Networks > Managing Your Network

Documenting Your Network

By Lasa Information Systems Team

If you have a network it is essential to document it in detail – if your system administrator was abducted by aliens tomorrow, would you know how to log into the server, for example? Or if a vital part of the network had to be replaced, would you be able to find the correct settings to get up and running again as soon as possible? There may be some overlap with your inventory but this may not be such a bad thing…

Suggested information that the administrator should record (and keep in a secure place on your network server, also a hard copy in the safe and offsite) is as follows:

Internet Service Provider

provider name, account name, domain(s), password, any fixed IP addresses, ADSL settings, helpline number and email address, Webmail address and settings;

Website & email hosting

provider name, account name, domain, administration address, passwords, helpline number and email address;

Router

IP address, MAC address, administrator user name & password for admin, general settings, any warranty information;

Hub/switch

MAC address and (if managed) IP address, administrator user name & password for admin;

Firewall

as per router plus maintenance support contract information, helpline etc;

Wireless router/access point

as per router plus security settings e.g. WEP key;

Network infrastructure

map of points and point numbering (and if any being used for telephony);

Server(s)

IP address of server, IP range (e.g. 192.168.0.1 – 192.168.0.50), internal domain name, admin password, software installed and license keys, drive mappings, mail server settings (e.g. Exchange Server);

Network printers

IP addresses, share names;

Network maintenance and support

account details, contact, address, email & phone numbers etc;

Back ups

tape/CDR rotation routine, how to use software if installed, back up settings (when, what, full or incremental);

Software

product license codes for Office etc, any maintenance agreements on software such as databases, accounts packages etc, ;

And last, but not least, a copy of your computer inventory!

Make sure you include details of warranties, when they expire and who to contact (supplier or manufacturer).

It's also useful to have all your information on the equipment, software discs, drivers and so forth in one place where you can find them easily.