Securing Our Network, One Static IP at a Time

As the CTO of a company that takes security seriously, I've made the bold decision to banish DHCP from our network. While some may call it madness, I call it dedication to the craft of network engineering.

The Art of Static IP Configuration

Assigning static IPs to every device on our network is not for the faint of heart. It requires precision, discipline, and a mastery of Excel spreadsheets. But the sense of satisfaction that comes from knowing each and every IP address by heart is unparalleled.

Our team has become one with the IP addressing scheme. We don't just assign IPs - we live and breathe them. It's not uncommon to hear someone shout across the office, "Hey, who's on 192.168.1.37 today?"

The RDP Dance

Of course, with great security comes great responsibility. And by responsibility, I mean the need to constantly remind our staff to RDP into the correct machines. Gone are the days of relying on fancy DNS names. We deal in raw IP addresses here.

Sure, it may take a few extra minutes to double and triple check that you're connecting to the right server. But that's the price we pay for an ironclad network. And honestly, who needs productivity when you have security?

DNS: The Necessary Evil

I'll admit, even I have moments of weakness when it comes to DNS. It's the one concession we've made in our pursuit of static IP purity. But managing our own DNS server has been an adventure in itself.

There's nothing quite like the thrill of manually updating DNS records every time we add a new device to the network. It's like a high-stakes game of "remember to update the DNS or everything breaks."

Embracing the Static IP Lifestyle

Some may call our approach extreme. They may say that DHCP exists for a reason, that it makes network management easier and more efficient. But where's the fun in that?

We've chosen the path less traveled, the road of static IPs and manual configurations. It's not always easy, but it's the price we pay for an uncompromising commitment to security.

So to all my fellow CTOs out there, I challenge you to join us in the static IP revolution. Embrace the spreadsheets, the manual updates, and the constant vigilance. Because in the end, isn't that what being a true network engineer is all about?

Still shipping (and still assigning static IPs),

Evan CTO, Acme Inc.