Network Naming Standards

Network naming is one area that is typically overlooked in the design process. However, as with so many other aspects of network design, a well-designed naming scheme greatly simplifies the long-term administration of networks.

Network naming actually plays an important role in overall network administration. Consider DNS names on the Internet for a moment. Suppose that you are attached to an ISP in Colorado and find a website you really like. You can immediately contact your friend in California and forward him the name (URL) of the site. By using the same name, you are both able to access the same site no matter how or from where you access the Internet. Now, suppose that the web server you were looking at moves from its original location to a new location across the country. Suppose that part of this move involves a new IP address. By manipulating the name, you and your friend will likely never even know that the server has moved! Since you are accessing the name, but the webmaster controls the mapping of that name to an IP address, he can change the IP address of the server at will without affecting your ability to find his pages!

When assigning names to devices, generally the more information you can include, the better. For example, server names like MAIL2 or DataBase5 are better than server or BigGuy. Names should be meaningful. Routers can also be named, and as with servers and other hosts, it is better to give them names that describe their function or location.