Recommendations for naming computers and devices for network management

[thisdude]

So I've got a big little family of lots of devices that connect to our home network, laptops, phones, tables, tvs and game consoles. I want to name them so it's easier to manage and know right away what/who is connecting. I was going to name them "kids name"-laptop "kids name"-phone. But was wondering if I should worry, security wise, if I did that? I mean I could come up with code names instead like "twofingers"-laptop. But simple would be best for me. So what do you think? Thanks!

[Mindovermaster Global Moderator]

I always do <name>-desktop. Or <name>-<distro>

 

I don't really see it as a security problem, it's just a name, like your wireless SSID...

 

Be like Debian, go by Toy Story character names, or Star Wars characters, or Avenger characters...

[thisdude]

Ok right. That's a clever naming scheme, thanks!

[+BudMan MVC]

p0rn star names is another naming scheme   But prob not appropriate for home use with kids hehehe

 

I have used whisky names in the past, Belgium beer makers, etc. All kinds of naming schemes you can use.. Greek or Norse gods,  But yeah name - what is it is shouldn't be a "security" issue.. My wifes phone on the network is Kim's Iphone and her laptop is called Kim's laptop..

 

Depending on how geeky you are.. Star trek Ship classes or planet from the series.  Really want to geek out use quark flavors, bosons, etc. There are lots of things to choose from.. Just need something that has X number of names, where your network of devices has less than that and won't be growing larger than that.  You can also mix and match.. phones could all use whisky names, camera's could be greek gods, etc..  Have fun with it!

[+Fahim S. MVC]

My scheme is "shared infrastructure" is named after cities of the world (Zurich, Rome, Tokyo, Lyon, etc) and personal devices is <owner>-<device-type> so fahim-iphone.

 

[StrikedOut]

For work PCs I use 3 digits to identify the department, followed by a hyphen then initials, date installed and P for PC or L for laptop. Servers are what ever theme I choose, used planets, LotR names, and others. Home, its just what ever I think of.

[Mindovermaster Global Moderator]

  On 29/07/2019 at 13:02, BudMan said:

p0rn star names is another naming scheme   But prob not appropriate for home use with kids hehehe

Expand  

I actually never thought of that... 🤣

[Matthew S.]

My home network is based off of the Xmen, the only devices that use the users first name are our phones.  (Quite literally my network name is Xmen lol).

 

lets see, Gambit, Rouge, Wolverine, Havok, Iceman... etc... lots to choose from.

[sc302 Veteran]

As long as you can identify easily who owns what device either by your own naming convention cross reference or by naming it something familiar to you in the name, it really doesn't matter....

 

If you named a device whiskey-tango and know that it is charlie's iphone, I don't think it would matter all too much.

[Xenon]

We use names of star ships from Star Trek. No joke. Enterprise-D, Endeavor, Discovery, Reliant etc. It works well. 

[goretsky Supervisor]

Hello,

 

Some interesting discussions about naming schema:

 

• Reddit - Naming Standards/Conventions
  
• University of Waterloo - Network Device Naming Standard
  
• Wikipedia - Computer Network Naming Scheme
  
• Wikitech - Infrastructure Naming Conventions
  
  

Perhaps one (or more) of these will be helpful to you in selecting a standard.

 

Regards,

 

Aryeh Goretsky

 

[Nikolai X. Shadeauxs]

I work with tech for a living and also have a bunch in my house. I name my work stuff after planets, galaxies, nebulas, and other things in space. For my personal stuff.. I'm a huge Zelda fan so naming follows that. I find if you name them in a scheme related to something you are very into it is easy to remember what is what. I can remember every devices name but this may just be how my brain works and may not be the right fit for everyone.