Network Configuration

Why Trust Techopedia

What Does Network Configuration Mean?

Network configuration is the process of setting a network’s controls, flow and operation to support the network communication of an organization and/or network owner. This broad term incorporates multiple configuration and setup processes on network hardware, software and other supporting devices and components.

Network configuration is also known as network setup.

Techopedia Explains Network Configuration

Network configuration allows a system administrator to set up a network to meet communication objectives. The process involves the following tasks::

  • Router configuration: Specifies the correct IP addresses and route settings, etc.
  • Host configuration: Sets up a network connection on a host computer/laptop by logging the default network settings, such as IP addressing, proxy, network name and ID/password, to enable network connection and communication.
  • Software configuration: Any network-based software, like an intrusion detection system (IDS), is allowed access and provided with the appropriate credentials to monitor network traffic..

Moreover, network configuration includes Internet/network sharing, software/application installation and firewall installation/configuration.

Related Terms

Margaret Rouse
Technology Expert
Margaret Rouse
Technology Expert

Margaret is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical business audience. Over the past twenty years, her IT definitions have been published by Que in an encyclopedia of technology terms and cited in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine, and Discovery Magazine. She joined Techopedia in 2011. Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages.

Advertisements