Top Important Network Maintenance Tasks You Can Do

It is a good habit to reserve complicated tasks for the experts. But, there’s a list of things you can do on your own too. These tasks don’t require you to be a pro, knowing a few simple instructions can help you complete them without expert help. In what follows we help you recognize these tasks, take a look:  

1. Installing, Replacing Or Upgrading Both Hardware And Software

These are the most common network maintenance tasks. The procedure involved may include replacing failed or old hardware such as switching line cards and supervisor modules in Catalyst 4500 and 6500 series and upgrading the Cisco IOS images to current versions for switches and routers alike.

2. Monitoring, Tuning And Optimizing Network

Proactive monitoring is essential for effective network maintenance. It helps in detecting potential problems such that suitable remedies could be implied before they cause a severe outrage or affect an ongoing operation. Proactive monitoring also helps in:

•  Verifying the performance of the network
•  Baseline the performance
•  Understand the right amount of direction and traffic flows
•  Identify and troubleshoot potential network problems

3. Documenting The Network And Maintaining Documents

While most engineers find this a mundane task, it is important to understand that documentation is critical for overall network maintenance, for troubleshooting and to support it. Documentation should include the following information:

• Information about interconnections between devices for LAN and Wan connections
• VLAN information and IP addressing
• Topology diagram of network
•  Inventory information of all devices, modules and components
• Configuration information
•  Date traffic information

4. Securing Network From Internal And External Threats

Securing the network acts integral to network operations and maintenance tasks. It is crucial to pay equal considerations to both internal and external threats. While most organizations have dedicated network security teams, structured maintenance approach and monitoring can also be used for detecting potential security threats based on which you can take appropriate action before any undesired incident takes place.

5. Planning For Network Upgrades, Expansions Or Enhancements 

Effective network monitoring can help you identify potential issues before they arise such that you can plan for possible expansions or network upgrades to strengthen network security.

6. Scheduling Backups And Restoring Networks From Backups

Backups should be regarded as core maintenance tasks and given high priority. Backups of critical network devices and components should be scheduled, monitored and ultimately verified at all times. This will help in faster recovery of network or its components following hardware or software failures.        

7. Ensuring Compliance With Legal Regulations

It is vital for you to ensure that the network is compliant with both corporate policies as well as legal obligations. Regardless of your industry and its requirements, you need to ensure your business is following industry standards regulated by the law. You also need to ensure that your network completely adheres to all corporate policies.