Computer networks are a vital part of how we conduct business in the modern world. As such, optimizing network performance should be a major goal for any modern business.
This is really a no-brainer. If your network is slow or insecure, your business will not be as efficient or productive. Your workers will be pulling their hair out trying to get things done, instead of just getting things done. Fortunately, Managed IT can help with network optimization.
Why Are Computer Networks So Important to Business?
While most of you reading this probably already know, just in case, a computer network is really any two or more computers or computer-like devices that are connected. Network connections can either be wired, such as Ethernet, or wireless, such as Wi-Fi. Connected devices typically include desktop computers, laptops, smart phones, printers, and copiers.
Networks can be either internal or external, or a mix of internal and external networking. You can have a network at your office, on site, that only people in the office can use. However, you might also make your in-house network available to people who are outside of the office, ideally using very secure login protocols.
Obviously, since networks are what keep devices connected and communicating, computer networks are vital for today’s businesses and organizations. Without networking, your computers wouldn’t be able to talk to each other. You would be back in the 1980s. Without computer networking, if you wanted to share documents from computer to computer, you’d have to put the document on a floppy disk and walk it over to the other person, if they are in the same office, or send it out by messenger, if they are across town.
Computer networking is really all about communication and collaboration. Thus, when network operations are disrupted, those two very important functions are stalled and thwarted.
Why Is Network Optimization Needed for Businesses?
Network optimization is crucial for businesses. Here’s why. The term network optimization is a broad categorization encompassing anything that might be used to improve network performance and reliability. There are few main ingredients that might go into network optimization:
- Network optimization strategy, which might include the goals for the network optimization project as well as the path to getting there.
- Network optimization tools, which would include software applications and programs that can be used to fine tune, monitor, and improve network traffic throughput.
- Network cybersecurity, including antivirus software, endpoint monitoring and detection, and firewalls.
- Network optimization best practices, which would include ongoing practices that would be implemented by system administrators to keep the network running smoothly and consistently day by day.
Ideally, your business networks should not be just trudging along or managing or getting by. Because things are so fast now in business, you really don’t want your teams to be held up by slow and unreliable network traffic. No matter what the size of the business, you should strive to have a network that is available consistently and securely, that runs with optimal speed.
Network Optimization Metrics
Computer networks can be measured and monitored. Thus, there is no reason to have vague goals when it comes to the network optimization. We can track and pinpoint exactly what is going on with the network and what we want to improve. Here are some network metrics that we can map and follow:
Network availability.
Network availability is how available the network is at any given time. When the network is available that means the network is “up.” When the network goes down, then work stops. We want to avoid downtime and increase uptime
Network latency.
Network latency is a metric that measures the time it takes for data and information to move between two locations on a network. You want low latency, which indicates a speedier network. Latency is in fact a measurement of the delay in the transmission of data. Latency might only add up to a few milliseconds, which may not seem like much, but this then compounds the farther along that data has to travel. More latency means the data is slower to travel.
Packet loss.
When data is sent over the network, it is sent in segments called network packets. These are small bits or sections of data. If packets are lost, then your data is corrupted. Thus, it’s obvious why you want to avoid packet loss.
Other network optimization metrics include network jitter and utilization. And of course, we also want to make sure the network is secure with the right cybersecurity measures and firewall configurations.
Working with a Managed IT Services provider can help keep your networks running smoothly and securely.
Need Network Optimization for Your Business or Organization? Managed IT Can Help
CDS Office Technologies is a Managed Technology Services provider with extended experience and knowledge in network optimization and administration. For us, just having the network up and running isn’t enough; we want the network to be running smoothly and efficiently also. Our job isn’t done until your business is running better after we have done our work. And actually, our work is never really done. Because as your Managed IT solutions partner, we will be there for you, 24/7 to help make sure that your network is safe and secure and running optimally.
CDS Office Technologies can help dramatically improve your organization’s productivity and efficiency through our Managed IT Services. Contact us today to schedule an assessment and consultation.
