Network optimization is a thorough process to make a computer network work better, more reliably, and more efficiently.
In 21 years as technology professionals, we have seen IT networks evolve beyond recognition. Modern networks are complex ecosystems, often incorporating remote working environments, cloud resources, and data-hungry applications. Finetuning this system to ensure all resources, users, and applications work optimally can be challenging.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to improve your network’s performance, sharing practical strategies and measurements that work. We’ll also highlight the benefits of optimization and things that can slow it down.
What Is Network Optimization?
Network optimization involves techniques and technologies designed to enhance the overall operation of your network. It ensures that data is transmitted securely and reliably with minimal delay and downtime.
A network optimization strategy is not always about maximizing speed and reliability. It can also be about delivering a well-tuned system that effectively meets your business objectives without breaking your budget.
We should note that network optimization is a process, not an event. You need to regularly check and adjust your network to keep up with changing business needs and the evolving demands of users and applications.
The broad network optimization strategies include:
- Network traffic prioritization: Traffic prioritization ensures critical applications get the bandwidth they need.
- Load balancing: This spreads network traffic evenly to prevent slowdowns.
- Network latency: Latency is the time it takes for data to travel from the source to the destination across a network. Many techniques like caching and optimized routing are used to reduce latency.
- Security optimization: Proper security measures must be implemented to protect this critical infrastructure.
- Network performance monitoring: Continuous performance tracking using network monitoring tools is an essential best practice.
Factors That Affect Network Performance
Let’s look at the main culprits that drag network optimization down.
Network topology
Network topology refers to your network design – the layout of connected physical components (physical topology) and the pathways for data to travel within the network (logical topology).
Poor network topology can hurt performance in several ways. For example, if data has to travel through too many network devices, it can cause delays.
Inadequate network hardware
Aging and worn network hardware have a direct bearing on performance. Old or faulty servers, routers, switches, and worn cables make network performance optimization efforts virtually impossible.
In some cases, network devices are no longer fit for purpose. For example, using a 10/100Mb switch on a gigabit network.
Distance of data travel
The distance data must travel also influences performance. Data transmitted between New York and Philadelphia experiences lower latency than data transmitted across the country (although this difference is mere milliseconds in an efficient network). Real-time applications like video conferencing are typically most affected by such delays.
Also, as data travels further, the signal can get weaker or worse. This leads to transmission errors, often requiring the data to be sent again, causing more delay.
Medium of transmission
The cabling or connections within a network affect performance. Data is typically transferred via fiber optic cables, copper cables, or wireless connectivity.
- Fiber optic cables generally deliver high speed and low latency with less signal degradation.
- Wireless networks are convenient and flexible but might have higher latency due to signal interference. Range limitations are another disadvantage.
- Legacy copper wires have higher latency and are more susceptible to interference compared to fiber optics. Copper cabling is an outdated system not conducive to modern network optimization.
Key Techniques for Optimizing Network Performance
Here are 10 tried and trusted network optimization tools and techniques.
Network design optimization
Design optimization focuses on whether the infrastructure layout supports optimized performance.
For example, a network with CAT5 cabling (designed for 100 Mbps speeds) will need an upgrade to CAT6 cabling or higher to support speeds of a gigabit. Similarly, an old router might slow things down and need replacing, or a load balancer might be too old for the job. Without modern and efficient network equipment, performance won’t be as good as it could be.
Capacity planning is also part of this process. Assess future network demands and identify when and where to expand capacity to keep driving performance and ROIs.
Traffic shaping
Traffic shaping is a key technique for bandwidth optimization. It entails controlling traffic flow to prevent network congestion and ensure that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth.
For example, you could use traffic shaping to limit the bandwidth allocated to non-critical applications like normal file downloads during high-traffic periods.
Compression
Data compression reduces the size of data packets, allowing you to transmit more information over the same bandwidth. Compression can significantly improve network efficiency, especially where bandwidth is limited.
Data caching
Data caching entails storing frequently accessed data closer to the end users to reduce the amount of data transmitted over the network. This helps speed up access times, reduces latency, and contributes to more efficient use of network devices.
QoS (Quality of Service)
Quality of Service (QoS) involves setting policies that prioritize certain types of network traffic based on their importance. For example, real-time applications like video conferencing might receive higher priority than less time-critical services like email.
SD Wan
SD-WAN (software-defined wide-area networks) uses software to intelligently route traffic based on current network conditions such as congestion and link performance. The goal is to enhance speed, reliability, and efficiency by automatically selecting the best available connection (e.g. broadband or LTE).
SD-Wan is particularly relevant in cloud environments where it raises connectivity between remote locations, data centers, and cloud applications.
Bandwidth management
Bandwidth management ensures efficient allocation of this resource. It prevents certain applications from consuming excessive capacity to the detriment of other users.
Managing bandwidth usage across users, departments, and tasks (ensuring critical tasks have enough) is key to improving network performance.
TCP optimization
TCP optimization is a set of techniques to boost the performance of Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). TCP manages data transmission over networks and includes mechanisms like error checking and retransmissions that can cause delays in congested networks.
TCP optimization uses methods like window scaling and congestion control algorithms to reduce delays and improve throughput.
