Network availability measures how often a network is operational and ready for use. In simpler terms, it’s about whether your network is up and working or not. A reliable network means users can hop on and access services without issues. It’s usually measured as a percentage—99.9% availability, for instance, means the network is up nearly all the time, with only brief moments of downtime.
What else this post provides:
- Why network availability and network reliability are not the same
- How to troubleshoot network availability issues (with key metrics)
- How to monitor and improve network availability
- Best practices for maintaining high network availability
- Boost network uptime with Meter
Network availability vs. network reliability
Network availability and network reliability often get mixed up, but they’re different. Availability, which means the network’s ability to be operational and accessible, is basically a measure of uptime. Reliability, on the other hand, is about how well the network performs over time.
Think of it this way: A network can be available and still give you a headache if it’s slow or glitchy. An available network is up, sure, but a reliable one is up and running well without those frustrating issues. So, while availability says, “I’m here,” reliability says, “I’m here and doing my job right.”
How to troubleshoot network availability issues (with key metrics)
Dealing with network availability issues can feel like chasing a ghost. Pinpointing the problem requires focusing on certain metrics that give clear signs of what's going wrong and how to fix it.
1. Uptime
Uptime means how consistently a network is accessible and functional.
A study on Uptime found that 98% availability means over 7 days of downtime a year, while 99.9% reduces that to just under 9 hours. If uptime is consistently high but you're still facing user complaints, the issue could be hidden in short, intermittent downtimes.
Reviewing uptime data helps identify these small hiccups and guides you to dig deeper into what might be causing them—whether it’s a hardware issue or a software glitch.
2. Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF)
Frequent network crashes are a big red flag. MTBF tells you how much time passes between one failure and the next. A low MTBF suggests recurring issues, which might be tied to unstable hardware or poorly managed updates. Increasing MTBF can involve checking for weak links in the network, updating firmware, or replacing failing components.
3. Mean Time to Repair (MTTR)
MTTR shows how long it takes to get the network back up after a failure. Research indicates that reducing MTTR by just one hour can save companies thousands in lost productivity. A high MTTR indicates slow response times or complex issues that take longer to resolve.
Reviewing this metric can highlight inefficiencies in the repair process, whether that’s due to unclear protocols or resource shortages. Lowering MTTR means training teams on quick diagnosis techniques and ensuring spare parts or failovers are readily available.
4. Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
SLAs set the expectations between you and your service provider, like uptime percentages and response times. If your network keeps falling short of SLA promises, it’s time to assess whether your provider is the issue or if internal network practices need tightening up. Regularly reviewing SLA compliance can guide adjustments in vendor management or internal processes.
Putting it all together
Metrics alone don't fix problems, but they act as a compass. If uptime stats show random drops, dig into your MTTR and MTBF to see how quickly and how often problems are resolved. SLAs help hold everyone accountable, making sure your network stays reliable, and user satisfaction stays high.
Business benefits of network availability monitoring
Monitoring network availability helps your business stay productive and avoid costly interruptions. Here’s how it benefits your operations.
Keeps your team working
A reliable network means your team can keep working without those annoying interruptions. Less downtime means happier, more productive employees.
Catches issues before they blow up
Monitoring tools are like the network's smoke detectors. They catch small problems early, so you can fix them before they turn into disasters. In fact, businesses that use proactive monitoring reduce network downtime by up to 54%, according to a study by Cornell University.
For example, GoBolt used Meter’s all-in-one network solution and experienced zero unscheduled downtime. Their operations stayed uninterrupted, and reliability improved across the board. It’s a clear sign that investing in proactive monitoring can make a real difference.
Cuts down on surprise outages
No one likes a sudden network crash. Monitoring helps spot weak spots so you can fix them before they cause downtime, saving you from stress and lost revenue.
Makes customers happier
A stable network means your services stay up, and customers don’t have to deal with glitches. Fewer issues keep them coming back and trusting your business.
Gives better data for smart decisions
Monitoring tools give real-time info on how your network is doing. That helps you make better choices when it’s time to scale, upgrade, or optimize.
Adds a layer of security
Monitoring tools can catch suspicious activity early, giving you a chance to act before trouble starts. It’s like having a guard dog for your network.
Saves your IT team’s sanity
When the network runs well, IT teams spend less time putting out fires. They get to focus on bigger projects instead of being in constant crisis mode.
Helps you hit those SLAs
Got service level agreements to meet? Monitoring makes sure you stay on track with your performance and uptime promises, avoiding penalties and keeping clients happy.
How to monitor and improve network availability
Keeping your network available means more than just hoping for the best. It takes the right tools, smart planning, and proactive steps. Here’s what you need to monitor and improve network availability so that your team stays productive and your network stays trouble-free.
Smart tools, smarter network checks
Network monitoring tools are your digital watchdogs. They both observe and alert you when things go sideways:
- Tools like SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) collect data from your routers and servers to flag issues, like high CPU usage, so you can act quickly.
- Network Performance Monitors (NPMs) help track traffic and spot slowdowns during peak hours.
