Computer maintenance and networking involves several tasks to keep a

network running smoothly1.

Here are some steps for network maintenance:
1. Use ipconfig to check network adapters, IP addresses, and DNS settings.
2. Use ping and tracert for troubleshooting connectivity issues.
3. Perform DNS checks.
4. Contact your ISP if needed.
5. Check virus and malware protection.
6. Review logs

What Is Computer Networking? | IBM

What is computer maintenance?

What is computer maintenance? At first glance, it seems fairly obvious that IT

maintenance consists of keeping the computer system (IS) in good working order.
However, this global mission encompasses a variety of different types of activities.
IT maintenance can be preventive or corrective. It is also deployed according to
different levels of priority.
What is IT maintenance?

IT maintenance is certainly defined as the maintenance of IT equipment.

However, this activity covers a series of other tasks, which vary according to the
state of the equipment.

Definition of computer maintenance

Computer maintenance refers to the maintenance of computer equipment to ensure

its proper functioning. This mission is generally carried out by IT service
companies, the ESN, or Digital Service Companies. These companies can provide
their services on site or remotely.

IT maintenance includes all the actions necessary for the functioning of the IS,
whether it be to maintain or restore it. These actions can be regular or occasional:

 backup of critical company data ;

 migration of IT solutions

 management of user rights;

 messaging system configuration;

 network administration;

 installation and updating of software;

 checking the status of the computer system and hard disks;

 replacement of malfunctioning equipment;

 equipment buy-out;
  maintenance of inventory terminals, point-of-sale terminals and printers:
Codeo’s speciality in terms of computer maintenance;

 cybersecurity assistance, including WiFi, firewall, antivirus and server

management.

What is the purpose of IT maintenance?

IT maintenance has several objectives:

 To maintain the performance of the equipment within 3 to 7 years of its

deployment. This is particularly useful once the manufacturer’s warranty has
expired;

 Extend the life of your IT equipment;

 To carry out the updates necessary for the continuity of the company’s
activities;

 Adapting computer equipment to software and technological developments

and to changes in cyber threats;

 Correcting any damage encountered.

The different types of IT maintenance

IT maintenance must guarantee the availability of applications, as well as the

long-term performance of the IT equipment. It is therefore organised into 3
categories of maintenance: preventive, corrective and evolutionary.

1 / Preventive maintenance
Preventive computer maintenance consists of avoiding the appearance of problems.
It can concern the computer security of the park, but also the improvement of its
performance. Preventive interventions can be organised on a more or less regular
basis, depending on needs.

This type of computer maintenance therefore concerns both antivirus software and
software updates. It also includes firewall management, temporary file cleaning
and hard disk defragmentation.

Preventive maintenance also concerns hardware. As part of a preventive

intervention, a technician can revise the equipment, clean it, make improvements
to the settings to change parts likely to cause breakdowns in advance.

2 / Corrective maintenance

Carrying out corrective or curative maintenance means repairing equipment or

software. These are one-off operations carried out when the equipment is no longer
working or when it is subject to a computer virus. Corrective maintenance of
information equipment takes two forms:

 palliative maintenance: the IT maintenance provider carries out a

temporary repair of the damage. Objective: to maintain the operation of the
IS in the short term, to ensure the continuity of the company’s activities;

 curative IT maintenance: repairing the faulty equipment so that it returns

to its initial state.

3 / “Evolutionary” maintenance

Evolutionary maintenance consists of supporting the computer

equipment over time. It may involve offering new hardware or software tools to
users, based on the latest technological developments. Evolutionary maintenance
also includes system updates and upgrades of the computer equipment.

3 levels of maintenance depending on the complexity of the IT problem

When a company outsources its IT maintenance, it can benefit from different

levels of user support. A user who contacts the helpdesk of the service provider
company exchanges with technicians. These technicians are responsible for :

 identify the problem;

 classify it according to a level of seriousness

 open a “helpdesk ticket” describing the problem

 draw up a list of actions to be taken to “close the ticket”, i.e. resolve the
customer’s problem.

The second step, which consists of classifying the problem by degree of

seriousness, leads in fact to prioritise the ticket according to 3 levels of
maintenance:

 The first level refers to “easy” IT maintenance. This may involve, for
example, providing remote assistance to a user who is unable to use a
software package. First-level maintenance covers basic faults that do not
need to be escalated.

 Level 2 IT maintenance concerns incidents that block the user and

require further technical exploration. Technicians may need to contact
software suppliers or equipment manufacturers. Generally, this type of
problem cannot be resolved remotely. It involves a return to the workshop
 for testing and a full technical diagnosis. The team of technicians involved
has a more in-depth knowledge of the various IT environments.

