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Network Architecture

What is Network Architecture?

The design and structure of a computer network including topology, protocols, and components, with security considerations integrated throughout.

Information Security

Each of these is named in at least one of the same controls as network architecture. The number is how many controls name both.

What the standards actually require on network architecture

Requirements naming network architecture across 6 standards, quoted from the control text.

Per TSA + Telecommunications Security Code of Practice: Network Architecture Hierarchy and Security Layers + security measures per code + Ofcom Code of Practice compliance.

UKTSA-2 · Code of Practice and Network Architecture

Network architecture shall be planned with zones of differing trust, segmentation, redundancy and documented in current diagrams.

NET.1.1 · Network Architecture and Design

Establish and maintain a secure network architecture. A secure network architecture must address segmentation, least privilege, and availability, at a minimum.

CIS-12.2 · Establish and Maintain a Secure Network Architecture

Design ICS network architecture using defined zones, a demilitarised zone (DMZ) between the control network and the corporate/enterprise network, and VLAN segmentation to separate functions and contain compromise.

CISA-ICS-DID-24 · ICS Network Architecture

Identify high-risk environments and document them in the network architecture record.

CCM-IVS-08 · Network Architecture Documentation

Questions people ask about network architecture

What is Network Architecture?
The design and structure of a computer network including topology, protocols, and components, with security considerations integrated throughout.
Why is Network Architecture important for compliance?
Network Architecture is a key concept in Information Security. Understanding network architecture helps organizations meet regulatory requirements, reduce risk, and demonstrate due diligence during audits. Our compliance platform maps 686 frameworks with 311K cross-framework control mappings.
Which compliance frameworks address Network Architecture?
Network Architecture appears in the requirement text of IACS Unified Requirements E26/E27 - Cyber Resilience of Ships and On-Board Systems, UK Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021, BSI IT-Grundschutz, CIS Controls v8, CISA Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security Guidance. Across these standards we have identified 9 controls that name it directly, each linked to the control text on the compliance platform.
Where can I learn more about Network Architecture?
Explore our compliance framework pages to see how network architecture applies across different standards and regulations. Our implementation guides provide step-by-step guidance, and the compliance platform offers AI-powered analysis of how this concept maps across 686 frameworks.

See how Network Architecture applies across compliance frameworks

Our platform maps 686 frameworks with 311K cross-framework control mappings. Explore how this concept is addressed across standards.

Written and maintained by Gerard Blokdyk, The Art of Service.