What are the steps to troubleshoot network issues using monitoring data?

1 Identify the symptoms

The first step is to identify the symptoms of the network issue, such as slow speed, high latency, packet loss, connection errors, or security breaches. You can use monitoring data from various sources, such as network devices, servers, applications, users, and logs, to detect and measure the symptoms. For example, you can use ping, traceroute, or SNMP to check the status and performance of network devices, or use netstat, tcpdump, or Wireshark to capture and analyze network traffic.

2 Narrow down the scope

The next step is to narrow down the scope of the network issue, by eliminating the possible causes that are not related to the symptoms. You can use monitoring data to compare the normal and abnormal behavior of the network, and to isolate the affected components, segments, or layers. For example, you can use network maps, topology diagrams, or IP address schemes to identify the location and path of the network issue, or use protocol analyzers, port scanners, or firewall rules to identify the type and source of the network issue.

3 Identify the root cause

The third step is to identify the root cause of the network issue, by testing and verifying the hypotheses that explain the symptoms and the scope. You can use monitoring data to collect and correlate the evidence that supports or rejects your hypotheses, and to determine the exact cause and effect relationship. For example, you can use network simulators, stress testers, or fault injectors to reproduce and measure the network issue, or use performance counters, event logs, or alerts to monitor and diagnose the network issue.

4 Implement the solution

The fourth step is to implement the solution that resolves the root cause of the network issue, by applying the appropriate changes, fixes, or updates to the network. You can use monitoring data to validate and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of your solution, and to ensure that the network issue is resolved and does not recur. For example, you can use configuration management, change management, or patch management tools to apply and track the changes to the network, or use service level agreements, quality of service, or key performance indicators to measure and report the network performance.

5 Document the results

The fifth step is to document the results of your troubleshooting process, by recording and reporting the details, findings, and outcomes of each step. You can use monitoring data to support and illustrate your documentation, and to provide feedback and recommendations for future improvement. For example, you can use incident reports, root cause analysis reports, or lessons learned reports to document and communicate the network issue and its resolution, or use trend analysis, benchmarking, or best practices to document and improve the network performance.

6 Learn from the experience

The final step is to learn from the experience of troubleshooting the network issue, by reviewing and reflecting on the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities of your process. You can use monitoring data to identify and analyze the gaps, errors, or risks that occurred or could occur in your network, and to plan and implement the actions that can prevent or mitigate them. For example, you can use audits, reviews, or surveys to assess and improve your network monitoring tools, techniques, and skills, or use policies, procedures, or training to standardize and optimize your network troubleshooting process.

7 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?