Service Gateway: Best Practices

All Service Gateway users should follow the best practices listed below.

  • Convert all workstations to use automatic Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) prior to migration.
  • Set up servers and printers to use fixed DHCP, avoiding hand-configured addresses whenever possible.
  • Plan for specialized hardware that requires hand-configured addresses in order to avoid subsequent IP addressing conflicts.
  • Limit workgroup size to a full subnet (256 addresses), and avoid multi-netting except in extreme cases.
  • Size workgroups appropriately to make efficient use of network address space, the number of addresses needed plus an allowance of 10% for growth.
  • Use region-based workgroups for printers and non-routable address space when a unit has locations in multiple buildings.
  • Apply firewall security to workgroups where private data or security issues exist, they may also be used elsewhere as needed.

Daily Use

As you use Service Gateway, follow the practices below.

  • Keep workgroup access through Service Gateway secure in alignment with the University of Minnesota’s policies. Shared access (usage and/or passwords) is not permitted.
  • When fixed addressing is required, use Service Gateway to set device characteristics.
  • Avoid hand-configured addressing unless absolutely required.