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How To Boost Your Network Efficiency In 7 Steps

Boost Your Network Efficiency

It's not uncommon to run into a sluggish network as you do work online. A slow network means that files take longer to send, and calls terminate prematurely. Plus, cloud applications load lazily, and other such-like inconveniences. This can affect your organization's productivity. Especially as every staff member has tasks to complete, and the slow network may significantly impede the workflow speed. As a manager, you definitely wouldn't want your company to lag due to an unreliable network connection. Below are easy steps that you can follow to boost your network efficiency:

  1. Determine Whether Your Network Is Faulty

You should be able to distinguish between your network being faulty and having slow computers. This will ensure that you come up with the correct diagnosis and plan of action. If you don't have a competent in-house IT team, it's best to hire a reliable managed IT service provider. Their main job will be monitoring your network for such issues. Thus allowing them to act promptly to ensure that your work progresses without any hitch.

As such companies have a wide range of expertise, they can quickly determine the exact cause of the network lag. For example, congestion, then advise you accordingly. The good thing about working with them is that you only have to pay a small monthly fee. Then you get all your network issues addressed in good time.

  1. Have A Different Network for Visitors

Sometimes, guests coming to your business premises may cause a sluggish network. Especially if there are a lot of them. It may be difficult for one or two visitors streaming videos to affect the speed of the network. But if you have dozens or hundreds of them, it will likely affect the internet speed.

So, it would help if you install a separate guest network from the one you use to run your business. This will ensure that the core functions of the business aren't affected by an influx of guests. Thus improving the overall company's performance.

  1. Use VLANs To Separate Low-Priority Traffic

Using Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) is an excellent way to segment your network resources. This ensure that priority is given to the most critical traffic. It's good because it acts as a separate network. Thus, there's no need to rewire the whole office.

You can group VLANs based on the computer function and use them even if they're in different office sections. In addition to that, VLANs can help improve security since you segment your systems. Therefore, if any part of your network is compromised, the VLAN can be a barrier to ensure that different network parts are safe.

  1. Educate Staff on User Behavior

Every worker needs downtime. And during such breaks, many of them use that time on their phones or computers, perhaps watching online videos or gaming. Such activities can significantly drain your network resources. Thus, making relevant downloads and uploads slow for everyone.

So, you want to call a meeting and sensitize your team members on the need to avoid such resource-consuming online sites. But if they must surf the web, advise them to stick to lighter sites that don't put a strain on the network.

  1. Check for System Defects and Viruses

Regarding system defects and viruses, malware is commonly known for disrupting smooth workflows and causing a slowdown in networks. If you suspect that the cause of your network slowdown is from malicious activity by hackers, make a point of disinfecting the system right away. There are sophisticated antivirus apps in the market for this job.

Another reason for slowdowns could be because some of your network components are getting old and defective. Replacing the broken pieces, in this case, will help speed up things without necessarily having to upgrade the whole network.

network productivity

  1. Monitor Network Bottlenecks

Monitoring your network is crucial because it helps you diagnose any congestion in your network or potential bottlenecks. For instance, system backups need substantial resources. For this reason, it's advisable to do backups at night, on weekends, or during holidays, when no one is in the office.

But you realize that sometimes, backups may take longer than usual. Thus they may extend to the following day's working hours. In that case, you can use remote monitoring software to help detect congestion. Then the IT team can combat the problem and allow your work to proceed seamlessly.

  1. Upgrade Your Network

Sometimes, the best way to improve the efficiency of your network might be by upgrading it. As much as you should try your best to find other solutions, it's a fact that network components wear out over time. Therefore, they become less efficient. When you get to this point, think about acquiring a new direct connection to improve your network efficiency and reduce undue delays.

Conclusion

There are several practical ways to boost your network efficiency. These include monitoring for bottlenecks and getting rid of them, having a separate network for visitors, using VLANs, and enlightening your staff on proper network usage. And above all else, it's critical to hire managed IT services to monitor the health of your IT system round-the-clock and instantaneously address any emerging issues.

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