Network downtimes are not only frustrating for customers but for businesses as well. We rely on these nifty systems to not only talk to our colleagues in an age where working from home is extremely common but also directly impact operations. When networks go down, it costs not only time and energy but money, productivity and morale. Based on recent trends in the UK, here are five of the most critical troubleshooting concerns you might have experienced or could be expecting. Planning ahead has never been so easy.

1. Utilise Appropriate Network Troubleshooting Tools

Why is it critical? Well, we all know that the wrong tools are never going to fix the pipe. If you don’t have the right network analysers, packet sniffers, or the latest test equipment to properly diagnose the problem, you won’t be able to get to the heart of the issue. And therefore fixing it once and for all, rather than just putting a plaster over it. With modern networks only becoming more complex, robust diagnostic tools are more essential than ever to understand the different systems we use and how they interconnect with each other – and where along the line that chain link may have been broken.

2. Monitor Network Performance Proactively

You can’t keep an eye on everything all at once – not physically, at least. Monitoring your network performance closely can help you keep an eye on where a service may be failing to meet a customer need or is affecting productivity. Proactive monitoring that detects the early signs of failure before it has become a full-blown issue can help avoid significant destruction. As more and more UK businesses get used to hybrid working, making sure your systems work both in the office and at home is more important than ever. 

3. Stay Informed About Recent Network Incidents

Simply put: if you’re unaware of a previous problem, you can’t anticipate it happening again in the future. Preparing for potential vulnerabilities by looking to past network failures can help businesses understand more large-scale issues with a network. That way, they can be fixed proactively before large-scale network outages, like last year’s Three UK network failure, continue to happen.

4. Implement Regular Network Audits

Just like you keep an eye on employees to check in on their progress, you’re going to want to check in on your networks. Regular audits can show the signs of ageing hardware and outdated firmware way before they become a huge problem, as well as flag security concerns which can help future cyber threats.

5. Leverage Automated Monitoring Solutions

It’s becoming more important than ever to become friendly with AI; monitoring tools using AI-driven systems can reduce the need for manual intervention and spot failures before the human eye in an effort to increase security and enhance reliability.