Downtime is the enemy of any business, but it can be incredibly costly for small businesses. Every minute your network is down is a minute you’re not making money. This article will give you some tips on how to reduce network downtime in your small business.
Implement a Network Monitoring System
Implementing a network monitoring system is one of the best ways to reduce network downtime. A network monitoring system continuously monitors your network for issues and alerts you when something goes wrong. This way, you can fix the problem before it causes downtime.
There are a few things to consider when implementing a network monitoring system:
- Choose the right system. Many different network monitoring systems are available, so you must choose the right one for your business. Make sure the system is scalable so it can grow with your business.
- Set up the system correctly. The system won’t do you good if it’s not set up correctly. Please ensure you have someone familiar with the design and can set it up correctly.
- Train your staff. Your staff needs to be familiar with the network monitoring system to use it properly when an issue arises. Ensure you train them on how to use the system and what to do when they see an error message.
- Keep the system updated. The network monitoring system must be kept up-to-date to monitor your network effectively. Make sure you update the software and firmware regularly.
- Test the system regularly. The best way to ensure the network monitoring system works properly is to test it regularly. Schedule regular tests and ensure all your staff knows what to do when an issue arises.
Hire a Cloud-Managed Service Provider
Hiring a reputable cloud-managed service provider is another way to reduce network downtime. A cloud-managed service provider can provide the expertise and resources needed to keep your network running smoothly. They will monitor and manage your network, ensuring that all components are securely connected and updated regularly.
When choosing a cloud-managed service provider, it is essential to do your research. Make sure to ask questions about their experience and expertise, as well as their backup and disaster recovery plan. It would help if you also asked to see references from previous clients.
It is also essential to consider the cost of the service. Make sure you are getting what you need for your money. Ask for a proposal outlining the provided services and associated costs.
Finally, make sure the cloud-managed service provider is reputable and has a good reputation. Read reviews and ask for referrals from past clients.
Use Redundant Components
Another way to reduce network downtime is to use redundant components. This means having two of everything—two routers, two switches, two servers, etc. If one part fails, you can quickly switch to the other and keep your network running.
There are a few things to consider when using redundant components:
- Make sure the details are compatible. Not all features are compatible, so you must ensure they are compatible before setting them up.
- Make sure the components are redundant. The redundant components should be identical so that the other can take over if one fails.
- Set up the redundant components correctly. The redundant components must be set up correctly to work properly. Please make sure you have someone experienced with both members and can set them up properly.
- Test the redundant components regularly. The only way to ensure they work is if you test them frequently. Designate times for staff members to periodically check and ensure that everyone knows what needs to be done in the case of an emergency.
Train Your Employees on Proper Network Use
Believe it or not, one of the biggest causes of network downtime is employees who don’t know how to use the network accidentally or adequately cause problems. To help prevent this, provide training for your employees on proper network use. This will help them avoid accidentally causing issues that could lead to downtime.
Network usage training should be comprehensive, and staff should be trained to use the network for their job duties. The following are some tips on how to provide network usage training:
- Make it mandatory. All employees should complete network usage training. This will ensure that everyone knows how to use the network correctly and avoid unplanned downtime.
- Make it interactive. Ensure the training is interactive so employees can ask questions and get answers. This will help ensure everyone understands how to use the network correctly.
- Make it specific to their job duties. Employees’ job duties may vary, so ensure the training is specific to their responsibilities. This will help them understand how to use the network for particular tasks.
- Make it up-to-date. Networks are constantly changing, so ensure the training is up-to-date and covers all the latest changes. This will help employees stay up-to-date on using the web effectively.
- Test employees after training. Test employees’ knowledge of network usage after they have completed the training. This will help ensure they understand how to use the network correctly for their job duties.
These are some of the ways you can reduce network downtime. By using cloud-managed services, and redundant components and providing training to employees on proper network use, you can ensure your network runs efficiently and effectively with minimal downtime. Doing so will help boost productivity and save money in the long run. When done correctly, these steps will help keep your network running smoothly.