 Level 3 IT support is deployed either on site or in the workshop. It concerns

a critical incident for the client company, likely to threaten the continuity
of its activities. This is an emergency, handled by experts. A replacement of
the out-of-service equipment can be organised by sending a functional
equipment on site and collecting the out-of-service equipment.

What is the difference between IT maintenance and outsourcing?

The difference between IT maintenance and outsourcing generally lies in the

type of technical personnel involved. The word “maintenance” can sometimes be
used to designate the activities of a company’s internal IT department. In this case,
the latter is responsible for restoring the equipment to its original condition without
the intervention of a third party.

Managed services” refers to the outsourcing of all or part of the company’s IT

department. The company thus delegates the management of its equipment to a
service provider. The latter then takes charge of all types of IT maintenance. It
also offers all the levels of support detailed above, all within a commitment
contract. In practice, a facilities management service can therefore include IS
maintenance.

And at Codeo, what does IT maintenance mean?

Codeo has been an expert in IT asset maintenance for over 15 years. Our services
are based on the following tools
  remote technical support with a dedicated helpdesk, staffed by level 1
troubleshooting experts;

 management of manufacturer’s warranty contracts to organise

manufacturer’s returns, replacement equipment, removal of equipment

 equipment repairs in technical workshops for level 2 and 3 assistance.

Entrust the maintenance of your IT equipment to Codeo!

 What is network maintenance?
Network maintenance refers to the regular tasks, processes, and
methodologies employed to keep a network system up and running smoothly.
Network maintenance is an essential aspect of network management, and integral
to maintaining optimal network performance. It involves identifying, diagnosing,
and resolving network issues, ensuring the smooth operation of an organization’s
network infrastructure.
This process requires a systematic approach to pinpointing the root cause of
network problems, ranging from connectivity issues to network slowdowns. The
goal of network maintenance is not only to fix immediate issues but also to
improve the overall health and efficiency of the network.
Common tasks involved in network maintenance include:
 Troubleshooting network issues
 Installing or upgrading network equipment and software
 Regularly monitoring the network for irregularities
 Enforcing network security measures
 Optimizing network performance
 Regularly backing up data in the network
 Creating and updating network usage policies and procedures
 Ensuring network redundancy to prevent total shutdown in case an effective
component fails.

