email protocols
    Security
      Symmetric and public-key encryption
      Certificates and TLS

Ask an AI for one with this structure

Send the prompt below to ChatGPT or Claude, then paste the whole reply into the editor; the code inside is detected automatically.

prompt.txt

Draw a computer networking mind map with Mermaid mindmap syntax. The root is Computer networking, and the main branches are Physical layer, Data link layer, Network layer, Transport layer, Application layer, and Security, each with two or three protocols or concepts. Put every node on its own line, show levels with space indentation, and do not use list markers or arrows. Output only the mermaid code block.

FAQ

Can I add the device used at each layer?: Yes. Add a node under each layer, such as "Devices, switches and bridges" under data link and "Devices, routers" under network.
Does a slash in a protocol name cause problems?: No, "TCP/IP" renders as written. The characters to avoid are parentheses and square brackets.
I want stacked boxes instead of a mind map.: Use flowchart syntax with one subgraph per layer, top to bottom. The architecture templates in the library show the pattern.

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Updated 2026-11-11