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How to Create Visio Network Diagrams with EtherChannels

Camila Milosovich Sep 30, 2026 877 views

Question details

The user needs a method to represent EtherChannels and port channels with evenly spaced parallel lines in a network diagram.

How to Create EtherChannel Network Diagrams in Microsoft Visio

Product: Microsoft Visio
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Drawing advanced networking topologies that require multiple parallel links (EtherChannels) between switches or devices.
Observed behavior: Visio does not automatically create evenly spaced parallel connectors; by default, multiple connectors tend to snap to a single default connection point, causing lines to overlap.

Before you start

Determine whether you need a quick static fix for a single diagram or a dynamic shape that you will reuse frequently. For dynamic shapes, ensure your version of Visio includes access to the ShapeSheet functionality.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Custom Connection Points and Straight Connectors

This is the most straightforward method for creating parallel links by manually adding and utilizing custom connection points on your shapes.

By manually adding evenly spaced connection points along the edge of your network switch shapes, you can force individual connectors to remain parallel.

Changing the connector routing style from Right Angle to Straight prevents Visio from automatically attempting to reroute and bunch the lines together.

Add Custom Connection Points

Select your network device shape. Use the Connection Point tool (found in the Home tab) to click and add multiple, evenly spaced connection points along the edge where the EtherChannel will attach.

Draw the Links

Select the Connector tool and draw individual lines from the custom connection points on the first shape to the corresponding connection points on the second shape.

Format Connectors to Straight

Select all the connector lines you just drew. Right-click, select 'Straight Connector' instead of 'Right-Angle Connector' to ensure they stay strictly parallel without overlapping.

Tip: You can group the shapes and connectors once drawn to easily move the entire EtherChannel assembly without disrupting the parallel spacing.

Solution 2

Use ShapeSheet Formulas for Dynamic Spacing

Best for advanced users who frequently build complex diagrams and want shapes to automatically calculate connection spacing based on a specified number of channels.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my Visio connectors overlap instead of staying parallel?

Visio's default auto-routing often snaps multiple connectors to the center connection point of a shape and routes them along the same path. To fix this, you must create distinct connection points and set the connector style to 'Straight' instead of 'Right Angle'.

What is a ShapeSheet in Visio?

The ShapeSheet is a spreadsheet-like environment in Visio where you can view and edit the underlying data and mathematical formulas that define a shape's geometry, connection points, and behavior.

Can I save and reuse my custom EtherChannel shape?

Yes. Once you manually configure a shape with evenly spaced connection points or ShapeSheet formulas, you can drag it into a custom 'Stencil' panel and save that stencil (.vssx file) to reuse the shape in future diagrams.

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