Network maintenance is necessary for the overall health and efficiency of the
network. By properly maintaining the network, companies can ensure their
operations run smoothly, reduce downtime, increase productivity, and safeguard
their data against loss or breaches.
What is a network maintenance plan?
A network maintenance plan is a detailed strategy outlining regular checks and
procedures to ensure the efficient operation and longevity of a network. This plan
is crucial for preempting potential issues, maintaining optimal network
performance, and minimizing downtime. By systematically addressing both
hardware and software components of the network, a maintenance plan helps
organizations proactively manage their network infrastructure, leading to enhanced
reliability and performance.
What are examples of network maintenance tasks?
Network maintenance tasks encompass a range of activities aimed at ensuring
network health and efficiency.
Updating firmware and software
Regular updates of firmware and software are vital for network security and
performance. These updates often include critical security patches and feature
enhancements that help in maintaining the network’s resilience against threats and
ensuring compatibility with evolving technologies.
Checking and replacing faulty hardware
Regular inspections of network hardware, such as access points, switches, and
cables, are crucial. Identifying and replacing any faulty components promptly
helps in preventing network outages and maintaining consistent network
performance.
Monitoring network performance
Continuous monitoring of network performance is essential to detect and address
issues promptly. This involves tracking traffic patterns, bandwidth usage, and
identifying potential bottlenecks to ensure the network operates at its optimal
capacity.
Conducting security audits
Regular security audits are crucial for identifying vulnerabilities in the network.
These audits help in reinforcing the network’s defense mechanisms and ensuring
adherence to the latest cybersecurity standards and best practices.
Optimizing server performance
Ensuring that servers are running efficiently is key to maintaining network health.
This involves regular checks for resource utilization, application performance, and
potential server-related issues that could impact network functionality.
Ensuring data backup procedures
Regular data backup is critical for network maintenance. It ensures that in the
event of hardware failure, network attack, or other data loss scenarios, essential
data can be recovered, minimizing the impact on the organization’s operations.
What are the common causes of network problems?
Network problems can arise from a variety of sources, making their identification
and resolution a key aspect of network management. Common causes include
hardware failures, such as malfunctioning access points or switches, and software
issues, like outdated firmware or incorrect configurations.
Environmental factors, such as physical obstructions or interference, can also
impact network performance. Additionally, high network traffic and security
breaches like malware or unauthorized access are frequent culprits behind network
issues.
Top 4 causes for network problems
High bandwidth usage
High bandwidth usage is a common cause of network slowdowns. It happens when
the network’s capacity is maxed out by too many users or data-intensive
applications, leading to congestion and degraded service quality.
Faulty hardware
Faulty hardware, including malfunctioning access points, switches, or cables, can
disrupt network connections. These issues can cause data bottlenecks, packet loss,
and complete network outages, necessitating prompt identification and
replacement.
High CPU utilization
When network devices experience high CPU utilization, their ability to process
data efficiently is compromised. This can lead to network slowdowns, increased
latency, and in severe cases, device crashes.
Poor physical connectivity
Poor physical connectivity, resulting from damaged cables, loose connections, or
suboptimal network setups, can lead to significant network performance issues,
including packet loss and intermittent connectivity failures.
Why troubleshooting skills are essential for network maintenance
In the realm of network maintenance, the importance of troubleshooting skills
cannot be overstated. These skills are fundamental for swiftly and effectively
identifying and resolving network issues, which is crucial for maintaining
uninterrupted business operations.
Proficient troubleshooting minimizes downtime and preserves network
performance, directly impacting the productivity and success of an organization.
Skilled troubleshooters can proactively identify potential issues before they
escalate, further ensuring the stability and reliability of the network.
Who conducts network maintenance?
Network maintenance is typically conducted by IT professionals such as
network administrators, network engineers, IT managers, or systems
administrators. In smaller organizations without a dedicated IT team, this
role might be performed by a generalist who oversees all IT-related concerns.
In some cases, companies may outsource network maintenance to third-party
service providers or managed service providers (MSPs). These providers have
teams of IT specialists who can handle network maintenance tasks, including
hardware/software installation and updates, security monitoring, data backup, and
troubleshooting.
Regardless of who performs the maintenance, it’s essential that they have a solid
understanding of network technologies, strong troubleshooting skills, and a
proactive approach to identifying and resolving potential issues before they impact
network performance or security.
As networks expand to remote sites and branch locations, AI networking and
closed loop automation capabilities – like the ones offered by the Nile Access
Service – can eliminate traditionally manual efforts for network maintenance.
What are the steps for troubleshooting a network?
Troubleshooting a network involves a systematic approach to identify and resolve
issues.
1. Define the problem
The initial step in network troubleshooting is to accurately define the problem.
This involves understanding the symptoms, determining the extent of the issue, and
identifying which parts of the network are affected. A clear definition helps in
focusing the troubleshooting efforts and prevents time wastage on unrelated issues.
2. Gather and analyze data
Once the problem is defined, the next step is to collect relevant data. This includes
logs, user reports, and network performance metrics. Analyzing this data helps in
pinpointing potential causes and areas where the network is underperforming or
failing.
3. Formulate and test a hypothesis
With the data analyzed, form a hypothesis about the root cause of the problem.
This hypothesis should be tested through controlled changes or simulations, if
possible. The goal is to either confirm or rule out potential causes in a systematic
manner.
4. Implement a solution
After identifying the root cause, the next step is to implement a solution. This
might involve reconfiguring settings, replacing faulty hardware, or upgrading
software. It’s important to apply changes methodically and monitor their impact to
ensure they effectively resolve the issue.
5. Monitor and document
Post-resolution, continuous monitoring is essential to confirm that the problem is
fully resolved and the network is functioning optimally. Documenting the issue, its
cause, and the solution is vital for future reference and helps in faster resolution of
similar problems in the future.
Network maintenance steps
In many cases, network issues can be manually diagnosed fairly quickly. Here are
a few of the first steps to consider when manually troubleshooting network issues.
Use ipconfig
Running the ipconfig command on Windows devices provides details on the
network adapters, IP addresses, and DNS settings, helping in troubleshooting
connectivity issues.
