7 Best Practices of Network Hardware Management

The hardware components known as networking devices are used to link computers, printers, mobile phones, and other electronic devices to a network. Here, data is moved quickly and safely.

Computer networking hardware aids in the transmission and reception of HART data. For the setup and upkeep of the network, these serve as the core nodes in wireless mesh networks.

We go over seven of the most significant network administration best practices below. 

What is the Purpose of Networking Devices?

The goal of networking hardware is to facilitate seamless communication across various pieces of networked gear. The addition of a network device makes it easier for various systems to share network resources without incident.

While intelligent network devices like routers not only have a set source and destination system but also determine the most effective way to transfer data, computer network devices like hubs send network data to all connected devices.

Best Practices to Implement Network Management

1: Recognize the network

A thorough understanding of the network is the first step in effective network administration. Network managers need to comprehend the structure and parts of the network.

The network topology should be mapped out first to provide a broad perspective. Then, decide what kind of network it is (Ethernet, WAN, LAN, etc.) and familiarize yourself with the components that make it up (switches, routers, gateways, etc.). The OSI model, which offers a foundation for comprehending how data moves over a network, should also be familiarized with.

2: Assure the Monitoring System’s High Availability

The hosting of network monitoring tools frequently takes place on the monitored network. This means that if the network goes down or significantly slows down, the monitor goes down with it as well, making it difficult to analyze the data that has been acquired. 

As a result, failover options and high availability must be considered while deploying monitoring tools. Replicating and storing all monitor data in a separate data center is the most straightforward and affordable method. 

3: Make Routine Backups 

Backup strategies are crucial for safeguarding your company. Make certain you regularly backup  your data. Backups provide a defense against data loss and downtime.

Regular system testing should be part of your backup strategy. This will guarantee that they are functioning properly and that any issues can be found fast. Restoring your backups onto a different system will help you test them frequently. If this doesn’t work, your original system must have had a malfunction.

4: Gain Greater Awareness

An in-depth comprehension of the root cause of the problem is required to effectively fix hardware issues without degrading the performance of the network as a whole. One requires a deeper understanding of how hardware functions to tackle the slightest concerns.

If technicians have access to even the most minute information about the hardware devices, they can diagnose and resolve problems with network hardware devices with ease. By doing this, the network is protected from hardware issues, and hardware efficiency is increased.

5: Watch Out for Warning Storms

In the daisy chain topology, identical parts are linked together in a row. The switch is the daisy-chained component that is used the most in large businesses. Multiple warnings that cascade down to each switch in the chain can be triggered by a failing switch. An alert storm is this. 

When notifications are not put in carefully considered and strategic locations, alert storms might result. The NetOps crew can become weary from receiving too many alerts and disregard reliable alerts as a result. Alert storms can prevent them from carrying out other crucial tasks.

6: Identify and Fix Cable Connectivity Problems

Depending on the type of connectivity needed, several cables are utilized for network connections. A crossover cable, for instance, enables connectivity between a router and a PC. Therefore, it is essential to make sure that the right cable is utilized to physically connect any two network devices.

If the connections are sound, the cable must be defective. By switching out the old cable for a newer one and examining connectivity, this can be confirmed.

7: Monitor the Accessing Devices and Users on Your Network

You must give your users and devices access to the necessary bandwidth if you want your network to operate at its best. Monitoring network consumption enables you to spot bandwidth-hungry applications, users, and devices that consume a sizable amount of the available bandwidth, slowing down and disrupting access for everyone else. 

You can identify any unauthorized or untrusted devices or users accessing your network by keeping track of the devices and users on your network.

In The End

You can improve the security of your network by having a comprehensive grasp of the many sorts of network devices that are currently connected to it. If you keep tabs on and monitor your network devices and the activities taking place around them, ongoing network security and availability can be further enhanced. 

By using these techniques, you can quickly identify any hardware or configuration issues on the network and fix them.