Every internet network used for business is certainly well planned. Even so, a network that has been prepared very well can experience downtime as well. Before knowing the impact and how to overcome it, first find out the most common causes of downtime.
Causes Of Network Downtime
Network downtime can be intentional and planned in advance. Network technicians deliberately turn it off for a period of time to apply the necessary configuration changes. However, network downtime is also often caused because there are indeed interruptions. Here are some common causes of downtime:
1. Human Error and misconfiguration
Network downtime is often caused by human error. For example, if a network team makes a change that denies access to the resources that a network group needs, then that group is likely to experience downtime, resulting in network downtime.
Another example is if there is an inexperienced network administrator who accidentally causes the network to stop due to misconfiguration. It turns out that the configuration does not comply with the security policy of the device.
2. Security Threats
Vulnerable security in hardware, software, and firewalls can also cause downtime. For example, there are hackers who deliberately tamper with a ranking, and it turns out that this is the cause of a dead network.
Impact Of Network Downtime
When professionals design a network, they usually implement failover measures so that in the event of an outage, traffic can be diverted to a backup link that ensures the network remains operational. But if the backup link is not available, then downtime may occur, and the technician will have a hard time coping with it. It will be even more difficult if the problem can only be fixed by a network that is no longer operational.
When network downtime occurs, the company is unable to perform basic operations. Some of the problems that occur due to network downtime include:
- Employees can’t log in to the app
- Employees can’t connect with each other
- Businesses cannot serve customers at all
In a more severe downtime situation, even the impact is not only on the company itself but can even have an impact on other business areas. Other computer systems and applications depend on the network, so once downtime occurs, it creates a disruptive effect on the entire interconnected network.
If the network goes down in a residential area, of course it is also detrimental for some people. But if there is downtime in the company, then the impact of the loss will be huge. There is no service, income is stopped and customers will be greatly disadvantaged.
How To Deal With Network Downtime
Here are some ways to resolve a network that is experiencing downtime:
1. Network Domain Management
Experts in the field of networking usually use separate networks. This network operates as part of the management domain. Domain management tools can help teams monitor network performance, protect networks from threats, and fix issues that occur.
Network domain tools include:
- Network monitoring tools: they provide information about network performance and can detect potential problems before they occur.
- Fault management tools: effectively monitor network performance to detect, diagnose, isolate, and remediate problems.
- Network compliance tools: audited devices to ensure they comply with security standards, identify suspicious activity, and fix security inconsistencies.
If a company does not have separate network management with the above three tools, then its network experts must find alternative methods to detect the source of downtime and recover from it.
2. Using Network Automation Tools
Automated networking tools can help professionals implement configuration changes. However, automation does not necessarily eliminate the possibility of human error. Network administrators write scripts that automatically apply the changes. So if there is an error in the script, the tool will continue to apply changes to the error.
Some advanced network automation tools have verification capabilities, but they also do not eliminate the risk of human error. However, this tool is very helpful and ensures that the configuration remains compliant with the standard and can perform tests on it.
How To Prevent Network Downtime
In addition to knowing how to deal with network downtime, it’s also important to find out how to prevent downtime from happening. There are several ways that companies can work on, including:
1. Auditing and Monitoring the entire system
Start by carefully analyzing the entire network system, including those with internal and external risks. During this process, the network team will find several weaknesses that can be focused on in the future to avoid downtime. Audits and monitorings need to be carried out on each asset, including:
- Router
- Servers and Software
- cable
- Electricity supply
- Cloud Service Provider
- Internet Service Provider
- utility providers.
Document any possible vulnerable parts. In the event of downtime, network experts can examine these vulnerable areas first and minimize long downtime. With a complete picture of the IT infrastructure, it is possible to implement continuous monitoring for each network component. That way, downtime can be prevented properly.
2. Creating Redundancy
With network connection redundancy, a company can easily switch from one ISP to another if its primary network provider goes down. System redundancy helps reduce the adverse impact of errors or outages and ensures continuity of operation. If the problem is speed, network redundancy also offers more paths to access data, so it can use the fastest path.
3. Apply Backup Power
Another type of redundancy is backup power. One uninterrupted power source detects when the main power source is off and will immediately turn on to keep the electronic devices used by the company online. These devices typically provide power for about 30 to 60 minutes. This time is enough to complete certain jobs and safely turn off electronic equipment.
4. Invest in quality tools
Always use high-quality IT equipment. While quality hardware costs more upfront, reliable performance and reduced downtime throughout its use can save you money in the long run and be more profitable.
It turns out that the impact of network downtime is huge, especially for the network used by the company. All work can be stopped, which is harmed not only by the company but also by the customer. Therefore, make sure to always monitor the network to minimize downtime.
Use the services of a quality network monitoring provider such as Netmonk to monitor your business network. Through its flagship product, Netmonk Prime, which acquires data from network devices, is then visualized into an easy-to-understand analytics dashboard. Just visit the Netmonk website for more info.
