How do you leverage LAN performance data and analytics to improve network planning and decision making?

1 Define your goals and metrics

Before you can use LAN performance data and analytics effectively, you need to define what you want to achieve and how you will measure it. Depending on your network size, complexity, and objectives, you may have different goals and metrics for your LAN performance. For example, you may want to improve the throughput, latency, availability, reliability, or security of your network. You may also want to compare your performance with industry standards or benchmarks. To do this, you need to identify the key performance indicators (KPIs) that reflect your goals and metrics, such as bandwidth utilization, packet loss, error rate, uptime, or response time.

2 Collect and analyze your data

Once you have defined your goals and metrics, you need to collect and analyze your LAN performance data. There are various tools and methods that you can use to gather and process your data, such as network monitoring software, network analyzers, network testing tools, or network simulation tools. These tools can help you collect data from different sources and layers of your network, such as routers, switches, servers, applications, or end-users. They can also help you analyze your data using various techniques, such as statistical analysis, trend analysis, root cause analysis, or predictive analysis.

3 Visualize and report your findings

After you have collected and analyzed your LAN performance data, you need to visualize and report your findings. Visualizing and reporting your data can help you communicate your results and insights to different stakeholders, such as network administrators, managers, or users. You can use various formats and tools to visualize and report your data, such as charts, graphs, dashboards, or reports. You can also use different styles and levels of detail to tailor your presentation to your audience and purpose.

4 Implement and evaluate your actions

Finally, you need to implement and evaluate your actions based on your LAN performance data and analytics. Implementing and evaluating your actions can help you improve your network performance and achieve your goals. You can use various strategies and techniques to implement and evaluate your actions, such as network optimization, network troubleshooting, network upgrade, or network redesign. You can also use feedback loops and continuous improvement processes to monitor and measure the impact of your actions and adjust them accordingly.

5 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?