Adding a Machine to the LAN


There are a couple of steps to connecting a machine to our local network. 

1. Assign the machine a valid IP number. Assignments are recorded in the network log so check there to find a free one. Record that you've claimed that IP, along with full details of the machine using that IP. 
2. Configure the machine with the appropriate IP, netmask, gateway, broadcast, DNS and time server settings. This is pretty straightforward in Windows and Linux. 
3. Plug the machine into the switch, or to a hub connected to the switch. At this stage the machine should be on our internal LAN. Check that. 
4. If the machine is to have access to the outside world you'll need to configure the firewall to let it out. Make sure the machine is secure and then follow the instructions in the firewall section. Confirm the firewall is working by connecting to the outside world. 
5. Finally, configure printer and file sharing settings.