# Troubleshooting network issues Identify, analyze and resolve network issues faster than before with ManageEngine OpManager. ![Troubleshooting Network Issues- ManageEngine OpManager](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/upIaOjbkPIM/hqdefault.jpg) 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: - [What is network troubleshooting?](#what-is-network-troubleshooting) - [Network troubleshooting basics.](#network-troubleshooting-basics) - [How to troubleshoot network issues with OpManager.](#how-to-troubleshoot-network-issues-with-manageengine-opmanager) - [Common causes of network problems.](#common-causes-of-network-problems-and-how-to-fix-them-with-opmanager) - [Troubleshooting toolkits within OpManager.](#troubleshooting-toolkits-within-opmanager) ## What is network troubleshooting? 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 troubleshooting basics ### Types of network issues - [Hardware issues](#hardware-issues) - [Software issues](#software-issues) - [Bandwidth issues](#bandwidth-issues) - [Configuration issues](#configuration-issues) - [Firewall and IP management issues](#firewall-and-ip-management-issues) ### Hardware issues #### Performance issues Hardware unavailability and performance issues are major network problems often caused by device misconfigurations and hardware load. Common hardware issues include sudden spikes in temperature, improper ventilation, fluctuations in voltage or power supply, abnormal processor speed, and poor battery performance. These hardware problems can adversely affect network health, leading to unforeseen downtime or network outages. This is why [hardware monitoring](https://www.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/hardware-monitoring.html?tni) is essential. #### Physical connectivity issues One of the major network issues could be poor physical connectivity due to defective cables or connectors. This happens when a network cable is broken, cabled loose, or accidentally disconnected, creating network issues on the devices to which they are connected. Finding the root cause in this case includes checking each cable one by one, which is difficult and time-consuming. The recommended approach is monitoring all network interfaces with a [network performance monitor](https://www.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/network-performance-monitoring.html?tni) like OpManager. ### Software issues Software issues such as service unavailability, process unavailability, OS issues, and slow service response time can harm server availability and health, affecting the uptime and performance of business-critical applications. This impacts end-user experience and can damage business reputation. This creates the need to [monitor applications](https://www.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/application-monitoring.html?tni) and services regularly to prevent software issues. ### Bandwidth issues Bandwidth defines the network's ability to transfer data between devices or the internet in a given time span. Higher bandwidth enables faster data transmission and supports many devices simultaneously. When large applications run, network congestion can occur, resulting in insufficient bandwidth for other devices and slow download speeds. Causes of high bandwidth usage include unstable WAN links, poor VoIP calls due to jitter, latency and packet loss, large downloads, file sharing, and more. #### DNS issues DNS issues occur when you're unable to access the internet or connect to an IP address. Even a few hours offline can negatively impact end users and businesses. It is important to identify and fix DNS problems early with [network management software](https://www.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/network-management.html?tni). DNS issues can stem from poor configurations, high DNS latency, high TTL values, hardware failures, or network failures. ### Configuration issues Whenever devices are configured or reconfigured, connected to VLAN or VPN networks, or upgraded, correct configuration is essential for smooth network operations. Many network problems result from device misconfigurations that affect different parts of the network. A [network monitoring application](https://www.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/network-monitor.html?tni) helps monitor and manage device configurations to prevent such issues. ### Firewall and IP management issues #### Firewall management Enterprises often have multiple firewalls with unique configurations and rules. Managing and organizing these rules without overlap and ensuring they are up to date is challenging. Failing to do so can leave the network vulnerable. [Firewall monitoring](https://www.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/firewall-management.html?tni) is therefore critical. #### IP management No two devices in a network can share the same IP address. When they do, neither system can connect to the network. Detecting and managing rogue IPs is essential for optimal network functionality. ### How to troubleshoot network issues? IT admins must be prepared to handle network issues and reduce mean time to repair (MTTR). The following four-step method helps understand and resolve underlying network problems: **Step 1:** Identify the network issue. **Step 2:** Gather information and [track the root cause](https://www.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/root-cause-analysis.html?tni). **Step 3:** Troubleshoot the issue. **Step 4:** Document the issue, the process, and the network troubleshooting solutions. Following this routine helps teams understand network pitfalls and necessary troubleshooting steps. The real challenge is identifying and resolving issues before end users are affected. ## OpManager: Diagnose and troubleshoot network issues faster than before [ManageEngine OpManager](https://www.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/?tni) is comprehensive network monitoring and troubleshooting software. It helps diagnose issues in switches, routers, servers, and storage devices for availability, health, and performance. OpManager also monitors response time, services, processes, hardware metrics, and supports [packet loss monitoring](https://www.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/network-packet-loss-monitoring.html?tni). By providing real-time insights, OpManager enables proactive identification and resolution of network issues. ## How to troubleshoot network issues with ManageEngine OpManager? Identifying network issues swiftly is crucial to preventing downtime. OpManager efficiently identifies and troubleshoots issues across application servers, routers, switches, WLAN controllers, and more. For example, when alerted about high CPU utilization on an application server, you can: 1. Immediately locate the application server. 2. Analyze the CPU utilization spike. 3. Track the processes responsible. 4. Remotely kill the processes. OpManager supports proactive fault management with features such as: - [Root Cause Analysis](https://www.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/root-cause-analysis.html?troubleshooting-network-issues) - [Network Path Analysis](https://www.