Content

| 1.2 |  | Network Configuration Documentation |
| 1.2.1 |  | Network configuration documentation overview |

When troubleshooting a network, a troubleshooter uses a baseline to efficiently diagnose and correct network problems. The baseline information for a network is captured in documentation such as network configuration tables and topology diagrams. This section discusses the creation of relevant and accurate network documentation as a troubleshooting tool for returning an underperforming, or failing, network back to an acceptable condition. The information contained in this section assumes a worst-case scenario where the network administrator is almost completely unfamiliar with a network and needs to create documentation from scratch.

Useful network documentation will facilitate more effective troubleshooting, thereby saving time and effort. When the configuration of the network is failing or underperforming, a network configuration table will provide a saved configuration that should perform at an acceptable level. Network documentation will also eliminate the time-consuming and error-prone process of creating a network configuration from scratch.

Network configuration documentation should include elements that provide a logical diagram of the network and detailed information about each component. The troubleshooter should find this information in a single location, either hard copy or on the network at a protected website. At a minimum, network documentation should include the following details:

- Network configuration tables
- Network topology diagrams

Note that it is now common practice to compile network documentation on a website.