No matter the scale of the company, whether it’s a new micro-sized startup or a large corporation, it certainly needs a network within it. The network is expected to function well at all times so that employees can access important data, serve and communicate with customers, and carry out various daily operational activities.

The demand for faster networks that can guarantee better security day by day always arises. The goal is for businesses to run even better. Fortunately, there are already network management strategies that can enhance network services. Check out the network management strategies below for optimal performance.

1. Upgrade Hardware

The speed and performance of the network heavily depend on the quality and capacity of the hardware. If we use old hardware, such as routers, cables, and various other types of hardware, it may no longer be compatible with new applications and devices. Of course, this will result in slower speeds and weak network connectivity.

The solution is to invest in newer, more powerful hardware. Replacing hardware periodically is indeed important and must be done to maintain network performance. Upgrading with the latest technology will increase bandwidth and reduce latency. The connection becomes faster and more stable. Moreover, the latest hardware is usually equipped with more advanced security features, making it safer.

2. Use Quality of Service (QoS)

QoS is a network feature that allows users to prioritize types of network traffic over others. This prioritization is done based on the network’s needs. Which should be prioritized, video data or audio? With prioritization, delays will be avoided and all client requests can be executed properly.

3. Network Monitoring

Network monitoring will always provide important insights into network performance over time. Tracking network performance metrics is crucial in identifying patterns and trends that may be the main causes of network performance degradation.

Monitoring network devices can help the IT team to quickly identify performance issues and resolve them. This way, the network will not experience problems and can be fixed promptly to function normally.

4. Use Load Balancing

Load balancing is a technique used in computer networks to evenly distribute network traffic across multiple servers simultaneously. Load balancing is performed when performance is very high, thereby reducing the workload on individual servers and avoiding excessive traffic congestion.

Load balancing is able to utilize the available resources effectively, thereby improving the overall performance and availability of the network. In a common load-balancing scenario, one server might not be able to handle the heavy incoming traffic, resulting in reduced response times, or even server failure.

With load balancing, the workload is distributed across multiple servers to ensure that no single server is overloaded. If the workload is already distributed like this, then the network can continue to function well.

5. Use Redundancy

Networking techniques use redundancy to describe backup systems or alternative routes for smooth network traffic. This occurs within hardware or software. Redundancy ensures that the network continues to operate smoothly even if one of the components in the hardware or software fails to perform its function.

By having equipment that works redundantly or alternative routes, businesses can minimize damage and enhance network credibility. So if one component fails, the redundant component or alternative route will take over. Network operations will continue without interruption.

This technique is especially crucial for businesses that heavily rely on network infrastructure. For example, e-commerce sites, hospitals, financial institutions, and emergency services that must always be active at any time.

6. Optimize Network Configuration

Make sure to achieve optimal performance from your network with proper configuration. This includes properly configuring routing, VLANs, and other network protocols. Routing is the process of ensuring the most efficient transfer of data from one point in the network to another. With good routing configuration, it will ensure that data moves faster, along the most efficient path, thereby reducing network latency and improving performance.

Virtual LANs (VLANs) are another important component that can optimize network performance. VLANs are logical groupings of networks within a device, which share the same broadcast domain. By creating VLANs, we can divide the network into smaller, more manageable parts. Thus, it will be easier to reduce network disruptions.

Besides routing and VLANs, there are still other network protocols that can be well-configured to optimize network performance. This includes protocols such as Quality of Service (QoS), which allows prioritization of network traffic based on importance, and Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), which can prevent network disruptions, ensuring a more reliable network connection.

7. Upgrade Network Software

The final strategy, which is equally important, is to keep the network software up to date to enhance network services, performance, and security. If possible, software with the latest version can have additional features that are more advanced and useful. Software updates can address disruptions, viruses, and weak security in previous versions.

In each update, developers generally introduce specific improvements that were previously considered underperforming. Thus, the speed and stability of the network can be more reliable for its users. Amid the increasing cyber threats, software developers must continuously develop effective security protocols to protect software from malware, viruses, and other harmful attacks.

In addition to network security, software updates may also introduce new features and functions that were previously unavailable. These new features could potentially enhance the overall user experience.

Make sure the network used by your company is always secure and smooth, so it can provide the best service to consumers. For ease of managing and maintaining the network, use a reliable network monitoring application provider like Netmonk. Netmonk offers a single application for monitoring networks, web/API, and servers, called Netmonk Prime, which is very practical in its use.

In monitoring the network, Netmonk is capable of acquiring data from network devices, which is then visualized into an easily understandable analytical dashboard. Become part of Netmonk along with 5000++ other major companies such as IndiHone, t-money, true money, Finiks, IndiBox, and many more. There is even a feature to try their service for free for 14 days!