Layer 2 features include things like VLAN numbers, link aggregation, and trunk connections. Examples include Graphical Networks' netTerrain,[4] Microsoft Visio,[5] Docusnap, Gliffy,[6] Opnet's Netmapper, XIA Configuration[7] among others. Whereas a switch may be a square with arrows pointing only one direction or the other. If you have an EtherChannel/LAG between two devices, make sure your drawing reflects that. If I need to provide special support contract information when I make that call, it should also be recorded here. We are changing our current destination-based pricing for Premium Tier to be based on both source and destination of traffic because the cost of network traffic varies with the distance that your traffic travels over Google's network. Spiceworks is one most popular communities for IT professionals. I often combine Layer 2 features onto the Layer 1 diagram because they seem to go naturally together. The designated specifications for material,products, and space requirements for Network Facilities are, however, standards for choosing material and products to be installed. You should have a L1/L2 drawing of the physical connectivity and layout of your network. It’s often a fairly long document in which I describe the design and explain the intended functions of every new feature and new section in the network. What’s considered important will depend on the network. It can be helpful to include a decision log where you identify all of the key design decisions and explain why they were made. 1. And if it’s a point-to-point circuit, then it makes sense to include information about what’s on the other end. . 1.5 Develop network … These notes becomes very useful later when you wonder why something was done a particular way and whether it’s safe to change it. Tools can help you automate the process so you’re not spending all your time manually collecting and maintaining information. Or you might have wanted to implement a more sophisticated and robust feature in part of the network, but ran into compatibility problems so you had to resort to a brute force solution instead. The Standard is a marketing name for Standard Insurance Company (Portland, Oregon), licensed in all states except New York, and The Standard Life Insurance Company of New York (White Plains, New York), licensed only in New York. Mistakes could take down the entire network. it is really appreciate it. For Wi-Fi, I like to see floor layouts showing the physical locations of all access points (APs), preferably with RF radiation patterns indicated. If you have an important Wi-Fi component to your network, that should be documented. The standard Layer 3 diagram includes firewalls, but the security diagram needs to also include any special security probes, IDS/IPS devices and passive or active taps. If there are any important NAT rules or firewall rules, it’s often useful to indicate these as well. But every static address allocation should be recorded. Is it Category 6? If you run a particularly large network, it’s often useful to maintain a good set of routing snapshots of the routing tables for use when troubleshooting. Software applications can include diagrams, inventory management and circuit and cable traces. Standardization can help maximize compatibility, interoperability, safety, repeatability, or quality.It can also facilitate commoditization of formerly custom processes. You can link standard networks with standard work breakdown structures in order to create project templates, which contain both the project structure and the activities assigned to the structure. © Copyright 2013-2021 Auvik Networks Inc.. All rights reserved. I … Any important redundancy mechanisms like HSRP or VRRP should be clearly indicated on the Layer 3 diagram. The list should include the circuit numbers and the network provider, as well as any information about where the circuit goes. It includes things like suggestions for how to implement new systems within the framework that I’ve made, and recommendations for where and how to modify security restrictions to allow new services through the firewalls without compromising the design. By building and maintaining configuration management best-practices, you can expect several benefits such as improved network availability and lower costs. That generally mean Layer 3 switches, routers, and firewalls. These include: 1. Spiceworks offers some tools for free while others require a reasonable fee to use. As well, a good Wi-Fi diagram shows all of the SSIDs along with their intended purposes and security mechanisms. Kevin has 15+ years of experience as a network engineer. It includes things like link speeds and cabling types. the right documentation for any task, just in time Document 1,000 apps end to end When troubleshooting a slow application, there’s no need to spend hours tracing its critical paths (web server to database server . "Lesson 1: Documenting a Running Network", http://packetpushers.net/evolution-of-network-documentation/, http://packetpushers.net/network-documentation-best-practices-whats-important-how-to-track-it/, http://graphicalnetworks.com/netterrain-logical-2/, "UML Diagram Tool | How to Make UML Diagrams Online | Gliffy", "XIA Configuration Network Documentation Tool", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Network_documentation&oldid=996008433, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Map of the entire network to include locations of hardware and the cabling that connects the hardware, Server information such as data on the individual servers, schedules and locations of backups, Software information such as current versions, dates, licensing and support, Detailed record of problems and solutions: dated along with procedures and results, This page was last edited on 24 December 2020, at 01:16. I also want to see central management devices like SIEMs and log servers on this diagram. I’ll talk about how to record patching information later. [1] The documentation is used to give administrators information about how the network should look, perform and where to troubleshoot problems as they occur. [2], A basic network diagram includes hardware and shows how it is connected. I like to see individual port numbers or designations on a Layer 1 diagram. I like to put the IP addresses of the network devices on this diagram as well. Though network documentation can be done by hand, for larger organizations network documentation software is utilized. 