As every workplace becomes increasingly digital, network infrastructure is more important than ever. In order for a business to run smoothly, it needs to have powerful IT infrastructure management behind it.
Don’t let lacklustre network infrastructure hold you back. Read on to find out how to make vital improvements to your network infrastructure.
1. Correctly configure your hardware
Any network is only as good as the hardware behind it. Ensure your business has top quality hardware installed by a professional IT service.
It’s important to keep building your IT infrastructure where needed, but remember installing new hardware to your network comes with potential problems that will need to be solved. Whenever a new piece of hardware is added, make sure every device you already have keeps functioning and communicating properly. New hardware that isn’t properly installed can cause latency and routing problems to your network.
2. Upgrade your basic hardware
Don’t be put off from installing new, fast hardware.
Just a single slow device in your network can create a bottleneck that slows down performance throughout your IT infrastructure.
It’s also important to upgrade your basic hardware, as only up-to-date hardware can support network infrastructure monitoring and performance tracking protocols. These need to be in place so that you, or your IT support, can monitor your network for problems and solve them as they occur.
3. Track your network’s performance
Tracking your network’s performance shows you how efficiently your network is performing and how it might be improved.
It will also provide real-time error detection, so any problems that arise can be solved as quickly as possible.
Ensure you have a network monitoring tool set up so that you can quickly identify the cause should your network unexpectedly begin to slow down and consider taking on an IT support partner that can keep on top of your network for you. This will prevent any unexpected downtime holding up your business, and keep things running smoothly.
4. Compress your critical data
If you’re a busy business, chances are you’re dealing with a large amount of data each day.
As you grow and take on more data, your network will have to work harder to process it. By identifying and compressing critical data, you’ll be able to transmit all your data at a fraction of the size.
It’s also important to know which data you’ll lose access to when any device fails in your network (if this should ever happen).
5. Have a powerful firewall
A strong firewall is vital to ensuring your business’s safety.
It protects your business from cyber-attacks, provides your connection to the internet, and connects every element of your network infrastructure.
Not only this, but your firewall should also be reliable and well-maintained – ensure it is kept up to date and resistant to all the latest malware. Your firewall should also be closely monitored, so you’re aware of any vulnerabilities or threats and how they can be addressed.