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Diagnose network problems with expert network troubleshooting

Network faults can be increasingly difficult to diagnose due to a multitude of problems.

For example, you may find that Apps are consistently slow or dropping out. This used to be simple to diagnose, with the LAN or the servers tending to be the route cause, but with cloud servers and Apps, you must now ask more complex questions, taking into account the firewall, WAN, hosting servers and network. Performance Networks offer network troubleshooting guidance to rectify whatever issues you’re experiencing.

Existing network issues fault finding

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Fault
Finding

Our engineers have over 25 years’ experience building, configuring and fault-finding business
critical networks.

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Performance Improvement

Whether you’re struggling with performance issues or full network prioritisation for applications like VoIP or video, our engineers can help.

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Network
Security

With Cisco qualified network security experts, our team can work with you to create a network with enterprise
grade security.

Our approach to network troubleshooting

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Map the current setup

If it’s not been done already, the first step in any network fault finding scenario is generally to map/document the current setup. It’s then possible to detect any potential issues. This includes access point (AP), wireless controller, switch, router, server and firewall models. Our engineers will also check datasheets and resources, establishing speed & throughput ratings and highlighting potential bottlenecks.

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Ask the correct questions

There are many key questions that your provider should ask when it comes to network fault finding, these should include; how many clients and what type of clients are affected, the area they are confined to, or is this across multiple areas, occurrence of the issue in regards to the time or day or intermittency, is the issue relating to one server/cluster/load balancer, where the server is located – LAN or WAN and is it wired or wireless clients? Or both?

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Client testing tools

The first place we usually start is using free utilities that are supplied on any Windows or Linux machine. Alternatively, it’s possible to use free open source downloads.  Whatever your issue, we guarantee that we will get to the bottom of the problem and find a solution.  Our years of experience in network fault-finding make us well equipped to help your business, whatever its size or sector, backed by our Performance Guarantee.

Need help diagnosing the issue?

Our team are here to help.

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These client testing
tools include:

  • PING – test connectivity/latency & packet size issues.
  • Tracert/traceroute – test routed traffic paths.
  • Pathping/mtr – test routed traffic paths & packet loss/latency.
  • Ipconfig/ifconfig – verify a client’s IP & DNS/DHCP/subnet settings.
  • Nslookup – used to verify DNS.
  • Netstat – check active ports being used.
  • Speedtest sites – quickly get a flavour of the internet connectivity speeds.
  • Iperf server – can be used across the WAN or local LAN to test client to server connection speeds.
  • Route/Route PRINT – used rarely nowadays. Most often, it shows client misconfiguration.
  • Wireshark – capture packets to really delve down into things.
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These client testing tools help with:

The above tools help pinpoint where the issue lies. Results are then documented and tested over a period of time to build up a fuller picture.

With intermittent issues, it may be necessary to setup a monitoring station and monitor various points & applications. We may monitor using ICMP/HTTP-HTTPS/VoiP – whatever you are seeing issues with.

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What could be causing network issues?

Network issues can be caused by a range of factors, which our network fault finding service will pinpoint. Common network issues could be down to:

  • Cabling – broken, or not providing the required speeds.
  • WiFi – interference, capacity, or design issues.
  • Switching – capacity/spanning tree/design issues.
  • Routing – sub-optimal routing. Incorrect PBR (Policy-Based Routing).
  • Firewall – capacity issues or mis-configuration.
  • WAN link/s – again, are they being used correctly? Latency/saturation issues.
  • QoS (Quality of Service) – not working for desired applications.
  • Server – resource or software issues.

Let’s get connected

We’ll find the solution, performance guaranteed.
Get in touch to find out more.