Your company needs a stable and reliable network. Technology can keep your network running at peak levels. However, it can cause problems if it fails. From large companies to rural small businesses, fast internet is a necessity.
Technology alone is insufficient to maximize your company’s network performance. With the right strategy, your business can be well-equipped to get the most out of its network. Plus, you can guard against network performance issues that otherwise disrupt your business.
How To Improve Your Company’s Network Performance
There are several tried-and-true strategies you can use to improve your company’s network performance. You don’t have to be an IT professional to use these tips, but you can certainly consult an internal or external IT team if needed.
1. Automate Your Network
There are benefits of adding network automation to your tech suite. Network automation software lets you automate your network’s management function and avoid human errors that lead to network disruptions. On the other hand, the software can be complex to use and may require some customization to fit your business’ needs.
Before you automate your network, you need to plan ahead. Consider how automation can help specifically with network monitoring and security. It can be beneficial to involve multiple business departments in the planning process. This helps you generate network performance insights to create an effective network automation strategy.
In addition, look at the network automation software options at your disposal. Consult with network automation software providers and learn how they support their clients. From here, you can identify automation software that meets your company’s needs. You can then implement the software and ensure it delivers your desired results.
2. Manage Network Application Use
Some business applications don’t require network access. The software and online apps that do, however, can slow down internet speed and contribute to network breaches if not properly set up.
Perform network audits to understand network application use across your business. An audit lets you monitor app use and its impact on your network’s performance. Next, you can remove unnecessary — or unsafe — apps from your network.
Conduct network audits regularly. The audits ensure you can identify and address any network performance in its early stages. In the future, make sure to vet all applications before installing, including checking their average data usage and company policies on third-party information and security.
3. Test Your Network’s Speed
The network technology you use and the number of people utilizing your network can impact your network’s speed. As such, your network’s speed can rise and fall at any time.
Run a network speed test to see how your connection is performing. You can perform a speed test on a desktop or laptop computer. Some tools provide insights into any issues that impact your network’s speed.
Use your network speed test results to determine your next step to improve your network’s performance. If a test reveals your network is running at top speed, you’re in good shape. At this point, you can conduct periodic tests to monitor your network’s speed. Or, if your network is running slow, reach out to your internet service provider (ISP). Then, your ISP can help you determine if connection, hardware, or subscription issues may be hindering your network’s performance.
4. Increase Your Network’s Bandwidth and Throughput
A network can handle only a certain amount of data transfer at one time. If you try to send too much data through your network at once, delays will occur.
Use a performance monitoring tool to analyze your network’s bandwidth and throughput. Network bandwidth is the total possible data that could be transferred from a source on your network at any time, giving you a glimpse into the capability of your network. Throughput is the amount of data that is actually transferred. Analyzing the throughput and speed at which the data is transferred can help you decide if now’s the right time to upgrade your network’s bandwidth.
A performance monitoring tool also lets you track data packet loss. This is when data fails to reach its intended destination. You can use tools like this to produce insights on failed connections and improve your network’s reliability.
5. Limit Network Downtime
Every second that your network is inaccessible can have far-flung effects on your company’s bottom line. Fortunately, you can take steps to minimize network downtime and ensure it consistently performs as expected.
Perform internal and external network analyses. Assess your router, cables, and other internal network components. Also, review your cloud services, internet gateways, and other external network services. Your internal and external analyses can help you pinpoint any network issues and find ways to strengthen your network.
Use quality network equipment, as well. It can be tempting to choose cheap network equipment to help your business save money. However, doing so can slow your network down and increase the risk of downtime.
Set up a redundant network connection, too. Redundant networks provide multiple connections that allow you to reroute network traffic based on downtime or other events.
Don’t forget to employ a backup power connection. You can use an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) that delivers backup battery power to your IT systems as soon as your regular power goes offline. In this scenario, your UPS will transfer power to your network without causing downtime or disrupting your business.
With the help of enterprise battery intelligence, you can monitor the health and performance of your UPS system and ensure that it’s always ready to provide backup power when you need it the most. By leveraging advanced analytics and monitoring tools, you can proactively identify and address any issues before they can impact your business.
The Bottom Line on How To Improve Your Company’s Network Performance
A network performance strategy can make a world of difference for your business. You can use your strategy to establish and maintain a network more secure and faster than ever before. Over time, your strategy can help your business meet the needs of its employees and customers.
Prioritize your company’s network performance. In doing so, you can improve your bottom line and optimize business performance now and in the future.
