What are the best ways to measure and improve network performance?

1 Define your network goals

Before you can measure and improve your network performance, you need to define what you want to achieve and how you will evaluate it. Depending on your network size, complexity, and purpose, you may have different goals and metrics. For example, you may want to optimize your network speed, latency, bandwidth, availability, reliability, security, or scalability. You should also identify the key performance indicators (KPIs) that will help you track your progress and compare your results. Some common network KPIs are throughput, packet loss, jitter, error rate, and response time.

2 Choose your network tools

To measure and improve your network performance, you need to use the right tools for your network environment and goals. There are many types of network tools available, such as network analyzers, network monitors, network testers, network simulators, and network optimizers. Each tool has its own features, functions, and benefits. You should choose the tools that suit your network needs, budget, and skill level. For example, you may use a network analyzer to capture and analyze network traffic, a network monitor to track and alert network status and performance, a network tester to diagnose and troubleshoot network issues, a network simulator to model and test network scenarios, and a network optimizer to enhance and automate network performance.

3 Perform regular network audits

One of the best ways to measure and improve your network performance is to perform regular network audits. A network audit is a comprehensive assessment of your network infrastructure, configuration, performance, security, and compliance. It helps you identify and resolve any network problems, gaps, or risks that may affect your network performance. A network audit also helps you optimize your network resources, update your network policies and procedures, and align your network goals with your business objectives. You should perform network audits at least once a year or whenever you make any significant changes to your network.

4 Implement network best practices

Improving network performance can be achieved by implementing network best practices. These include using a consistent and logical network design that follows standards and protocols, segmenting and virtualizing to manage different functions and traffic, applying security measures such as encryption and authentication, optimizing bandwidth and latency with compression and caching, monitoring and updating devices, software, and firmware, and documenting your network inventory, configuration, performance, and issues. All of these measures can enhance network efficiency and effectiveness.

5 Seek network feedback and improvement

The final way to measure and improve your network performance is to seek network feedback and improvement from your network users, stakeholders, and experts. You should collect and analyze network data and feedback from various sources, such as network logs, reports, surveys, reviews, and audits. You should also compare your network performance with your network goals, KPIs, and benchmarks. Based on your findings, you should identify and prioritize your network improvement areas and actions. You should also implement and evaluate your network improvement plans and measure their impact on your network performance.

6 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?