3.1 Hardware standards As stated in the standard goals, all network equipment is procured, supported, and maintained by the campus Information Technology department. database server to web server, etc. These specifications and standards are a general guide for contractors to follow when installing, testing, and documenting structured wiring systems. Network standards Technical documentation Our network standards define the procedures that should be followed when working on or near Ausgrid's electricity network. Network Design generates documentation for network design and implementation. Since I have had the pleasure of working with him on the NetworkDNA version 2.0 I had these original files on my Hard drive. To discuss how WingSwept approaches network documentation for our Managed Services customers, call us at 919.779.0954 or email us at Team_WingSwept@WingSwept.com. If it’s an Internet circuit, then the amount and detail of the information could vary wildly depending on the provider and the type of circuit. A similar diagram that comes in handy whenever you’re troubleshooting an office network problem (like finding the guy who created a loop by cleverly plugging two jacks into the same unauthorized workgroup switch) is a cable plan. Layer 3 diagrams include all your IP segments and all the network devices that interconnect them. If the device or panel on the other end has lots of ports, then the destination port should be uniquely identified along with the device. If you work in a … If you have static administrative passwords on any of your network appliances, store these credentials in an encrypted vault of some kind. Kevin holds a Ph.D. in theoretical physics and numerous industry certifications. Data centres usually have many different kinds of links, from fibre and copper to perhaps some twinax or Infiniband. Network Inventory generates documentation for network discovery and assessment. If it’s fibre, is it single mode or multi-mode and what are the connector types on both ends? The short answer is that it should include everything that’s relevant—but what that means varies between networks. It’s extremely important when you’re telling somebody to shut off the power to a particular device that they get the right one. When it comes to documenting networks, images and diagrams have a huge impact on providing an outline but sometimes the diagrams don’t provide all the detail you need to solve the problem! Those are the network diagrams you absolutely need to have. Hi! Got something to say? As the purpose of network documentation is to keep networks running as smoothly as possible while minimizing downtime when repairs are necessary, essential parts of network documentation include:[1], Notation that helps administrators remember key details are the basics of network documentation while visual representations assist in helping administrators understand how equipment and the notation relates to one another. In the asset tracking information table, I want to see manufacturer names, models, serial numbers, and license numbers. It defines who will have access to that documentation and who can change it. However, I don’t put end devices like servers on a Layer 3 diagram unless they have some extremely important network function — for example, a DHCP, DNS, or LDAP server. As I mentioned earlier, though, you do want to have a physical map showing where all of those office cables go so you can troubleshoot problems down to the end user. But in a bigger network, you need to follow the general principle that somebody else will need to support this thing one day and you want to be remembered positively. What phone number do I call if this circuit goes down? 1.3 Define network configuration . In a data center, you should document your patch panels. Now that I’ve outlined what to collect and document, there’s still the question of how you will do it — that’s your documentation process. They aren’t available as Visio stencils though. In general, I prefer the devices to use a central authentication system like RADIUS or TACACS, but inevitably there will be some devices that need static passwords. That being said, I bring a slightly different perspective to what I consider ‘best practices’ for good network documentation. The IP segments should indicate any relevant VLAN ID numbers and a brief one or two-word description of the intended function, as well as the IP network number and mask. If you have any special network security infrastructure in your cloud services like firewalls, load balancers, or WAF virtual devices, they need to be clearly described so that the next person can easily understand what you’ve done and how to manage it. HNS Network Physicians seek to provide excellent clinical care, and such care is evidenced through excellent clinical documentation in the healthcare record. So, for example, you could use circles to represent routers or rectangles