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Creating a Structured Address Assignment Model

  • Article

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

You can ease the burden of enterprise internetwork administration by designing a structured address assignment model. A structured address assignment model makes troubleshooting easier and more systematic and helps you interpret network maps and locate specific devices. It also simplifies the use of network management software. For enterprise scalability, assign address blocks hierarchically.

The structured address assignment model reflects more than just hierarchical concerns. To maximize network stability and scalability, assign a block of addresses based on a physical network rather than on membership within a department or team, to avoid complications when you move a workstation to a new location. For more information about address allocation as it relates to your IP addressing scheme, see "Choosing an Address Allocation Method" later in this chapter.

As a general rule, assign static addresses to routers and servers, and assign dynamic addresses to workstations. This scheme minimizes manual addressing, reducing the chances of address duplication and stabilizing the network’s addressing structure. You can assign meaningful numbers when using static addresses; for example, reserve host addresses in the low or high portion of the range, and manually assign these addresses to routers or servers.

To design a structured model for assigning addresses:

  • Plan classless IP addressing.

  • Plan classless routing.

  • Use route summarization.

  • Plan variable length subnet masks (VLSM).

  • Plan supernetting and classless interdomain routing (CIDR).