Most Common Types of Network Failures and How to Fix them

More and more companies are taking their business online and using vast networks to stay connected, whether in the office or remotely. To keep everything business as usual, there can’t be any disruptions in the network. Small issues can bring internet speeds to a halt. Significant network issues can cause it to go down, harming productivity. This blog will cover some of the reasons a network goes down and how to fix network failure.

What Causes Network Failure?

There is no shortage of network failure causes. Hackers, power outages, traffic spikes, and more can take a network down and put a business behind.

Configuration Errors

Growing networks require an IT professional to configure and manage all devices. Eventually, misconfiguration and other errors like accidentally pulling a wire may occur. These issues can usually be resolved relatively quickly, but they have the potential to bring down a network.

Line Damage

To stay connected to their other locations, some businesses rely on communication lines from their internet provider. These lines are susceptible to damage from car accidents and natural causes like storm damage. If lines are damaged, the network will go down. This issue has pushed many businesses to consider wireless WAN.

Intrusions

Hackers and other malicious actors often target business networks looking for data and other digital info. They’ll overload the network to bring it down.

Types of Network Failure and How to Fix them

Issues With Your DNS

A DNS, or Domain Name System, allows browsers to load a page by translating the domain names to IP addresses. You couldn’t use the internet without DNS servers. One reason a DNS issue occurs is when the DNS records aren’t configured correctly. This can happen with computer updates when the DNS doesn’t register certain records. Entering the wrong IP address of your records can also cause it.

Here’s how to fix this network failure. Briefly disable your antivirus and firewall software. Now try using your browser. If you aren’t experiencing DNS issues, then the problem could be the software. Consider switching software.

You could also consider using a different browser if you’re in a pinch or trying to update your current browser. If all else fails, restart your router by disconnecting it from the power, waiting a few seconds, and plugging it back in.

Weak Wi-Fi signal

Slow Wi-Fi is a morale killer. Businesses need a solid connection to stay productive. When Wi-Fi signals are weak, the issue may not be with the router but with office furnishings. Large metal objects like filing cabinets, microwaves, and more can block Wi-Fi signals, causing slower speeds.

Wi-Fi network test tools can help identify the interference. Rearranging office layouts can help wireless connections become stronger.

Physical Connectivity Issues

Networks can go down at a moment’s notice due to physical damage or disconnections. If network cables get knocked loose or damaged, the network will go down. Sometimes when cables are benignly added or removed, others may be disconnected accidentally.

To fix the issue, you need to identify the problem first. If it’s just a disconnected cable, simply reconnect it. Damaged cables will need to be replaced.

VPN Connection Issues

VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, are an emerging piece of software. A VPN encrypts your data traffic while you’re on the internet, disguising your IP address. Their purpose is to protect you against IP theft, making it safer to be online.

Although they are made for protection, a VPN can dampen your network speed. As it encrypts your data traffic, it causes delays in loading pages or videos. You can try changing VPN servers or rebooting the device to help fix the problem.

Human Error

Sometimes network failure is nothing more than a human error. Pulling the wrong cable or disconnecting a wire on accident can jeopardize a network’s connection. Luckily, plugging the cable or wire back in usually resolves the problem. But properly training staff can also help prevent future incidents.

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Start Your Career as Network and Database Professional

Is a career in network and infrastructure management on your radar? Then you should explore EIT’s IT Specialist Program. In this 21-month program, you’ll learn to deploy networks, ensure network consistency and reliability, resolve issues, and mitigate network failure risks. With these skills and knowledge, you’ll be ready to help defend networks from threats and keep productivity up.

Once you’ve completed the program, you’ll have access to career planning and job placement assistance. Take the first step toward the career you want. Learn more about our IT Specialist program.