About this document
Purpose
This document provides advice and guidelines for Internet Protocol (IP) addressing and related key protocols for organisations connected to the Health and Social Care Network (HSCN). Related key protocols and methods include Network Address Translation (NAT), Domain Name System (DNS), and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).
Audience
Those with Information Management and Technology (IM&T) managerial and technical roles within organisations connected to HSCN.
Disclaimer
Reference to any specific commercial product, process or service by trade name, trademark manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by NHS Digital. The views and opinions of authors expressed within this document shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.
Any party relying on or using any information contained in this document and/or relying on or using any system implemented based upon information contained in this document should do so only after performing a risk assessment.
It is important to note that a risk assessment is a prerequisite for the design of effective security countermeasures. A correctly completed risk assessment enables an NHS organisation to demonstrate that a methodical process has been undertaken which can adequately describe the rationale behind any decisions made. Risk assessments should include the potential impact to live services of implementing changes. This means that changes implemented following this guidance are done so at the implementers' risk. Misuse or inappropriate use of this information can only be the responsibility of the implementer.