Technology is now a key part of running any business. From taking orders to internal communications, reliable equipment and software is essential. But what happens when a system doesn’t work as it should. What if connectivity is poor or access issues arise? What about security?

The above may be the result of misconfigured networks issues, when devices and applications have been incorrectly set up. When networks issues occur, it’s important to take note of the problem, find the root cause and address it as quickly as possible as not doing so could lead to missed sales, work being backlogged and in the worst cases, data exposure.

Here, we look at the five most common network configuration issues and give you the tools to fix them.

Network Configuration Issues and Solutions

1.     IP Configuration Problems 

An IP configuration problem can relate to one of the two IP addresses which are:

Static IP addresses: This is a fixed IP address that doesn’t change and is manually configured. Static IP addresses are great for hosting, remote access and VPNs.

Dynamic IP addresses: Dynamic IP addresses change over time and are automatically assigned by an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

IP configuration issues can come out because of either conflict or misassignment. A conflict happens when two devices on the same network are trying to use the same IP address. To resolve a conflict, you can assign a static IP address to one of the devices or create a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) reservation in your router so that one of the devices always gets the same IP address. Similar to a conflict, IP configuration misassignment happens when a device’s IP address is incorrectly assigned or unrecognised by the network. This, of course, will lead to connection issues.

Through our software, rConfig helps track and restore correct IP configuration in real time. By detecting unauthorised changes instantly, we can access misconfigurations, correct them and ensure compliance all in one swift action.

2.     Wireless Network Configuration Problems 

Wireless network configuration issues can result from one of several issues. These include:

• Service Set Identifier (SSID) misconfiguration: An SSID issue happens when a Wi-Fi network’s name, its SSID, is incorrectly configured.

• Encryption mismatch: This occurs when protocols or algorithms used for encrypting data don’t align between the sender and receiver.

• Signal overlap: This applies to a situation where several wireless Access Points (APs) within one coverage area overlap. The result is poor network performance or interference.

• Poor channel selection: When your Wi-Fi router chooses a poor channel, you will likely experience slower internet speeds and perhaps a dropped connection.

When you encounter one or all of these issues, a useful solution is a monitoring tool, such as a Network Activity Monitor. This will keep an eye on your network’s performance, bandwidth usage and device activity and maintain connection as long as you need it.

3.     VPN Misconfiguration 

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a secure, private network. It is outside of a “public” network and while it is more reliable, it too can encounter faults. For instance, there may be issues with improper routing that lead to poor connection and performance, or authentication failures when incorrect passwords are used or network settings are misconfigured.

To ensure you tackle these issues head-on, consider configuration backups. These help to monitor, revert and secure any network configuration changes with automated rollbacks and version control, in turn ensuring network stability and compliance. 

4.     DNS Issues 

Domain Name System (DNS) issues can be traced to the likes of incorrect settings and servers, slow resolution due to an outdated cache or inefficient DNS propagation.

With rConfig’s software, your network will be better managed through automated actions across monitoring and resolution. This type of software is the safest way to ensure a consistent, secure connection so that your workflow, and business, aren’t disrupted.

5.     Hardware Configuration Errors 

Hardware configuration errors tend to be the result of poorly established network settings and the hardware in use. New software, updated software and general malfunctions are all other valid reasons where you might incur hardware configuration errors.

Here, while human error may be the cause, software is certainly the solution. Version control and change tracking in particular act as a defence for configuration errors, and at rConfig these functions are central to our software offering. They help you to avoid service interruptions and downtime as well as configuration drift and unintended changes. All-in-all, monitoring hardware configuration is an essential part of a reliable network.

Conclusion: Software Solutions

While the issues covered in the list above may seem complicated and difficult to resolve, rConfig has the solution to all your problems.

Our software solutions, such as Backup Network Configuration and Network Activity Monitor, will work to ensure your network operates with efficiently and without disruption. Our software does everything in the background, too, so while you don’t need to do any work, you can rest assured everything is operating as it should.

Discover rConfig’s software solutions and how they can be of benefit to your organisation today.