Prompt lesson · 20 prompts
Network Configuration Assistance prompts for Systems Administrators
20 ready-to-use prompts from our AI for Systems Administrators course. Copy one, fill in the {{placeholders}}, and paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or any other AI.
Automated Network Discovery Guide
Use this when you need a step-by-step plan to automate the discovery and mapping of devices in your network environment.
Role You are a network automation expert. Your goal is to provide a clear, actionable plan for automating network device discovery, ensuring accuracy and security.
Context you provide
- {{network_environment}}: The type of network environment (e.g., on-premises, cloud, hybrid).
- {{discovery_goals}}: What the user hopes to achieve with discovery (e.g., inventory, configuration, monitoring).
- {{existing_tools}}: Any tools or software already in use for network management.
Instructions
- If any required context is missing, ask the user for the missing information before proceeding.
- Based on the provided context, outline a step-by-step process for automated network discovery.
- Recommend suitable tools and methodologies for the discovery process, considering the network environment.
- Include best practices for securing the discovery process and documenting the discovered devices.
- Discuss potential limitations of automated discovery and how to address them.
Output format Provide a structured guide with sections: Overview, Step-by-Step Process, Recommended Tools, Security Considerations, Documentation Best Practices, and Limitations. Use numbered steps and bullet points. Keep the tone technical and precise. Aim for 400-600 words.
Guardrails
- Do not recommend specific commercial tools without noting alternatives.
- Flag any assumptions about the network environment.
- Stay within the scope of network discovery and documentation.
Example
- {{network_environment}}: Hybrid cloud with 200 devices; {{discovery_goals}}: Inventory and configuration mapping; {{existing_tools}}: SolarWinds, custom scripts.
Open this prompt Planning · Intermediate
Configure DHCP Server Setup
Use this when you need step-by-step guidance to set up a DHCP server, configure scopes, and manage IP address leases on a given operating system.
Role You are a network administrator who specialises in DHCP server deployment and IP address management, optimising for reliable and secure address allocation.
Context you provide
- {{OS type}} — the operating system for the DHCP server (e.g., Windows Server, Linux, pfSense)
- {{subnet address}} — the subnet for which you need a DHCP scope (e.g., 192.168.1.0/24)
- {{number of devices}} — approximate number of clients that will request leases
Instructions
- Ask for any missing context before starting.
- Provide a step-by-step guide to install and configure the DHCP server role/service on the given OS.
- Explain how to create a DHCP scope for the specified subnet, including setting the IP range, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS servers.
- Describe lease duration settings and how to manage reservations for critical devices (e.g., printers, servers).
- List three essential security measures (e.g., DHCP snooping, rogue server detection) and how to implement them.
Output format A numbered guide with commands (where applicable) and configuration snippets. Use clear headings for each major step. Tone: instructional and concise.
Guardrails
- Do not assume a specific OS version unless provided; use generic commands where possible.
- Avoid recommending insecure settings (e.g., unlimited lease duration).
- Stay within DHCP configuration; do not cover DNS or firewall setup unless directly related.
Example {{OS type}}: Windows Server 2022 {{subnet address}}: 192.168.10.0/24 {{number of devices}}: 150
Open this prompt Creating · Intermediate
Configure QoS for Critical Apps
Use this when you need to prioritize network traffic for critical applications and ensure optimal performance.
Open this prompt Planning · Intermediate
Configure VLANs for Network Segmentation
Use this when you need step-by-step guidance to configure VLANs on network devices to separate traffic and improve security.
Open this prompt Creating · Intermediate
Configure VPN Connection
Use this when you need step-by-step guidance to set up and secure a VPN connection for a specific operating system or corporate environment.
Open this prompt Creating · Advanced
DNS Configuration Guide
Use this when you need step-by-step guidance for setting up or configuring DNS servers and records.
Open this prompt Creating · Advanced
Firewall Rule Configuration and Auditing
Use this when you need guidance on setting up, auditing, or improving firewall rules for a network.
Open this prompt Planning · Intermediate
Firewall Rule Optimization Plan
Use this when you need to review and optimize firewall rules to balance security and necessary network traffic.
Open this prompt Planning · Intermediate
Load Balancing Configuration Guide
Use this when you need to configure load balancing for a multi-server environment to distribute network traffic efficiently.
Open this prompt Planning · Advanced
NAT Configuration Guidance
Use this when you need guidance on configuring Network Address Translation for a network, including choosing NAT type, security considerations, and troubleshooting.
Open this prompt Planning · Intermediate
Network Connectivity Issue Diagnosis
Use this when you need to systematically diagnose and resolve network connectivity problems.
Open this prompt Analysis · Intermediate
Network Monitoring Setup Guide
Use this when you need guidance on setting up network monitoring tools, configuring alerts, and understanding key components for a given network size.
Open this prompt Planning · Intermediate
Plan IP Address Assignments
Use this when you need to assign, document, or manage static and dynamic IP addresses across network devices.
Open this prompt Planning · Intermediate
Plan Network Security Configuration
Use this when you need to plan access control lists and intrusion detection measures for a network.
Open this prompt Planning · Intermediate
QoS Configuration Guide
Use this when you need to configure Quality of Service policies on network devices to prioritize critical application traffic.
Open this prompt Planning · Intermediate
Routing Protocol Configuration
Use this when you need to configure static routes or OSPF on network devices.
Open this prompt Coding · Advanced
Subnetting Guidance and Calculations
Use this when you need guidance on subnetting network addresses, including explanations, step-by-step calculations, and best practices.
Open this prompt Learning · Intermediate
VLAN Configuration Guide
Use this when you need a step-by-step guide to configure VLANs on a specific switch model, along with best practices and common pitfalls.
Open this prompt Coding · Intermediate
VPN Setup and Troubleshooting Guide
Use this when you need step-by-step assistance with setting up a VPN or troubleshooting connectivity issues.
Open this prompt Planning · Intermediate
Wireless Network Configuration
Use this when you need guidance on configuring wireless access points and securing Wi-Fi networks for a small office.
Open this prompt Planning · Intermediate