for switches. So the actual documents you need will vary depending on the network, but the following table shows the relative importance for a typical network. Each template has several blocks and sub-blocks of data that can be customized based on your individual needs. Auvik’s cloud-based network management software keeps IT networks around the world running optimally. When you use a standard network that is linked to a standard WBS to create an operative network, an operative WBS is also created. Another special-purpose network diagram I like to include in my documentation package is a security view. In addition, you should have diagrams that represent other important features of your network. Name and email are required, but don't worry, we won't publish your email address. View network and IT infrastructure documentation examples generated by our documentation tool XIA Configuration. A rack layout diagram shows the server room or wiring closet racks with all of the equipment and patch panels. By submitting this form, I acknowledge I've reviewed and accepted Auvik's privacy notice, which details how my personal information will be processed. The list should include the circuit numbers and the network provider, as well as any information about where the circuit goes. Also, service providers can leverage this detailed of a binder as their project deliverable to … Let’s start off with network diagrams. Make sure that documentation is being revisited and kept current! Another piece of critical documentation, particularly if you have any WAN circuits or voice circuits, is a detailed listing of all of your circuit numbers. Thank you! DDoS Protection Standard understands your resources and resource configuration. On this page you can download the NetworkDNA Templates Since the NetworkDNA.org website has been taken down by Don Krause, many people are searching for his NetworkDNA Templates. This makes life much easier the next time you need to add a new NAT rule. Create a network topology diagram. Every subnet should be listed separately, and every individual device should be recorded. Also, any Layer 2 diagram must include spanning tree information such as the root bridge and any bridge and link priorities that have been changed from their defaults. Reference documentation such as project summary documents, configuration files, known issues, and history of major incidents. A Layer 1 diagram shows the physical connections between the critical pieces of network infrastructure. Standards for the Network Description A network is a legal entity that contracts with two or more organizations that deliver health or human services to persons served (“participating providers”) to coordinate ... Is there documentation of the following parameters regarding the scope Not much on there on this topic. This is why it’s important to automate as much of your documentation as possible – to ensure the documentation is always up to date when you need it. Use them as templates to get you started. However, I don’t recommend putting patch cords on a rack diagram. Sometimes this is done within a trouble ticketing system, This could be a tool rather than a spreadsheet to allow easy sharing, Particularly useful if the drops are not numbered the same as the desk locations, Becomes critical if you run a routing protocol of any complexity, This is more useful for explaining your security than for troubleshooting, Becomes critical if you run a cloud of any complexity, Particularly useful during implementation, Particularly infrastructure assets and support contracts, Becomes critical in larger environments with lots of support staff. And in most cases, you’ll also have fallback passwords that can be used if the central authentication system breaks. I sometimes write a support document to help with migrating the infrastructure to production. Hi There – I really like the simplicity of the Visio stencils you are using. How important are switches and port connection important in network documentation process? Also, and this is most important, you need to be able to reserve addresses that you intend to use for a particular purpose in the future. Lower support costs due to a decrease in reactive support issues. +44 (0)1865 589216 The documentation should also indicate what type of patch cord is used. Conversely, the patch panels that support all of the users in the west wing of the third floor probably has most of those users connected to identically configured switch ports. As the purpose of network documentation is to keep networks running as smoothly as possible while minimizing downtime when repairs are necessary, essential parts of network documentation include: Map of the entire network to include locations of hardware and the cabling that connects the hardware Firewalls might look like an actual firewall, and so on. I like to include support information in this listing of circuit numbers. It’s a unique mix of community where users can collaborate or seek advice from each other, but it’s also home to a marketplace of IT-related services and products that include inventory management, network monitoring, and help desk solutions. If you aren’t running spanning tree, then you probably need a separate diagram just to thoroughly document what you’re doing with TRILL or alternatives. Configuration management is a collection of processes and tools that promote network consistency, track network change, and provide up to date network documentation and visibility. A. It’s certainly useful to keep a good patch table for it, but it’s really not as critical as the data centre patching information. Network documentation is a form of technical documentation. Analyze that drawing and see if you are satisfied with the details for each device. If there are separate routing domains that don’t directly exchange routes with one another, I often make them separate diagrams. Lower … Ideally, you want this map of the network's topology to include … Dive into our sandbox to demo Auvik on your own right now. Next is the IP address allocation spreadsheet or database, which should include every internal and external, registered and private, IPv4 and IPv6 address you have in your environment. Normally I represent the faster links using thicker lines and I use different colours for fibre and copper as well as for storage and data networks. 