I set out to build a Remote Work Network Configuration that keeps people productive and the network tidy. This guide walks through VLAN setup, DHCP configuration, preserving network flexibility and safe remote access, and the IT policies that tie it all together. I give concrete values and test steps you can copy. No theory, no fluff.
Start with VLAN setup that matches roles, not locations. I use simple, predictable IDs: VLAN 10 for office staff (192.168.10.0/24), VLAN 20 for contractors and remote-access endpoints (192.168.20.0/24), VLAN 30 for IoT and printers (192.168.30.0/24), VLAN 99 for guest Wi‑Fi (192.168.99.0/24). On the switch, tag access ports for the right VLAN and set trunk ports to carry only needed VLANs. Example Cisco-style intent: set access ports to VLAN 10, trunks to allow 10,20,30,99 and use native VLAN 999 or leave native out entirely. For DHCP configuration, run a separate server or use the router’s DHCP for each VLAN. Use tight pools and fixed gateways: for VLAN 10, DHCP pool 192.168.10.10–192.168.10.200, gateway 192.168.10.1, lease 24h for desk devices. For remote-access endpoints on VLAN 20, use 192.168.20.50–192.168.20.150 and a 4h lease so stale entries clear quickly. Reserve static IPs for servers, printers and network gear outside the pools. Use DHCP option 121 or static routes on the router for any inter-VLAN services.
Keep the network flexible by decoupling policy from physical ports. Apply access control on the router or firewall, not on the switch. Create ACLs that permit only required traffic between VLANs, for example allow VLAN 10 to reach VLAN 20 on TCP 22 and 443, but block VLAN 30 from reaching management. Use DHCP class-based options or DDNS to tag devices from specific subnets so policy engines can act on those tags. For remote access, I favour WireGuard for simple, fast tunnels and predictable NAT behaviour, or a managed solution such as Tailscale if you prefer minimal setup. If you use a traditional VPN, run a concentrator in VLAN 20 and give remote clients internal addresses on that VLAN. Choose split tunnelling when you want to save internet egress at the office, and full tunnelling when you need all traffic inspected by corporate filters. Open the minimum ports necessary; WireGuard commonly uses UDP 51820. Add MFA at the VPN gateway and use short-lived certificates or keys for remote endpoints.
Policies turn a tidy network into a dependable one. Write clear IT policies that define acceptable device state, patch cadence, and how remote access is requested and approved. Make rules that map to your VLANs: devices meeting policy get VLAN 10 access; unmanaged devices go to VLAN 99 with internet only. Set DHCP lease-time policy: longer leases for stationary desk devices, short leases for mobile or hotspot devices. Monitor performance and configuration drift with simple tools: keep a Netflow export or sFlow on core switches, use SNMP polling to track interface errors, and schedule a daily check of DHCP lease counts. When you change an ACL or add a VLAN, verify isolation by trying to reach a blocked host and by checking the DHCP bindings. For example, after creating VLAN 30, confirm a device in VLAN 30 cannot ping the management IP on VLAN 1, then confirm a printer in VLAN 30 gets a DHCP lease in the expected range.
Collect feedback and iterate. Ask a handful of remote staff to run typical tasks after a change and send a short form noting latency, VPN connection time, and any blocked services. Use those reports to tighten or relax ACLs and to alter lease times. Keep change windows small and reversible: push ACL rules as staged changes, keep backups of routing and DHCP configs, and script rollbacks. The practical result is a Remote Work Network Configuration that isolates risk, keeps DHCP tidy, and gives remote people reliable access without choking the office network.
