Networking For Dummies
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Managing a small computer network is well within your reach, but it's vital to track key information that's unique to your network. Begin by recording your network and Internet connection information in one place, making it easy to find and readily available when you need it. Then, get to know some of the basic networking concepts such as pin connections and IP address ranges — and become familiar with useful websites for networking information.

network illustration ©hywards/Shutterstock.com

Tracking Key Network Information

Fill in these tables to keep track of the key information that allows you to access your network, contact your network administrator, access network storage, use network printers, and oversee important network servers.

Account Information
My user ID __________________________________
My password Don’t write it here! (Memorize it or keep it in a safe place,
separate from associated information.)
Domain name __________________________________
My e-mail address __________________________________
My Network Administrator
Name __________________________________
Phone number __________________________________
E-mail name __________________________________
Favorite snack food __________________________________
My Network Drives
Drive Letter Description
___ __________________________________________________________________
___ __________________________________________________________________
___ __________________________________________________________________
___ __________________________________________________________________
___ __________________________________________________________________
My Network Printers
Printer Name IP Address Description
_________ ________ ________________________________________________
_________ ________ ________________________________________________
_________ ________ ________________________________________________
_________ ________ ________________________________________________
_________ ________ ________________________________________________
_________ ________ ________________________________________________
My Network Servers
Server Name IP Address Description
____________ ________ _____________________________________________
____________ ________ _____________________________________________
____________ ________ _____________________________________________
____________ ________ _____________________________________________

Tracking Key Internet Connection Information

Use these spaces to keep track of key information about your Internet connection, including your Internet service provider, your TCP/IP configuration, and information about your router.

Provider
Company name ____________________________________
Technical-support contact ____________________________________
Technical-support phone number ____________________________________
Website ____________________________________
E-mail address ____________________________________
TCP/IP Information
IP range ________________ to ________________
Subnet mask ____________________________________
Default gateway ____________________________________
Nameservers __________ — __________ — __________
Router Information
Make and model ____________________________________
Internal IP address (LAN) ____________________________________
External IP address (WAN) ____________________________________
Administrator username ____________________________________
Password Don’t write it here! (Memorize it or keep it
in a safe place, separate from associated information.)

RJ-45 Pin Connections for Your TCP/IP Network

If you’re wiring up your own RJ-45 connectors for a TCP/IP network, you need this information to make sure you connect the pins correctly. Colors make identification easy:

  • Pin 1: White/orange

  • Pin 2: Orange

  • Pin 3: White/green

  • Pin 6: Green

Private IP Address Ranges for Networks

Private IP (Internet protocol) address blocks are the IP addresses most often used for private networks. Most networks use addresses in one of these ranges:

  • 10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255

  • 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255

  • 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255

Useful Websites for Networking Information

As a network administrator, the Internet is your best friend for networking resources, solutions, news, and guidance. Here are some websites for you to visit often.

About This Article

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About the book author:

Doug Lowe is the bestselling author of Networking For Dummies and Networking All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies. His 50+ books include more than 30 in the For Dummies series. He has demystified everything from Microsoft Office and memory management to client/server computing and creating web pages.

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