Network maintenance involves a series of steps that block risks from the network and enhances the way it operates. Network administrators cultivate skills for designing, maintaining, and upgrading all network types. Examining what is involved in network maintenance helps the administrator manage the network properly. 

Updating and Configuring New Integrations

Network administrators update and configure all new integrations for the company network. This includes software and hardware updates or changes. When changing out any software or hardware, it is vital for the administrator to ensure that these changes are configured properly for the network and the workstations. Configuration issues slow down the network and any equipment connected to it. The administrators have no room for mistakes as this could cause operational errors for the company that could prove costly. 

Improving Network Performance Levels

How the network performs dictates how the business operates. It cannot slow down, and workers cannot face bottlenecks or denial of services. Each of these problems affects worker productivity levels and could reduce how much money the business earns on any given day. Performance levels create vulnerabilities and areas where hackers can get into the network and the data systems. Testing the network’s performance levels helps the administrator find problem areas that require fixes and repairs. Administrators find more resources for conducting performance tests by visiting  https://www.viavisolutions.com/en-us/fiber-testing now. 

Expanding the Network As the Company Grows

Expanding the network as the company grows requires major changes in the network’s structure. For example, if the company expands to more than one geographical area, it is necessary for the company to switch from a LAN to a WAN to accommodate multiple locations. The size of each commercial property can affect the network type that accommodates the business and its workers. For example, a two-story property is accommodated with a LAN network design with the right hubs and bridges. However, if the property is a skyrise, a WAN can expand to greater heights and provide enough bandwidth for each worker and all business services. 

Creating Necessary Documentation for the Network

Creating necessary documentation for the network shows the administrator why each issue happened. These logs are generated through the network security tools and help the network administrator plan ahead when designing more robust security schemes. The documentation helps with new network designs and mitigating risks in the future. It shows known vulnerabilities that have given hackers access to the data systems, too. 

Network administrators must analyze the all data frequently and to create better security schemes and move away from tools that have proven ineffective. The logs show how the integrity of the network is threatened each day and what risks could lead to denial of service and data loss.  

Network maintenance is an ongoing process that requires administrators to act quickly when changes are needed. The data generated by the network shows administrators all problem areas and what steps are required to correct them. Performance, security, and expansion are vital aspects managed by network administrators. These aspects must be included in the network maintenance plan. 

Infographic provided by CircuitVision, a telecom network management software company