Properly use and manage networks in Google Admin Center
To properly use and manage networks in Google Admin Center (Admin Console), follow these best practices and steps:
1. Setting Up and Managing Network Configurations
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Sign in to the Admin Console with an administrator account
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Navigate to Devices or the relevant section for managed devices
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Select the organizational unit (OU) if you want to apply network settings to a specific group (like a department or team).
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To add a network:
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For Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or VPN: Click to create the desired network type (e.g., “Create Wi-Fi network” or “Create VPN network”).
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Enter the required details such as network name, authentication method (e.g., WPA2-Enterprise for Wi-Fi, 802.1X for Ethernet), or VPN configuration (remote host, VPN type, credentials).
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Specify which device platforms (ChromeOS, Android, iOS, etc.) can use this network.
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Optionally, set the network to connect automatically for managed devices.
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To edit or remove a network, select the existing configuration, make changes, and save, or click “Remove” to delete it from the OU.
2. Best Practices for Network Management
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Use organizational units to apply different network policies to different groups.
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For Wi-Fi and Ethernet, prefer secure authentication (such as 802.1X Enterprise) to protect network access.
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For VPN, ensure only supported configurations are pushed, and use strong credentials and certificates1.
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Regularly review and update network configurations as your organization’s needs change.
3. Advanced Network Design and Connectivity (Google Cloud)
If your organization uses Google Cloud networking (VPCs, hybrid networks, etc.), consider these best practices:
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Choose the right VPC connection method for your needs (Network Connectivity Center, VPC Peering, Cloud VPN, etc.).
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Use Cloud NAT for fixed outbound IPs and secure internet access for VMs without external IPs.
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Use private DNS zones for internal service name resolution.
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For Google API access, use Private Google Access or Private Service Connect to allow secure, internal API communication without public IPs.
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When managing complex network topologies (multiple VPCs, hybrid cloud), use Network Connectivity Center and assign appropriate IAM roles (like Network Management Admin or Hub Admin) to control who can create, modify, and review network connections and routing.
4. Permissions and Roles
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Assign Network Management Admin or Network Management Viewer roles as appropriate to control access to network management features and resources.
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For VPC hub and spoke architectures, use the Hub Admin role to manage connectivity and routing between networks.