1.2 Identify network documentation standards. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. But no matter what method you use, what’s important is a consistent process that produces quality information and keeps that information up to date. Our standards and guideline documents outline the procedures and authorisations required when maintaining, or changing network infrastructure. You also want to include support contract numbers so you know who to call if something goes wrong. It might also include troubleshooting notes. Auvik is a trademark of Auvik Networks Inc., registered in the United States of America and certain other countries. If you have equipment mounted to be accessible from both the front and back of the cabinet, then you should have diagrams for both the front and the back. Another piece of critical documentation, particularly if you have any WAN circuits or voice circuits, is a detailed listing of all of your circuit numbers. If I have multiple internal or DMZ devices mapped to a single external address on different ports, then I carefully record each NAT rule. Network documentation is essentially working with Visio to produce anything and everything related to the network. Network Service Tiers pricing is applicable to outbound traffic from Google Cloud to the internet. The drawing should consist of all of your network devices and firewalls at a minimum. For example, if I have an internal OSPF or EIGRP routing domain and an external Internet BGP routing domain, I always make these separate diagrams. 1.4 Develop naming standards and labelling schemes . It is the practice of maintaining records about networks of computers. Creating documentation is time-consuming and boring. If you want to be a good system/network administrator a great way to help is to get good at working with Visio. They can also ensure that all members of your team always have the same accurate information. Proper documentation in the clinical record is essential for sound clinical decision- making. And you could similarly record other dynamic topology information like spanning tree link states for the same reason. One important and useful piece of documentation is a password vault. Standards Type: Procedural (Type) It's also essential to maintaining the health and continuity of your Windows network. That information is likely to change regularly, and it only clutters up the picture without adding much useful information. It’s similar to the Layer 3 diagram except that it focuses on things like the Internet edge, as well as any internal or Internet DMZs. We’re glad you like our icons! The routing protocol diagram should indicate all autonomous systems, internal areas, and redistribution points and it should clearly indicate special features such as route tagging or filtering. For example, perhaps you’ve chosen to use a particular routing protocol because of the need to support a particular legacy requirement. And every device is both important and potentially unique. You’ll use a rack layout diagram when planning for where to put that next piece of equipment, as well as when talking to technicians and other IT staff about where to find things. An accurate network diagram with hotspot links to each device. Everybody agrees network documentation is extremely important, but there tends not to be a lot of agreement on what that documentation should include. A rack layout diagram should be meticulously accurate about what equipment is mounted in which numerical position on the rack. Many companies have a network document policy, which specifies the level of network documentation required. 1.1 Consult with appropriate personnel . Network administrators who utilize network documentation as a “living document” or “living process” reap the greatest of those rewards. Looks like you have JavaScript disabled. I think an actual course on this would be invaluable and something companies would be willing to pay their employees to learn, especially after an outage! Thank you so much for your useful information I like to have a separate spreadsheet for all of my NAT addresses in which I describe exactly what each address is used for. Troubleshooting generates documentation for network troubleshooting process. I want to have a fairly clear idea of how I'm going to do all of this before I begin. If you’re referring to the map image above the Layer 3 section, that’s an Auvik screenshot. He has designed and implemented several of the largest and most sophisticated enterprise data networks in Canada and written several highly regarded books on networking for O'Reilly and Associates, including Designing Large-Scale LANs and Cisco IOS Cookbook. . The network documentation may be in a number of forms including spreadsheet, PDF, and word processor files. If you have any cloud services like AWS, you should document them. If you’re documenting a router, it’s usually a circular device with arrows pointing in and out. Information Technology is also responsible for the lifecycle management of all network equipment. 