How to Prevent Network Downtime

In the modern era, many businesses rely on the internet. While it may not seem like a big deal, network outages can lead to chaos and a loss of revenue- especially for retail businesses. After all, how can a transaction occur if payment cannot be processed? This is especially crucial given that 80% of customers prefer using a card over using cash.  Recent research from Uptime Institute’s 2022 Outage Analysis Report shows that downtime costs keep rising. Over 60% of outages cost more than $100,000- and 15% of outages cost more than $1 million. Given these risks, it makes sense to investigate ways to prevent network outages for your business. Thankfully, there are a few ways to be proactive. 

Add redundancy 

Redundancy is a crucial strategy to prevent your business from losing connectivity. Redundancy means you have two connections- possibly from two Internet Service Providers (ISPs). This is an excellent solution because you will have a backup connection if one fails. Having your connections work together to increase your bandwidth is also possible. 

This isn’t a perfect solution, however. Both of your internet lines may use the same infrastructure, especially if you are in a rural or underserved area. If a critical piece of infrastructure breaks, the internet will go down – taking both of your network connections with it. Therefore, if you’re getting a second line from the same provider- using the same infrastructure- you will only be protected in case of equipment failure. 

Ideally, one connection will use the traditional landline, while the other uses alternative technology – such as LTE or 5G – for redundancy. 

Choose automatic failover 

Another good choice is to be set up with automatic failover. This process automatically moves your connection to another connection during a service failure. Automatic failovers are possible on multiple technologies – such as broadband and wireless (LTE/5G). Using two different technologies protects from most outages. Though this is an ideal solution, massive data transfers on a wireless service can be costly. 

Use SD-WAN 

SD-WAN stands for Software-Defined Wide Area Network. SD-WAN is a virtual network architecture that allows businesses to use a combination of internet connections – such as LTE and broadband- to connect users. This service uses a centralized control program to direct traffic across the network securely and intelligently. Using an SD-WAN can increase application performance and deliver a high-quality user experience. In the long run, using this technology can improve business productivity while reducing costs. 

SD-WAN allows businesses to prioritize some applications (like point-of-sale systems or voice) over less critical applications (like browsing).  During an outage, SD-WAN can ensure that a high-priority application like a PoS system can be given critical priority on the reduced bandwidth available. 

Choose Managed Network Services 

Managed Network Services are an excellent choice for a variety of reasons. Your IT team can focus their efforts on creating business value. With an outsourced managed network, everything is handled for you – from setting up and implementation, to ongoing monitoring and support. Experts will monitor your connection 24/7 to ensure maximum uptime. If there is a failure in the network, it will be detected quickly and resolved. Certified Network Engineers will also perform proactive system management and troubleshooting actions as needed. This leads to a solid connection with high uptime. 

Conclusion 

The internet has become a critical part of business today. It is used for everything from customer engagement to payment processing. So, when there is a network outage, it can be catastrophic. It can cost tens, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars the longer it goes on. Thankfully, there are a few ways to protect your business. 

• Build redundancy 

• • Have a second network that utilizes different infrastructure and technology (preferably from a different ISP) than your first network. This will give businesses a backup network if the first network goes down. It’s even possible to use both internet connections simultaneously to increase overall network bandwidth. 

• Choose automatic failover 

• • Automatic failover is a process that automatically moves operations to a different connection if the first connection goes down.  

• Use SD-WAN 

• • SD-WAN is a powerful technology that allows businesses to combine networks, prioritize applications, and keep things running smoothly.  SD-WAN can also increase application performance, help manage connection availability and enhance user experience.  

• Choose Managed Network Services 

• • Managed Network Services make it easier for businesses to get and stay connected. The provider handles everything from network implementation and optimization to ongoing network monitoring and support. Experts monitor your connection 24/7 to resolve issues and ensure that the network continues to operate efficiently.