News and Insights.

Business networks are complex, making it easy for things to go wrong. When downtime happens, it’s important to identify the source as fast as possible. Understanding the issue can save you time, money, and countless headaches. 

Our Head of Networks and Security, Ashley Le Hegarat, identified the top 5 common network issues and gave some tips on how to remedy these to keep your business up and running.

Slow network speed

Slow performance can cripple productivity. It’s often caused by bandwidth congestion, outdated hardware, or poor configuration. 

Your network may be part of a larger organisational network. As a result, a change in the larger network can resulted in more traffic through the internet connection point, slowing responses to cloud-resident applications.

Solution

Identify bandwidth-heavy applications, upgrade outdated equipment, and ensure your network is configured to prioritise business-critical data. 

Network monitoring tools can helps identify these issues. These tools provide insights into network traffic, bandwidth usage, and potential issues. They help identify trends and pinpoint problem areas.

Weak Wi-Fi connection

Poor signal strength impacts connectivity, especially in large offices. Wi-Fi signal strength may be adequate almost everywhere, but it could be weak or non-existent in other areas. Objects and walls can block the Wi-Fi signal as well as devices such as microwave ovens, cordless phones and Bluetooth can interfere with Wi-Fi signals, too. 

Solution

A Wi-Fi audit by a team of experts can help identify the source of the problem. From here you will be able to re-position access points for better coverage, invest in high-quality routers, and consider implementing mesh networks for wider range.

Physical connectivity issues

A network connection can suddenly break because of physical connectivity issues. A common problem is when a network cable becomes damaged or knocked loose. Cables might be added or removed from a switch, and one of the other cables might accidentally get disconnected.

It should be clear from the segment of the network affected which cable was damaged. But finding the problem along a cable stretching across the ceiling may be time-consuming. 

Solution

Physical connections are often overlooked. Inspect all cables and ports. Ensure that cables are securely connected and undamaged. 

Test cables with another device to confirm they work correctly. Examine routers, switches, and modems. Ensure they are functioning correctly, and all lights show normal operation. Restart these devices to see if it resolves the issue. Sometimes, a reboot can clear temporary glitches.

Security Vulnerabilities

Weak security can lead to network breaches. Keeping your network secure and up to date is crucial for smooth operation. Regular updates and security checks can prevent many common issues.

Solution

Update firewalls, monitor traffic, and implement end-to-end encryption to protect your data from cyber threats. Updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements.

You should also run malware scans on all devices. Malware can cause various network issues, including slow performance and connectivity problems. Using cyber security monitoring tools can keep your business protected from attacks.
It is also important to ensure proper configurations of your firewalls and network security settings to ensure you are protected.

Network misconfiguration

Network misconfiguration is a common yet critical issue that can lead to severe security vulnerabilities and performance problems. Misconfigurations occur when network devices or settings are improperly set up, often due to default configurations or human error.

Solution

Check IP settings, DNS settings, and configurations on routers and switches. This can help you identify and resolve misconfigurations. A team of network experts can conduct a network audit to understand where your network may be misconfigured.

From this audit, you can verify IP settings on affected devices. Ensure devices have the correct IP addresses, subnet masks, and gateways. Incorrect settings can prevent devices from connecting to the network.

You should also review configurations on routers and switches. Ensure there are no incorrect settings or misconfigurations. Check for any changes that might have caused the issue.

Conclusion

A reliable network is essential for business operations. Avoid costly downtime issues by working with a team of network experts to keep your network in top shape. 

At SystemLabs we can put in place monitoring and other best practices. We’ll ensure your network runs smoothly and fully supports all your needs. 

By addressing these common issues early on, you can enhance your network’s efficiency and security, ensuring your business stays connected and productive. Design and maintain a future-proof network infrastructure, balancing performance, security, and scalability.