What are the best ways to quickly resolve network issues?

Network issues can cause frustration, downtime, and lost productivity for any organization. Whether you are a network engineer, a network administrator, or a network user, you need to know how to quickly resolve network issues and restore normal operations. In this article, we will share some of the best ways to troubleshoot, diagnose, and fix network problems using common tools and techniques.

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1 Identify the scope

The first step to resolve network issues is to identify the scope of the problem. Is it affecting one device, one network segment, or the entire network? Is it related to a specific service, protocol, or application? Is it intermittent or persistent? By narrowing down the scope, you can isolate the root cause and focus on the relevant components. You can use tools such as ping, traceroute, ipconfig, and netstat to check the connectivity, routing, configuration, and status of your network devices and interfaces.

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Arnaldo Gil

Gerente de vendas para setor público na Matrix Solutions | Desenvolvimento de negócios em empresas
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Sem um plano de verificação será complicado saber o que se está procurando. Manutenções periódicas ajudam a treinar a definição do escopo de busca

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2 Check the logs

The second step to resolve network issues is to check the logs of your network devices, servers, and applications. Logs can provide valuable information about the events, errors, warnings, and performance of your network components. They can help you identify the source, time, and severity of the problem, as well as any changes or updates that may have triggered it. You can use tools such as syslog, SNMP, and event viewer to collect, analyze, and monitor the logs of your network devices and servers.

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Arnaldo Gil

Gerente de vendas para setor público na Matrix Solutions | Desenvolvimento de negócios em empresas
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Os logs precisam ser lidos por pessoal treinado a fim de entender as diversas mensagens que ele fornece. Muitas vezes dados sem ligação direta com o fato indicam um caminho.

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Daniel Deacon

IT Manager • Web & Graphic Design • Problem Solver
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When there is an intermittent network issue that seems to affect a few computers. I will have the person who's using the computer right down the exact time and date when it happens. That way I can go into the relevant logs (plus or minus 5 mins) and check for any abnormal activity or problems. Sometimes it is prudent to check not only the workstations logs but any server logs as well.

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3 Test the configuration

The third step to resolve network issues is to test the configuration of your network devices and servers. Configuration errors can cause network issues such as miscommunication, mismatch, and security breaches. You can use tools such as telnet, SSH, and RDP to access and verify the configuration of your network devices and servers. You can also use tools such as Nmap, Wireshark, and TCPdump to scan, capture, and inspect the network traffic and packets.

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4 Apply the fix

The fourth step to resolve network issues is to apply the fix that will resolve the problem. Depending on the nature and severity of the problem, you may need to perform different actions, such as rebooting, restarting, reconfiguring, updating, patching, or replacing your network devices and servers. You should always follow the best practices and procedures for applying the fix, such as backing up, testing, documenting, and communicating the changes. You should also use tools such as ping, traceroute, ipconfig, and netstat to confirm that the fix has restored the normal functionality and performance of your network.

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5 Escalate if needed

The fifth step to resolve network issues is to escalate if needed. Sometimes, you may encounter network issues that are beyond your skill level, authority, or responsibility. In such cases, you should escalate the problem to the appropriate person or team, such as your supervisor, manager, vendor, or service provider. You should provide them with the relevant information and evidence about the problem, such as the scope, logs, configuration, and fix attempts. You should also follow up with them until the problem is resolved.

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Arnaldo Gil

Gerente de vendas para setor público na Matrix Solutions | Desenvolvimento de negócios em empresas
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Os suportes de níveis 2 e 3 precisam ser escalados quando o problema se torna complexo ou recorrente, até porque pode haver um problema de segurança envolvido. É importante que se entenda que o custo desse suporte é maior devido a qualificação dos profissionais, então é importante treinar bem o suporte de nível 1.

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6 Learn from the experience

The sixth step to resolve network issues is to learn from the experience. Network issues can be a valuable opportunity to improve your knowledge, skills, and processes. You should review the problem, the solution, and the outcome, and identify the lessons learned, the best practices, and the areas for improvement. You should also share your findings and feedback with your colleagues, managers, and customers, and implement any changes or recommendations that will prevent or minimize future network issues.

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Arnaldo Gil

Gerente de vendas para setor público na Matrix Solutions | Desenvolvimento de negócios em empresas
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A experiência precisa ser documentada e disponibilizada a todos para que seja objeto de consulta. Estes dados precisam ser organizados e categorizados adequadamente.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the best ways to quickly resolve network issues?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify the scope

2 Check the logs

3 Test the configuration

4 Apply the fix

5 Escalate if needed

6 Learn from the experience

7 Here’s what else to consider

Network Engineering

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What are the best ways to quickly resolve network issues?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify the scope

2 Check the logs

3 Test the configuration

4 Apply the fix

5 Escalate if needed

6 Learn from the experience

7 Here’s what else to consider

Network Engineering

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