Computer networks form the basis of digital businesses. To ensure business continuity, the IT infrastructures behind these networks need to be monitored and managed night and day. IT admins often run into problems while managing IT infrastructure, a key part of their work. An even more important part is troubleshooting network issues. While reading further, we will discuss:
Network troubleshooting is the systematic process of identifying, analyzing and resolving network issues. In other words, troubleshooting network issues refers to rectifying problems related to connectivity, security, performance and other aspects of networks. Network troubleshooting is essential to reduce MTTR, restore network uptime and regularize network operations.
Network issues range from device or service unavailability to slow response time, poor server health, and subpar network performance. The issues arising in a network can be extensive, so we’ve grouped network issues into four categories based on their origin. Based on the category, suitable network troubleshooting techniques can be employed.
Hardware unavailability and performance issues due to physical connections and hardware load.
Service unavailability, process unavailability, OS issues, and slow service response time.
Unstable WAN links, and poor VoIP calls due to jitter, latency, and packet loss.
Hardware failure due to misconfiguration.
If a systematic process isn't followed during troubleshooting, it can often do more harm than good. Network troubleshooting problems can then overwhelm you on top of the existing issues. Troubleshooting network issues is much easier when you can identify the source of the issue and follow up based on some set guidelines.
IT admins need to be prepared to handle network issues and reduce their mean time to repair (MTTR). To achieve a lower MTTR, you should have a clear understanding of network issues. The four-step method discussed below can help you better understand underlying network issues, prevent network troubleshooting issues and maintain a five-nines network.
Step 1: Identify the network issue.
Step 2: Gather information and track the root cause.
Step 3: Troubleshoot the issue.
Step 4: Document the issue, the process and the network troubleshooting solutions.
By following the routine above, you can clearly understand network issues and teach other network technicians about possible network pitfalls and the necessary troubleshooting steps. However, the real challenge is identifying and troubleshooting network problems before end users are affected.
ManageEngine OpManager is comprehensive network monitoring and network troubleshooting software. It helps you diagnose network issues in switches, routers, servers, and storage devices for availability, health, and performance. OpManager also monitors response time, services, processes, and other hardware metrics, along with packet loss monitoring. By providing real-time insights into your network, OpManager helps you identify and troubleshoot network issues before end users are impacted.
Network admins commonly have to troubleshoot network problems involving:
The underlying causes of these network issues, as well as their solutions, are discussed below.
Slow network speeds and poor WAN performance mostly affect the internal team, but the repercussions of slow response time for an application or application server can be disastrous. Slow response time not only impacts your revenue and reputation but also ends in legal disputes, as you might have a QoS agreement with your clients.
You can see how important it is to identify network issues for faster troubleshooting. OpManager is one such tool that helps you with identifying and troubleshooting networking problems. For example, when OpManager alerts you of an application server's CPU utilization, you can:
OpManager saves you ample time and resources when troubleshooting network issues, all while giving you peace of mind. With OpManager, you can also generate systematic reports on multiple aspects of your network, which helps you understand network performance.
OpManager also has handy built-in tools for troubleshooting network issues. These network troubleshooting tools include simple command-line-based troubleshooting utilities that allow for a systematic, efficient approach to network troubleshooting. Some of these network troubleshoot tools are:
Whether it's a critical application server issue or a harmless network blip, OpManager has got you covered. Troubleshooting networking issues have never been easier, download OpManager today!