Current networks experience problems such as an avalanche of different traffic types competing for limited resources. While this might not be a major issue if you occasionally use the internet for general browsing on social media or a little online shopping, if you are working from home in any way, running a business, studying, or even have hobbies that require online connectivity like playing online games, this is when a poor network can become a serious issue. Here are a few tips on how you can improve your network performance at home or for your business.
Understand Your Network
Knowledge of what is happening to your network is the first step to solving the problem. People tend to blame the network performance mostly but only find out that their PCs and servers can also be the cause. Collecting the right information about the network helps to take the right action.
User Involvement and Education
A network’s poor performance may also result from bad user behavior. This is mainly solved by educating workers rather than imposing harsh standards and technical lockdowns. User education helps in that they are encouraged to save PowerPoint files on a shared drive instead of e-mailing copies to everyone. Educating users on good internet usage helps to avoid instances such as malware and locking down configurations.
Taking Technical Measures
Mistimed traffic results from an overworked backup process that spills into working hours causing network clogging. The best technical measure a person should consider is backing up software to ensure that there are no cases of missed files. In addition, you should ensure that your hardware is fast enough for the job.
Keep Junk Traffic Off the Network
This is easily prevented by using antivirus software, spam filters, and firewalls. Additionally, they should be kept up-to-date. Besides, use of monitoring tools helps in revealing unexpected traffic. Users should avoid installing unapproved software leading to general poor performance.
Updating your Network
Most networks are designed to a certain specification, but also with requirements changes. These requirements are:
- Traffic Pattern
- New Applications
- Staff Relocation
When it comes to staff relocation, Spanning Tree eliminates network loops in a LAN switching environment through instability may arise if not configured correctly.
Compress Data
Networks always have bandwidth limitations, though compressing data relieves a user from experiencing any network issue. This can be done by implementing compression algorithms to reduce data file sizes. Additionally, network slowdowns can also be curbed by implementing ways such as the use of structured cabling from Richmond Communications Group, Inc.
Protection Against Viruses
Safeguarding against malware and viruses helps in preventing network slowdowns. This is mainly enhanced through the use of security protocols to avoid cyber crimes.
Limiting the Number of Network Users
This helps in promoting the network’s efficiency. Therefore, it’s important to limit the number of users. When it comes to visitors, please do not allow them to use your network but create a more secure guest network and one that doesn’t interfere with the companies resources.