networking

Network Migration Old To New

🏢 Network Migration (Old → New)

This checklist provides a structured procedure for migrating a network from old hardware to new hardware, emphasizing configuration preservation and verification.

1. OLD NETWORK: Pre-Setup Configuration Notes

The goal here is to record every detail of the current network to ensure the new setup functions identically.

📝 Information to Back Up & Note:

  1. Current Network Device/Router Login Information
  2. Current DHCP Settings: Gateway IP, DNS servers, DHCP range, etc.
  3. WAN/Modem Static IP Information: If applicable/as needed.
  4. Current IP Address Range:
    • 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1
    • 10.0.0.1 or 10.1.10.1
    • Etc.
  5. Current Wi-Fi SSID(s) and associated Access Password(s)
  6. Current Static IP Assignments: For computers, printers, scanners, VoIP phones, network cameras, etc. (Record both IP Address and MAC Address).
  7. Current Port Configurations, Port Forwarding, Port Triggering: If applicable/as needed (e.g., IP Address:443, IP Address:8080, etc.).
  8. Current VLAN or VPN Configurations and appropriate settings.
  9. Server Access for client systems, Network Shares for client systems, etc.

2. NEW NETWORK: Pre-Setup Configuration

This phase involves setting up the new hardware in a controlled, isolated environment before deployment.

💨 Temporary Setup (Air-Gapped)

  • Unbox the new hardware and assemble a temporary, air-gapped set up to start pre-configuration.
  • ONLY connect the WAN port of the new router to the modem initially!

⚙️ Configure New Hardware to Match Previous Network:

  1. Recreate Login Information for New Device Access (make it the same as the old router’s login, or as close as possible).
  2. Recreate DHCP Settings & IP Range.
  3. Recreate Static IP Reservations (if possible, using noted MAC addresses).
  4. Recreate VLAN Configuration (if applicable).
  5. Recreate Port Configurations (Port Forwarding, etc. if applicable).
  6. Recreate Wi-Fi SSID & Password (must be identical to minimize client reconfiguration).

✅ Double & Triple Check EVERYTHING!

  • Triple check that the new hardware is configured to be as close to identical as possible to the old configuration before the swap.
  • Static IP Note: Device static IP assignments (reservations) may need to wait until the devices are connected. If so:
    • Set the local devices to their needed static IP addresses through the computer’s network configuration settings temporarily.
    • Once the new router is installed, assign the static IP reservations through the new router’s interface.
    • Finally, set the local devices back to Automatic DHCP. The router will then assign the appropriate static IP based on the reservation.
  • CRITICAL: No matter the method, ensure you have recorded ALL needed information (hostnames, MAC addresses, etc.) for quick configuration after the swap.

3. NEW NETWORK: Change Over Process

This is the physical swap and post-configuration validation phase.

  1. Disconnect Old Hardware: FULLY DISCONNECT the old hardware (ensure no power).
  2. Install New Network Hardware.
  3. Login to the new router’s web interface to verify basic status.
  4. Make sure all LAN devices are back online.
  5. Make sure all Wi-Fi devices are back online.
  6. Check all Device IP Addressing: Configure needed static IP reservations and correct any incorrectly assigned IP addresses.
  7. Check all Port Configurations, Port Forwarding, etc.
  8. Verify Network Profile (Windows Systems): Most Windows systems will treat the new network as a Public Network.
    • Make sure all local workstations, servers, etc., are set to the Private Profile and NOT the Public Profile to enable sharing.
  9. Check and Verify all file/print sharing settings are on and active for client workstations.
  10. Test all printing/scanning from client workstations.
  11. Test network share/data access from client workstations (if applicable).
  12. Check security camera access (if applicable).
  13. Have the client go over, review, and/or verify everything.

FINISHED!