What do you do if your computer networking business is facing common obstacles and setbacks?

Networking is a multi-faceted environment, when you have various connection methods also it aids to complexity. First things first, identify the medium your experiencing issues with, be it wireless, Local Area Network (LAN), cabling, or internet facing services. This can mean isolating your connection method, i.e. plugging in a cable directly to a switch/modem/router/firewall. By taking out intermediary steps (i.e. wireless to connect to a switch) you can assess the issue directly. Once identified, the troubleshooting can begin.

Keeping up with technologies can difficult, there are always new and amazing technologies being released like Infiniband. But, it is always important to start with the basics, like TCP/IP. Vendors will force you to update certifications if your practicing a certain skill (i.e. Fortinet Firewall) and these can be a great way to keep upto date with the latest advancements these vendors are doing, but it is always handy to make sure your looking above and beyond, look at other comparative products on the market and see what they're doing, also, look for the free courses on-line that the public cloud providers offer, this can give you the basics of networking in the public cloud and how to connect to them securely.

Nothing beats a good relationship, be it with a vendor, supplier or industry body. This doesn't mean you should only adhere to their roadmaps. Go to industry events, get to know others out there, "be curious, not judgemental" you never know who you learn something new from that could fundamentally change your life. Working with customers (both internal and external) is critical, understanding their needs goes a long way to providing them with a quality service, that turns into a long standing relationship/partnership.

Plan a proper IT budget considering the importance IT has within your company. Most issues with computer networks that i have witnessed spring from cutting corners , not allocating the necessary means both labor and hardware wise. it may be hefty budget wise to hire an experienced technician / engineer but stability will pay it off in the long run. Ensure that your network is as documented as possible specially connectivity and configuration wise. we are no longer in the age of paper... IT is more critical than ever.