Cheat Sheet
Networking For Dummies
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.
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.
| 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 | __________________________________ |
| Name | __________________________________ |
| Phone number | __________________________________ |
| E-mail name | __________________________________ |
| Favorite snack food | __________________________________ |
| Drive Letter | Description |
|---|---|
| ___ | __________________________________________________________________ |
| ___ | __________________________________________________________________ |
| ___ | __________________________________________________________________ |
| ___ | __________________________________________________________________ |
| ___ | __________________________________________________________________ |
| Printer Name | IP Address | Description |
|---|---|---|
| _________ | ________ | ________________________________________________ |
| _________ | ________ | ________________________________________________ |
| _________ | ________ | ________________________________________________ |
| _________ | ________ | ________________________________________________ |
| _________ | ________ | ________________________________________________ |
| _________ | ________ | ________________________________________________ |
| 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.
| Company name | ____________________________________ |
| Technical-support contact | ____________________________________ |
| Technical-support phone number | ____________________________________ |
| Website | ____________________________________ |
| E-mail address | ____________________________________ |
| IP range | ________________ to ________________ |
| Subnet mask | ____________________________________ |
| Default gateway | ____________________________________ |
| Nameservers | __________ — __________ — __________ |
| 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.
To register domains:
To check your TCP/IP configuration: DNSstuff
To see if your e-mail server has been blacklisted: DNSBL.info
To stay current in the industry, try these standards organizations:
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
International Organization for Standardization