Checking network connections
Checking network connections ensures that all network devices are properly linked and configured. It helps detect poor connectivity, misconfigurations, bottlenecks, or unauthorized access.
This activity typically includes inspecting physical connections, checking IP configurations, and ensuring software and firmware are updated and properly configured.
Use CDNs
Deploying Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) is an effective strategy to reduce how far data packets need to travel.
CDNs are a network of distributed servers in multiple different locations. The idea is to situate servers closer to users allowing them to access data and resources on a distributed server quickly and reliably.
How Do You Measure Network Optimization?
Several metrics are used to measure network performance and optimization. You want to establish a baseline for these variables and then track the improvements your optimization efforts achieve.
The most common network performance metrics are:
Latency and Round Trip Time (RTT)
These two metrics relate to network speed/delays. As mentioned, network latency is the time it takes for data to travel from source to destination. Round trip time (RTT) is how long it takes for data to go from source to destination and back again.
Jitter
In simple terms, jitter is an uneven or unpredictable flow of data in the same stream. It’s often caused by congestion, routing changes, or network errors. High jitter means a higher variation in the time between packets arriving, which can manifest in dropped calls or distorted video. A low jitter number means better communication.
Bandwidth and throughput
Bandwidth is the maximum data capacity of a network connection. Throughput is the actual data transfer rate achieved.
To understand this distinction, think of a car with a top speed of 150 mph that is only able to reach 130 mph because of real-world factors like a misfiring engine and road conditions.
Managing both bandwidth and throughput wisely is crucial to achieving the best network performance.
Data packet problems
Data packets don’t always travel smoothly to their destination. Common issues that must be tracked and fixed include:
- Packet error: Corruption and incorrect formats cause delivery problems.
- Packet discards: Network packets dropped at their destination, typically because of an overloaded device or packet error.
- Packet loss: Packets lost en route to their destination.
Why Is Network Optimization Important?
By optimizing your network, you ensure that data and other network traffic can flow smoothly and quickly across the network. This helps improve the user experience for both your organization and customers. Let’s consider some of the major advantages.
Reduced downtime
Unplanned downtime costs companies $400 billion a year. Optimizing and monitoring your network helps mitigate these risks of costly downtime and other business disruptions.
Increased uptime allows you to maintain crucial business operations and deliver the customer service modern consumers expect.
Enhanced productivity
Network optimization enhances data transfer speeds and delivers near-seamless communications. This enables your team to access cloud applications faster and collaborate efficiently with fewer connectivity frustrations.
Reduced IT costs
Optimizing your network reduces the need for hardware upgrades and unnecessary infrastructure expenses to boost efficiencies. By improving efficiency strategically, you get the most value from your existing network infrastructure.
Improved customer experiences
A well-optimized network facilitates better engagements with your customers. Think faster website loading times, minimal downtime, frictionless online transactions, multi-channel contact options, and better performance for customer-facing applications.
The result: increased client satisfaction and higher retention and spending. Studies show that 90% of customers will make another purchase after a positive experience.
Stronger security
The network optimization process includes fortifying your network’s security.
Incorporating robust firewalls, network data encryptions, authentications, and intrusion detection systems builds solid defenses and limits gaps for cybercriminals to exploit. Managing network traffic efficiently also supports your security initiatives. This protection is critical in a threat landscape where in 2023 alone, data breaches impacted 350 million victims.
How Homefield IT Can Help You Optimize Your Network
Backed by 21 years of expertise, Homefield IT offers trusted, affordable network services to organizations across the U.S.
Following a future-focused approach, we take the time to thoroughly understand both your current and future network needs. Working closely with you, we design and implement a high-quality network solution that meets your specific needs, encompassing efficiency, reliability, and scalability.
Our optimized networks incorporate firewalls, encryption, and traffic monitoring to detect and prevent around-the-clock cyber dangers like:
- DDoS attacks
- Unauthorized access
- Malware infections
- Phishing probes
- Brute force attacks
We help create a disaster recovery plan for your network to restore operations quickly and easily following a disaster event.
We can also configure and implement network support, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Our team becomes more than your trusted advisors – we become your reliable IT partner, offering a full suite of managed IT services and network security solutions to keep your technology estate ahead of the curve.
FAQ’s
How does AI help with network optimization?
AI plays a vital role in network optimization and will be utilized increasingly in the years ahead.
AI tools are used to:
- Analyze real-time data to identify optimal settings.
- Predict and mitigate potential problems like network congestion.
- Automate tasks like traffic management, channel selection, and load balancing.
- Strengthen security by detecting and responding to threats quickly.
What is WiFi network optimization?
Optimizing WiFi network performance includes selecting channels to minimize interference and choosing access points that deliver better coverage. It can involve deploying extenders or mesh networks to create stronger signals and coverage.
What are the future trends in network optimization?
Future trends in network optimization include:
- Increased use of AI and automation for predictive analytics and proactive management.
- Platform-based networking for integrated management across environments (on-premises and cloud).
- Security convergence through unified approaches like SD-WAN and SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) solutions.
- Zero-trust security models requiring more stringent access controls and identity verification.
- Sustainability-focused networking.
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