How Can You Tell if Your IT Network is Healthy?
Fri 05 October, 2018
At first, it may seem odd to describe how ‘healthy’ your technology is. But an IT network, just like a body, requires constant attention and healthy practices in order to ensure that it is functioning as well as possible. Just as you would go to a doctor for a check-up, network health checks are important for your IT systems.
As your IT network grows, the strain upon it is likely to change as well, possibly opening up new vulnerabilities, or areas where the network is struggling. Soft Egg provides an IT network health check by focusing on four major areas to ascertain the condition of your network.
Firstly, it is worth inspecting the infrastructure itself. In the simplest sense, this is an examination of the physical condition of cables, monitors, interactive whiteboards, and so on. If anything appears frayed or worn, it is important this is monitored or even replaced. This can be done on an ongoing basis by simply keeping an eye on things.
On a deeper level, this also requires checking that your hardware is suitable for your needs, and considering any possible upgrades. The most efficient technology must always be up to date. Our health check also looks at the security of your network through inspecting the firewall, in order to keep viruses out.
Along similar lines, it is crucial you have a review of your network’s Internet security. Time and again, news headlines highlight malware attacks against countries, businesses, online game networks and the list goes on. Malware - just like real life viruses - evolves and can threaten your network. Constant vigilance is required, and so a health check would inspect any possible vulnerabilities in your firewall.
It is also important to check the network management. As Techopedia describes, network management is a ‘broad range of functions including activities, methods, procedures and the use of tools to administrate, operate, and reliably maintain computer systems’. Therefore, it looks at the reliability and efficiency of the network’s switches, routers, and servers, and then focuses on updating any necessary software.
Network management also encompasses network operation. This requires closely monitoring network activities so possible problems can be dealt with as quickly as possible.
Finally, the wireless network must be considered. Examining the strength of your wireless network in different areas, and checking whether devices are struggling to connect is vital. If this is the case, the network health check should examine possible sources of wireless interference.
Following these steps, Soft Egg can make sure that your network remains healthy, and can allow your school network to remain efficient and reliable. To find out more about the services we offer, please get in touch.