Syngress - Eleventh Hour Network+ Exam N10-004 Study Guide (11 ...

144 CHAPTER 9 Network Management
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Network devices, like routers and switches, also need a replacement
schedule.
Keeping a database allows you to schedule upgrades and replacements more
easily.
Managing software and hardware in this fashion also provides a record of
computer assets, which can be useful for budgeting hardware refreshes and
determining insurance needs.
If a disaster occurs, the configuration documentation would be used to
recreate the configuration of the damaged devices on the new equipment.
CM Documentation Types
CM documentation includes writing schematics, developing physical and logical
network diagrams, establishing baselines, creating policy and procedures
documents, and documenting configurations and regulations.
So what should be documented The answer varies across different enterprises,
but some considerations include the following:
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Physical access methods How does your network physically connect from
one office to another Think about the transmission methods and the speeds
that they operate. Consider the standards in use and the cabling types: Ethernet,
Token Ring, Unshielded Twisted Pair, Shielded Twisted Pair, Thinnet,
and so forth.
Service protocols What protocols do you use on your servers, workstations,
data centers, routers, switches, and even your network printers
Hardware devices How many routers, switches, hubs, rack-mounted servers,
workstations, laptops, personal data assistants (PDA), thumb drives,
power supplies, printers, networked digital pictures frames, wireless flat
screens, bluetooth-enabled devices, and any other wireless devices are on
your network right now How many of each device do you have Document
where they are physically located, vendor service tags, serial numbers, and
any other pertinent information.
Software applications What applications are installed on your hardware
devices (workstations, servers, routers, switches, firewalls, and printers)
What applications communicate between your clients and servers How
do your applications run How often does the software vendor release
patches, upgrades, and security alerts Document the current version of
your applications.
Documenting Configurations
CM starts by performing an inventory of network components and documenting
information about each device. How much data you compile is subjective, but you