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Learn about the triggers of poor network performance and how to mitigate them for your team to enjoy optimal network performance and enhanced productivity.

A seamless network performance results in productivity and efficiency. The cost of a failing network is loss of productivity and downtime. Business continuity is critical to all businesses, regardless of the size. A study by Aberdeen found that the average hourly cost of downtime is $163,674.

There are several triggers of non-optimal network performance, such as malware, speed mismatch, old equipment, and network configuration, to mention a few. Due to the urgency and importance of maintaining a reliable network, businesses must assess and rate them to establish if they meet the optimum standards.

A step to enhance your network performance can enhance your overall productivity and business continuity.

1. Reconfigure Your Network

Your network configuration can affect performance. For instance, if you install an update and it doesn't configure your devices, this can have a large impact on your performance. The way your hardware components are configured to each other can also affect your network performance. A good example is the personal area network devices that should not be more than 10 meters apart.

Devices with short-range connectivity should be close to each other to prevent network delays between the hardware components.

Reconfiguring your hardware components will help the devices communicate with each other effectively. For instance, placing the web server components close to the intelligence servers, having the intelligence server close to the metadata repository, and having a machine dedicated to your enterprise manager database can positively impact your network performance.

2. Check For System Defects And Viruses

Viruses and system defects can break down a network infrastructure and degrade the network performance. Some malwares can also control programs and applications in your network. A flaw in the components or system can cause a network to behave unexpectedly.

Cable defects such as core rapture are a good example of issues that can cause failure in the conduction of electricity, interfering with communication in a network. System defects and malware can affect workflow and should be diagnosed for troubleshooting.

Checking for malware and fixing system defects can address the situation and restore optimal performance.

3. Upgrade And Update Firmware And Software

Often, businesses cannot keep up with the pace of technology and balance with the software they run. You may end up having software running on outdated technology in your network. You can also have old machines with new programs.

Usually, there is no guarantee that programs and the existing technology are fully compatible, which can negatively impact the network performance. Outdated software and programs also have bugs that can break down your infrastructure.

Doing the necessary updates and updates can optimize the performance of your network. For instance, when a device driver is updated, the processor's performance will improve. Technology is characterized by many changes, and businesses need to keep up with them to remain productive.

Replace old software so that they are compatible with new technology. The entire network should be updated if you are still working with phased-out technology to enjoy a smoother performance.

4. Use Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs)

VLANs reduce broadcast traffic, ease administration and confine broadcast domains. You can use the technology to segment your network resources such that critical areas are given the highest priority. With VLANs, you can separate or partition the network without rewiring the entire office.

VLANs also play a vital role in enhancing security. If one part of a network is compromised, other parts can remain safe. Malware affecting one area of your system will not impede the functionality of other parts of the network.

Splitting network components and prioritizing tasks in the network can create room for performance optimization.

5. Provide A Guest Network

Having multiple users on a network increases traffic which affects network performance. An enterprise network accommodating hundreds of guest users is bound to experience slowdowns. Guests can demand bandwidth that your business would otherwise be using on other important tasks.

Deploying a separate network for guests can go a long way in enhancing your network performance and eliminating security risks. Your guests can connect to your network as your team enjoys fast completion of tasks without glitches.

6. User Education

Educating your team on user behavior can enhance network performance. Often, employees use their free time on their computers. They could choose to stream a show or play video games, unaware of the impact of the activities on the network resources.

In this case, employees should be educated on how the downtime activities of their computers affect network performance. They are likely to settle for other activities that don't strain the resources with this knowledge.

Sharing large PowerPoint files to multiple recipients via email is a user behavior that affects network performance. Your personnel could be encouraged to share the files through the cloud instead. They could also be taught how to compress files if they exchange multiple large files.

Personnel can also be educated on processes and the right time to execute them. For instance, scheduling backups when there is less traffic on the network can help avoid putting pressure on the network when usage is peak.

Educating your employees on best practices for spending time on their computers, running processes, and utilizing network resources can help improve performance.

7. Network Monitoring

Monitoring your network for traffic jams and bottlenecks can help you diagnose problems and solve them in good time and prevent advancing network issues. For instance, if the network admin identifies backups as the reason behind substandard network performance, they can schedule them for a time when most of the network resources are not being utilized by the personnel.

Regular network monitoring can help you spot the bottlenecks, address them, and enhance network performance.

Final Thoughts: IT Consulting and Network Performance

If you want to enhance your enterprise network performance for increased productivity, consider partnering with IT professionals to ensure high network performance. A good IT consulting firm will ensure that your network is optimized to meet the demands of your business.

Advanced Networks Professionals can help you optimize your network performance through managed malware removal, server and hardware management, and on-site and remote support to reduce bottlenecks for your team to enjoy effective workarounds. Contact us today to learn how our managed IT services can benefit your network performance.