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/network-path-analysis.html?troubleshooting-network-issues) - [Adaptive Thresholds](https://www.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/adaptive-thresholds.html?troubleshooting-network-issues) - [Network topology maps](https://www.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/network-topology-mapper.html?troubleshooting-network-issues) - [Workflow automation](https://www.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/it-workflow-automation.html?troubleshooting-network-issues) - [Networking toolsets](https://www.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/network-monitoring-tools.html?troubleshooting-network-issues) ### Root Cause Analysis OpManager’s Root Cause Analysis enables administrators to establish RCA profiles that aggregate and correlate performance metrics from network devices within a unified console. It provides graphical visualization to highlight alert spikes and integrates alarm data for immediate troubleshooting upon threshold violations. ### Network Path Analysis OpManager’s network path analysis tool visualizes and monitors network path performance with traffic pattern visualization and hop-by-hop analysis. Using TCP requests, it identifies critical paths, tracks packet transit time, and predicts potential outages while supporting historical data analysis and customizable alerts. ### Adaptive Thresholds OpManager’s adaptive thresholds dynamically adjust to changing device performance using predictive algorithms and machine learning. This eliminates manual threshold configuration and adapts to periodic performance trends for effective monitoring and fault management. ## Common causes of network problems and how to fix them with OpManager Network admins commonly troubleshoot issues involving: - [Slow network speed](#1-slow-internal-network-speeds) - [Poor WAN and VoIP performance](#2-poor-wan-and-voip-performance) - [Slow application response time](#3-slow-application-or-server-response-time) - [High CPU utilization](#4high-cpu-utilization) - [Wi-Fi issues](#5wi-fi-issues) ### 1. Slow internal network speeds **Jammed requests:** A large number of simultaneous requests can slow the network. Increasing bandwidth by renegotiating with your ISP can help. **Multimedia streaming:** Large file streaming or downloads can slow the network. Blocking media streaming sites at the firewall and identifying top talkers using OpManager helps. **Outdated hardware:** Outdated hardware impacts network speed. Use OpManager to [monitor hardware](https://www.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/hardware-monitoring.html?tni), track CPU and RAM utilization, and plan upgrades accordingly. **Switching loop:** Multiple connections between switches can flood the network with broadcasts. Use OpManager to [monitor individual switch ports](https://www.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/switch-monitoring.html?tni) and detect broadcast storms. ### 2. Poor WAN and VoIP performance ![Network troubleshooting- ManageEngine OpManager](https://cdn.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/images/wan-and-voip-performance.png) **Latency:** High latency increases response time and affects user experience. OpManager’s [WAN RTT monitor](https://www.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/wan-management.html?tni) lets you configure thresholds and receive alerts. **Jitter and packet loss:** Jitter causes choppy calls, and [packet loss](https://www.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/tech-topics/network-packet-loss.html?tni) results from congestion. Thresholds in OpManager provide real-time alerts. **Mean opinion score (MOS):** MOS ranges from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent). Configure lower limits in OpManager to receive alerts when call quality drops. ### 3. Slow application or server response time Slow response times can impact revenue, reputation, and service agreements. **Increased server load:** High CPU and RAM utilization can delay responses. Configure [alerts](https://www.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/network-monitoring-alerts.html?tni) in OpManager to address server performance issues. ![Server troubleshooting- ManageEngine OpManager](https://cdn.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/images/server-load.png) **Services:** Applications rely on background services. Use OpManager to [monitor services](https://www.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/service-monitoring.html?tni) and receive alerts when services are unavailable. ![Network services troubleshooting- ManageEngine OpManager](https://cdn.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/images/server-services.png) **Server processes:** Resource-heavy processes can slow applications. Use OpManager for [proactive process monitoring](https://www.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/process-monitoring.html?tni) and remote process termination. ![Network processes troubleshooting- ManageEngine OpManager](https://cdn.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/images/server-processes.png) ### 4. High CPU utilization High CPU utilization increases network traffic, overloads servers, and may halt user interfaces. Frequent spikes degrade CPU performance and drop incoming requests. ![CPU usage monitor - ManageEngine OpManager](https://cdn.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/images/monitoring-cpu-usage.png) Using [OpManager's CPU usage monitor](https://www.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/cpu-usage-monitor.html?tni), you can set thresholds and receive alerts via SMS, email, Slack, and web alarms to resolve CPU issues promptly. ### 5. Wi-Fi issues Wireless networks can experience interference from devices like Bluetooth equipment and cordless phones, leading to low signal strength, slow internet, slow file transfers, or intermittent disconnections. ![WiFi monitor- ManageEngine OpManager](https://cdn.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/images/reliable-wifi-monitoring.png) [OpManager's Wi-Fi monitor](https://www.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/wifi-monitor.html?tni) tracks signal strength, resource utilization, traffic, availability, and client count to help diagnose and resolve Wi-Fi issues quickly. ## Troubleshooting toolkits within OpManager OpManager includes built-in [network troubleshooting tools](https://www.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/network-troubleshooting-tools.html?tni) that provide a systematic approach to resolving issues. These tools include: - Ping - [Traceroute](https://www.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/traceroute-tool.html?tni) - SNMP Ping - DNS Resolver - DHCP Scope Monitor - [WMI Query Tool](https://www.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/wmi-monitoring.html?tni) - CLI Query Tool - [SNMP Tool](https://www.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/what-is-snmp.html?tni) - [Cisco Tools](https://www.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/cisco-monitoring.html?tni) Whether it’s a critical application server issue or a minor network glitch, OpManager provides the capabilities needed for effective troubleshooting.