2. Cloud service diagrams need to include all of the security zones, and should probably also include all of the virtual servers in the environment. Network Documentation is a BIG job with BIGrewards. Some good choices to create these include Lucidchart or Gliffy. Rack layouts can also specify things like which aisle is hot and which one is cold, as well as power distribution. And since thay are […] Windows Server is the platform for building an infrastructure of connected applications, networks, and web services, from the workgroup to the data center. Windows Server documentation. Register for email notifications regarding changes to Ausgrid technical documentation. Is it fibre? If it’s an MPLS circuit, the spreadsheet should include all of the MPLS provisioning information. which details how my personal information will be processed. ). Basic diagrams include L1/L2 drawing of the physical connectivity and layout of the network.[3]. No intervention or user definition is required. Turnkey protection: Simplified configuration immediately protects all resources on a virtual network as soon as DDoS Protection Standard is enabled. For this, I’m usually not too concerned about commodity items like phones, printers, or workstations. Some other pieces of network documentation depend on the situation. Depending on the type of information, there may also be custom applications with their own proprietary database repositories for the data. If the patch cords have unique identifying numbers, which is a good practice, those numbers should be included as well. This video was created by the Canadian Heritage Information Network. Network and technical documentation (internal) are the two big ones that I use to reference typically. It might be enough to put everything in a single diagram. This could include routing protocol information as well. That documentation, for instance, might state which switch ports connect to which rooms and computers. Other more dynamic assets, like workstations and IoT devices, are more difficult to include in port-level network documentation as they can move around. If you have a VPN between the cloud and your internal network, it’s extremely important to include that feature on the diagram because it’s here the most sensitive information will typically be sent, and it’s also a potential backdoor into your network. Video – Introduction to museum collections documentation standards. Of course, all special security equipment needs to be clearly indicated on this diagram. This video provides basic information about museum collections documentation, including why it is important to document museum collections and which processes are recommended. Includes configuration through the Azure portal. For network documentation, we tend to use a standard set of symbols that look very similar to these. This is particularly important if there are any special antennas in use with non-symmetrical radiation patterns. Products and availability vary by state and are solely the responsibility of the applicable insurance company. If you’re using DHCP, which is also a good practice, for a range of addresses, just indicate these are dynamic addresses. Within the object itself, fill in details about it. This is because network diagrams are often created and never updated again until needed. Reference to them does not imply association or endorsement. And if you don’t have spanning tree or TRILL and you have more than one switch, you’re doing it wrong. For example, in a really small network with one switch and a firewall and perhaps a single wireless access point, there isn’t much to document. I am beginning documentation of a 600 seat network with multiple remote locations to satisfy PCI requirements and am looking for a clear and concise documentation methodology. Although network documentation software such as netTerrain can give you far more complex renderings of your physical devices, at a bare minimum you want to have different shapes representing types of devices. Assets that are fairly static, like switches, routers, access points, servers, UPS equipment, should be included in the port-level documentation. Determine network documentation requirements. At a minimum, the patching documentation should show, for every port in the panel, exactly what’s connected on the other end of the cable. Would you care to share where I can get them? Standardization or standardisation is the process of implementing and developing technical standards based on the consensus of different parties that include firms, users, interest groups, standards organizations and governments. Showing switches and specific port connections of critical assets is very important in the network documentation process. Instead, the list should include the critical pieces of infrastructure like switches, routers, and firewalls, as well as any critical pieces of server hardware. For example, I might list the expected symptoms of common failure modes like circuit failures. Please turn it on so you can see and interact with everything on our site. If I’m designing a network for a client, I often do a detailed design document. This diagram allows you to map the usually inscrutable jack numbers to physical locations in your building. And if there are central Wi-Fi controllers, this information should be indicated in a text box. It’s very useful to have a table of asset tracking information. Another useful diagram is a routing protocol design. Include interfaces on each end of the link. Otherwise you’ll inevitably wind up giving out the same addresses to two different projects and creating completely avoidable conflicts. One of the free tools offered is Spi…