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Administrators (DNAs) - Best Practices
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do we request additional address space?
At the time that a building connection is requested we provide enough IP address space for the number of devices that the academic or administrative unit informs us that they intend to deploy.
If the amount of address space needed increases due to additional deployments, the DNA can contact 688-HELP (or 8help@osu.edu) to request additional.
Please note that depending on the requirements of the department, for us to provide a large enough addresses range it may result in the requesting DNA needing to readdress all of their devices.
Where do we contact to return address space we do not need?
When an academic or administrative unit's IP space requirements decrease to the point that they are using less than 50% of their allocated address space we expect the DNA to contact 8help about adjusting the amount of address space assigned to them. The address space utilization used on OSUNet is based on RFC 2050.
Where can I find best practice information?
Our security group is creating a semi public general best practices page, along with a specific security best practices page. Our engineering group has created the OSUNet Networking Best Practices (pdf).
How do we request an OSUNet connection?
To receive an OSUNet building connection, an OSUNet connection request needs to be submitted. The connection request (pdf) needs to be fully completed including billing and DNA information for the network.
What do we request changes to the campus DHCP servers?
If an academic or administrative unit has chosen to use the centrally supported DHCP servers, and they need to adjust the size of the DHCP pool, the DNA(s) for the network can contact the university hostmaster@osu.edu with the needed modifications.
If I have a question about DNS where can I find information?
To assist in answering some of the more common questions, a Hostmaster FAQ has been created. If your question is not answered on the FAQ, feel free to contact the university hostmaster@osu.edu, using plain text email.
How do we request a DNS change for our network?
When an academic or administrative unit needs to make a DNS request the DNA(s) for the network needs to submit the changes to the university hostmaster@osu.edu. The format guidelines for submitting requests along with answers to common DNS questions are located on the hostmaster FAQ web page.
How to become a Department Network Administrator (DNA)?
To become a DNA, the department network or systems administrator should contact the university hostmaster@osu.edu. Each subnet must have a Primary DNA, a Secondary DNA or a Secondary contact. Enterprise Networking only supports the university core network, and services as a result DNAs are responsible installing and maintaining their local network infrastructure. For more information about being a DNA and the services offered to DNAs please review our DNA website. Being a DNA is an important function and OIT has some Minimum Expectations to be a DNA.
How and when do we need to update our network contact information?
When an academic or administrative units Department Network Administrator (DNA), additional contact or secondary DNA information changes they are responsible to inform the university hostmaster@osu.edu. If a person handling one of the roles changes it is up the department to inform OIT of their replacement.
Where can I find request forms?
We have created a quick links page for our forms, however it is important to read any policies related to your request.
What do we need to do when we are adding another physical location?
When part of an academic or administrative unit moves into a new physical location they will need to request another OSUNet connection for their new location. The OSUNet connection form (pdf) needs to be completed and submitted to receive another building connection.
What do we need to do when we are moving physical locations?
When an academic or administrative unit changes physical locations, they will need to coordinate the moving of their address space to the new location. The DNA needs to request a new OSUNet connection (pdf) a minimum of three business days before the move, to assist in the planning of the needed network changes. If during the move process servers are involved that need high availability, DNS changes can be performed at specific times to reduce the amount of time users are affected. For more information on how to schedule the request the hostmaster FAQ has more details about the process needed to create a smooth transition.
Who do we contact if we have questions about deploying a firewall?
Before an academic or administrative unit purchases a firewall solution we recommend that they discuss their plans with the Enterprise Networking Security Group firewall consultant firewalls@net.ohio-state.edu
Will Enterprise Networking review network designs?
If an academic or administrative unit is planning a redesign of their network, they can contact Enterprise Networking at osunet@osu.edu for feedback on their design and hardware choices.
What does the University block at the network boarder?
To reduce the chances of compromised systems on OSUNet some network ports are blocked at the campus boarder. The CIO Security Group has created a site to keep the campus community up to date on what ports are blocked at the network boarder.
How do we have a device unblocked after a security incident?
When a device is blocked from network access, the DNAs are notified of the incident via E-mail. To have a device's network connectivity restored, the DNA needs to follow the guidelines outlined in the OSUNet Technical Standards and Operational Requirements.
To verify if a device is being blocked the list of addresses is maintained at: http://www.net.ohio-state.edu/security/restricted/BH/blackhole.cgi Access to this webpage is restricted to OSUNet IP addresses, and the list is updated only every 30 minutes.
How to report a network outage?
If a network outage is noticed contact your local network administrator, so that they can diagnose if it is an internal issue. If it is suspected that such problems are attributable to the campus (vs. building) network, they should be reported immediately to 688-HELP(or 8help@osu.edu). When resolving network issues it is important to contact the help desk instead of Enterprise Networking directly, when a help ticket is created it allows us to track the issue internally along with making our call center aware in the event that your end users calls about the problem.
What do we need to know about deploying a wireless access point?
Ohio State has a Wireless Policy on Deployment and Use of Wireless Data Networks. Part of the policy is that all devices need to be registered.
An online registration form has been created to aid in the required process of registering access points.
How do we notify OIT about changes to our wireless access point?
If after registering an access point the information originally registered changes including but not limited to; location, administrator, antenna, security precautions or address range handed out by the access point, it needs to be reregistered on the wireless registration site.
