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Documenting Your NetworkCreating a network handbook that will make your job easier. Do You Have Network Documentation?
We don’t have documentation because…
Benefits of Network DocumentationFaster troubleshootingGood documentation reduces the need to research solutions to the same problem each time the problem arises. A visual diagram can help identify potential problem areas in a more timely manner. Reduced information lossPrevents loss of important network information when employees leave the organization, making the transition period less painful. Easier task sharingNetwork administrators can successfully delegate network responsibilities because important information is available in written form. Improved network designA current network diagram is a key element in any design process. What is the GREATEST benefit to you?Complete up-to-date network documentation will save you TIME! How much information do I need to include?TheoreticallyA good rule of thumb is to include everything you would need to rebuild your ENTIRE network from scratch. RealisticallyThe amount and depth of your documentation will vary depending on the complexity of your network and the resources you have to create/collect the documentation. Examples of information you might include are:
Documenting Your Network, Step 1: DiagramsNetwork Layout Diagram
Using a building diagram (Figure 1), create a network layout/cabling diagram (Figure 2) that includes:
Physical Network DiagramIn order to quickly and effectively troubleshoot your network, you MUST understand the overall physical layout and connectivity. Physically, how do the pieces of your network fit together? The best way to understand this is through a physical network diagram. What information should I include?List all network devices and endpoints. Where do I begin?Start at the edge device or point where your network connects to the “outside” world; for example, the Telco Demarc. Physically verify and document how each additional network device or endpoint is connected. For example: Do I have to use a software program to create the diagram?Your documentation can be as simple as a hand-drawn network diagram or as complex as a series of inter-connected Visio diagrams with embedded device configuration information. The important factor is that the information is accurate and up-to-date. Advantage
Disadvantages
Sample Physical Network DiagramsIt is not important what tool you use to diagram your network. It is important that you do it. Below are three examples of network diagrams created with software tools. If you don't have a software tool for creating a network diagram, simply create one with pencil and paper.
Logical Network DiagramThe logical network diagram deals with upper layer information (i.e. protocols, applications, etc.). It provides detailed information on how traffic gets from one device to another logically.
Documenting Your Network, Step 2: Device InformationTracking Your InformationYou may create your own network tracking document or you may find the tool at the following link helpful. The tool provides guidelines for collecting and organizing your information, followed by tables and forms that can be used for recording configuration information. Network Fact Sheet: Your Network at a Glance HardwareList hardware information for each network device and endpoint.
Configuration InformationDocumenting the configuration information can be even more critical than the hardware information. Hardware is easily replaced, but a lost custom or non-standard configuration can be impossible to recreate. Document configuration information for each device.
Protocol information
DNS information
Documenting Your Network, Step 3: Network Administration InformationNetwork Administration Resources
Log Sheets for Hardware/Software Upgrade/Patch InformationLog information for each network device or endpoint.
Document ProceduresGeneral network administration
Server administration
Documenting Your Network, Step 4: Other Important InformationUtilization StatisticsFor troubleshooting purposes, it is recommended that you have baseline utilization statistics available.
Links eHealth, MRTG, NetFlow Reports Acceptable Use PolicyInclude a current copy of your organization’s acceptable use policy (AUP). An AUP is the written policy that outlines the terms and conditions for network use. It defines what is considered acceptable use and also the penalties for rule violations. LinksMOREnet Service Policies Roundtable Discussion: Acceptable Use Policies (Educational
Technology Conference 2001) Roundtable Discussion: Acceptable Use Policies (Educational
Technology Conference 2002) Security Information
LinksMOREnet Security Disaster Recovery PlanInclude a current copy of your organization’s Disaster Recovery Plan. LinksDisaster Recovery Planning (CNS -Computing & Networking
Services) Disaster Recovery Plan (Janco Associates, Inc.) DRJ's Sample DR Plans and Outlines MOREnet Security What’s available to make the documentation job easier?Training Offered by MOREnet
See the Training Schedule on the MOREnet website for times,
dates, and additional training opportunities at: Reporting a Technical Problem (MOREnet Web-based training)
Network Tools (Software)Systems Management Server Microsoft Visio LANauditor iInventory BlueOcean Software Asset Navigator BridgeAudit Network View SolarWinds Network Management Tools Peregrine's Asset Management ISP Planet SNMP ToolChest Additional ResourcesTechnic Discussion List BooksAmazon.com PeriodicalsLinksMOREnet Technical Support: Networks Florida Center for Instructional Technology: An Educator's Guide
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Reviewed December 4, 2002.
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