Documenting the Network


One of the network administrator's main jobs is to keep the network documentation up-to-date. I suggest that you keep all important information about your network in a three-ring binder. Give this binder a clever name, such as The Network Binder. Here are some items it should include:

  • An up-to-date diagram of the network: This diagram can be a detailed floor plan showing the location of each computer or a more abstract and Picasso-like depiction. Anytime you change the network layout, update the diagram. Include a detailed description of the change, the date that the change was made, and the reason for the change.

    Tip 

    Microsoft sells the Visio program, which is specially designed for creating network diagrams. I highly recommend it.

  • A detailed inventory of your computer equipment: Table 15-1 provides a sample checklist you can use to keep track of your computer equipment.

    Table 15-1: Computer Equipment Checklist
    Open table as spreadsheet

    Computer location:

     

    User:

     

    Manufacturer:

     

    Model number:

     

    Serial number:

     

    Date purchased:

     

    CPU type and speed:

     

    Memory:

     

    Hard drive size:

     

    Video type:

     

    Printer type:

     

    Other equipment:

     

    Operating system version:

     

    Application software and version:

     

    Network card type:

     

    MAC address:

     
  • A System Information printout for each computer: Choose Start image from book All Programs image from book Accessories image from book System Tools image from book System Information.

  • A detailed list of network shares and standard drive assignments: Don't just list the name of each network share; provide a brief description of each share's purpose as well.

  • Any other information that you think may be useful: Give details about how you must configure a particular application program to work with the network and copies of every network component's original invoice-just in case something breaks and you need to seek warranty service.

  • Backup schedules: Include a schedule of when each server is backed up as well as an explanation of the tape rotation schedule.

Warning 

Never put passwords in the binder!

Tip 

Even if you keep track of the information in your network binder by using a spreadsheet or database program, keep a printed copy of the information on hand.

If your network is large, you may want to invest in a network-discovery program, such as NetworkView Software's NetworkView (http://www.networkview.com). This program can gather the network documentation automatically: It scans the network carefully for every computer, printer, router, and other device it can find and then builds a database of information. The program then automatically draws a pretty diagram and chugs out helpful reports.




Networking For Dummies
Networking For Dummies
ISBN: 0470534052
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2004
Pages: 254
Authors: Doug Lowe

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