- Simple tools like Ping and Traceroute also play a role in checking if devices are online and data paths are clear.
Real-time alerts and dashboards make it easier to catch and fix problems before they escalate.
Audits: The tune-up your network needs
Network audits act like regular checkups that catch potential issues early. They can reveal outdated firmware or misconfigurations that could lead to trouble down the line.
If an audit uncovers routers running old software, it’s time to update and strengthen security. Audits also help balance the workload, so if one device is doing all the heavy lifting, you can spread out the load to prevent bottlenecks.
Redundancy is your backup plan for peace of mind
Redundancy is what saves the day when primary systems fail. Having backup hardware like routers and switches means you’re prepared if a key component breaks.
Setting up multiple network paths ensures that data has another route if the main one goes down. Failover mechanisms switch traffic to backup systems and minimize disruptions so that users don’t feel the impact.
Need practical tips on setting up redundancy? Check out our guide on creating failover systems and implementing multiple network paths for optimal performance.
Secure networks, stable networks
Strong security keeps your network running without interruptions. Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) block threats before they cause harm. Regular firmware updates close gaps that attackers might exploit. With Meter’s zero-trust security, features like DNS protection and VPNs add layers of defense, supporting network stability and reliable performance.
Fine-tune your configurations for peak performance
How you set up your network can really affect how well it works. Start by adding Quality of Service (QoS) rules to make sure important apps, like video calls, get top priority. This way, they keep running well even when traffic picks up.
Load balancing helps too. It spreads out traffic across different devices, so no single part gets overwhelmed. It keeps everything running steadily and avoids slowdowns.
Regular maintenance keeps things running
Regular checkups catch small issues before they grow into big issues:
- Give your equipment a good clean
- Make sure connections are tight
- Run some diagnostics to avoid things like overheating
Firmware updates matter too because they help block new security threats and keep your hardware working well.
Stay proactive with monitoring and alerts
Proactive monitoring works like an early warning system. It keeps an eye on traffic and device health, catching issues before they escalate.
Automated alerts give your IT team a heads-up when something’s off, and automated responses can handle quick fixes, like restarting a service or rerouting traffic. Meter’s network tools make it simple to watch over your network and manage it with ease, so you get fewer surprises and more stability.
These strategies make troubleshooting easier and help keep your network reliable.
Best practices for maintaining high network availability
High network availability doesn’t happen by accident. It takes proactive strategies and regular updates, like the following.
Keep software and firmware up-to-date
Think of updates as giving your network a booster shot. They patch up security gaps and improve performance. Regularly updating software and firmware helps prevent issues that could lead to downtime.
Segment your network
Dividing your network into smaller segments means that if one section hits a snag, the rest stays up. It’s like having watertight compartments on a ship—one leak doesn’t mean the whole thing sinks.
Plan for future capacity
Don’t let your network get caught off guard. Use capacity planning to look at current usage trends and predict future needs. This keeps bottlenecks and performance dips at bay when your network traffic spikes.
Strengthen your security game
Strong security measures keep your network safe from threats that could take it offline. Use firewalls, IDS, and regular security audits to stay ahead of trouble.
Train your team and update your tech
An IT team that’s up-to-date with best practices and current threats is like having an ace up your sleeve. Regular training and investing in new technology make your network more resilient and adaptable.
Monitor and set up alerts
Real-time monitoring tools and automated alerts work like your network’s early warning system. They let your team know when something’s wrong before it snowballs into a bigger issue. You get quicker responses and fewer surprises as a result.
Have redundancy and failover plans
Backup systems and failover paths are your safety nets. If a router or server decides to take a nap, having another one ready to jump in keeps the network stable.
Test and document your procedures
Routine performance tests show where your network could crack under pressure. Having clear documentation and standard operating procedures (SOPs) means your team knows exactly what to do if something goes wrong.
Use zero-trust security
Verify everyone and everything before they access your network. Zero-trust measures add a strong layer of protection, keeping unwanted visitors out and your network stable.
How Meter helps boost network uptime
Meter helps organizations maintain high network availability with advanced monitoring and management tools. Our cloud-managed infrastructure simplifies network management and ensures consistent performance.
Here’s how we can boost your network uptime:
- Strong security: Our centralized platform handles DNS security, malware protection, and VPN capabilities to keep your data safe and sound.
- Real-time insights: Our security appliances provide instant alerts and insights to keep you aware of potential security threats at any time.
- Full control at your fingertips: Manage your network remotely through our easy-to-use dashboard. Automate configurations and reduce manual IT tasks.
- Reliable performance: Integrated security appliances, routing, and switching keep your network connected and dependable with built-in preventive measures.
- Multi-WAN support: Spread network traffic across all active connections using a round-robin method to boost reliability, speed, and efficiency with your ISP connections.
- Automatic failover: Support for multiple ISPs ensures that traffic switches smoothly if one provider has issues. We’ll help you pick the best setup for your needs.
Get in touch with Meter to schedule a demo and see how we can help maintain strong network uptime for your business.
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