Network downtime. Even without going into the specifics, network downtime doesn’t sound very good, does it?

Whether it’s a slow connection or a complete outage, network downtime can impact your business from top to bottom. It can disable online ordering, derail logistics schedules and leave your customers without a support net to talk to. These examples highlight the importance of your network and the need to ensure stable connectivity.

So, how can you set about avoiding financial losses, customer dissatisfaction and broader reputational damage due to network failure? Here, we look at the importance of network connectivity, common causes of disruption and how to reduce network downtime.

What Is Network Downtime?

In its simplest form, network downtime is a computing term that refers to a system being unavailable. Often referred to as a computer or IT outage, network down time prevents users of the network from using it. So, whether it’s a member of staff or the public, network downtime can seriously impact a business’s operations. In fact, it can go as far as causing financial losses and reputational damage, two issues that can leave a lasting impact.

One way of reducing the chances of network downtime is network downtime monitoring. This involves actively monitoring your network, identifying issues and resolving them before they cause major disruption. Modern software solutions do this for you in the background and ensure your connection is maintained.

Common Causes of Network Downtime 

So, what causes network downtime? There are several common causes, including: 

• Hardware failure: Hardware failure could be related to routers, servers, overheating, old firmware or viruses.

• Misconfiguration: Human error is a factor in misconfiguration, when a system is incorrectly set up and the wrong, or weaker, network is chosen.

• Security breach: Malware and phishing attacks can lead to security breaches. This not only affects your business, but also your customer information.

• Lack of infrastructure visibility: A frustrating issue, a lack of infrastructure visibility makes it difficult to identify and address the cause of network downtime. This is a challenge for network engineers, IT managers and system administrators alike.

 As you can see, network downtime can be the result of both human error and malicious cyberattacks. To futureproof your network from disruption, consider the following ways of protecting it.

How to Reduce Network Downtime 

There are several ways you can reduce network downtime. Anticipation, preparing for all eventualities, plays an important role. Below are ways you can anticipate downtime and avoid it:

• Regular maintenance: Whether it’s proactive monitoring of your network or assessing your hardware, testing the equipment you use is a straightforward way of avoiding downtime.

• Real-time monitoring: Real-time monitoring gives you regular insights into network connectivity and your network’s general health.

• Redundancy and backups: Network redundancy and backups are one in the same as they allow you to quickly reestablish connectivity in the event of downtime.

• Configuration automation: Possibly your safest bet, configuration automation manages tasks such as channel selection and device management. rConfig offers leading automation software that ensures your network is at its strongest at all times. 

How rConfig Helps 

rConfig is a leading network configuration software provider trusted by some of the most recognisable names in the world, including P&G, Motorola Solutions and the European Union. These entities use our open-source network configuration tools to streamline device management and boost performance. But what exactly is it about our software that makes it so reliable and in-demand?

rConfig’s network configuration software detects unauthorised changes, corrects and maintains configurations and always ensure compliance. This includes automated network change monitoring, whereby your network configuration is tracked for drift, breaches, compliance and optimal connectivity. Should your network experience downtime, our rollback and version control solution will jump into action, restoring your network to its fullest working order. This feature has another benefit in that it reduces the chance of human error. Yes, there may be human involvement when setting up the network, but beyond that, your network is in rConfig’s safe hands.

While the outstanding features of our open-source network configuration software are used by global companies with several thousand employees, they’re also available to SMEs and entities in need of a reliable network.

The Way Forward: Automated Network Management

Network configuration software is a safety net that protects businesses across the board, from internal workings to customer-facing webpages. By proactively protecting your business in the background, you can go about your day free from fear of network downtime or total collapse. With continuous monitoring, real-time configuration automation and rollbacks, rConfig’s software is reliable and, equally important, proven in the most challenging real-world situations.

To take the first step towards protecting your business by automating your network management, contact rConfig today.