Use ping and tracert
Ping and Tracert (Trace Route) are tools for testing network connectivity and path
tracking to a destination, respectively, useful for identifying network delays or
blockages.
Perform DNS check
Performing a DNS check can verify if domain names are correctly resolving to
their IP addresses, which is crucial for accessing websites and online services.
Contact your ISP
If network issues persist, contacting your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can help
identify if the problem is on their end or requires further investigation.
Check your virus and malware protection
Ensuring your virus and malware protection is up to date is critical for preventing
software that could be consuming network resources or interfering with
connections.
Review logs
Reviewing logs can provide insights into backend issues, slow queries, or other
anomalies affecting application performance over the network.
What is proactive network troubleshooting?
Proactive network troubleshooting represents a forward-thinking approach in
network maintenance. It involves anticipating and addressing potential network
issues before they become disruptive problems. Nile Access Service has been
designed from the ground up to completely eliminate the need for manual steps
highlighted above to tackle ongoing network maintenance – and make it possible
for the wired and wireless network technology stack to integrate network
operations with AI networking.
This method relies heavily on continuous monitoring and regular analysis of
network performance data to identify trends or anomalies indicative of future
issues. Implementing proactive troubleshooting strategies, such as AI networking
and AIOps, helps organizations prevent downtime, maintain consistent network
performance, and optimize the overall health of their network infrastructure.
Nile Access Service includes AI networking features, applications and automated
actions that are designed to proactively identify and resolve issues before major
problems occur. Proactive troubleshooting and problem resolution are foundational
to network maintenance today as the reliance on wireless and wired networks
grows.
What’s involved in regular preventative maintenance for your network?
Regular preventative maintenance for a network is a proactive approach to avoid
potential issues and ensure optimal performance. This involves scheduling regular
checks for hardware and software, updating security protocols to protect against
new threats, and optimizing network settings for improved efficiency. Regular
backups and disaster recovery drills are also integral, ensuring the network can be
quickly restored in case of an unexpected event. This proactive stance helps in
minimizing disruptions and maintaining a reliable network infrastructure.
What are the different approaches for maintaining a network?
Maintaining a network effectively can be approached in various ways, each with its
unique focus and methodology.
Reactive maintenance
Reactive maintenance focuses on responding to network issues as they occur. This
approach involves diagnosing and fixing problems after they have impacted the
network, often requiring immediate action to restore functionality. While reactive
maintenance is sometimes unavoidable, it can lead to unplanned downtime and
potentially higher costs.
Proactive maintenance
Proactive maintenance aims to identify and resolve potential issues before they
become problematic. This approach includes regular network audits, updating
systems, and monitoring network health. Proactive maintenance helps in reducing
the likelihood of unexpected failures and maintaining consistent network
performance.
Predictive maintenance
Predictive maintenance leverages data analytics and AI to forecast potential
network issues. By analyzing historical data and current network performance
trends, this approach can predict when and where issues might arise, allowing for
timely interventions. Predictive maintenance is becoming increasingly important in
modern network management strategies.
Preventive maintenance
Preventive maintenance involves scheduled checks and servicing of the network to
prevent issues from occurring. Regular updates, backups, and hardware inspections
are part of this approach. Preventive maintenance ensures the network operates
smoothly and reduces the risk of unexpected disruptions.
Nile’s Access Service is designed to significantly reduce the time it takes to
troubleshoot a wired and wireless network, by taking advantage of predictive
maintenance workflows and closed loop automation. Not only will issues be
dynamically resolved, Nile’s customer success team works with customers to
automatically perform preventive software upgrades as needed. Its closed loop
automation capabilities allows the Nile Access Service to offload an organization’s
IT team from constantly performing manual maintenance tasks.
Which hardware devices are serviced most often through network
maintenance?
In network maintenance, certain hardware devices require more frequent servicing
due to their critical role in network operations. Access points and switches, being
central to network functionality, often undergo regular checks and updates.
Firewalls and security appliances also receive considerable attention to ensure they
are up-to-date with the latest security protocols. Additionally, wireless access
points and modems are routinely checked for performance issues and firmware
updates to maintain consistent network connectivity and performance.
What are the tools needed for troubleshooting a network?
Effective network troubleshooting relies on a variety of tools. Below are five
common categories of tools used to troubleshoot network issues.
Protocol analyzers and packet sniffers
Protocol analyzers and packet sniffers are critical for detailed network traffic
analysis. They allow administrators to examine individual packets, understand
traffic patterns, and identify anomalies. This detailed analysis is key in
troubleshooting complex network issues, especially those related to security and
data transmission.
Cable testers and network scanners
For physical network issues, cable testers and network scanners are indispensable.
They help in detecting faults in network cables and identifying connectivity issues
at the physical layer. These tools are crucial in environments where physical
infrastructure plays a significant role in network performance.
Configuration management tools
Configuration management tools are vital for maintaining the integrity of network
settings. They track changes, help in reverting to stable configurations in case of
issues, and identify misconfigurations that could lead to network problems.
Effective configuration management is a cornerstone of robust network
troubleshooting.
AIOps platforms
AIOps platforms, leveraging artificial intelligence for IT operations, are becoming
increasingly important in network troubleshooting. They automate the detection
and resolution of network issues, reduce manual intervention, and enhance overall
network management efficiency. By analyzing large volumes of network data,
AIOps and AI networking tools can predict and prevent potential issues before
they impact the network.
The Nile Access Service is designed to significantly reduce the time it takes for
network troubleshooting, offering a comprehensive solution that automates
traditional network operations. By integrating advanced network monitoring tools
and AI-enabled analytics, Nile’s Access Service proactively identifies and resolves
network issues before they escalate. This service also delivers industry’s first
service level guarantee for coverage, capacity and availability, essential for modern
organizations relying heavily on their digital infrastructure.
Additionally, its intuitive interface and automated problem-solving capabilities
significantly reduces the complexity and time involved in network troubleshooting.
The Nile Access Service embodies the essence of efficient network management,
providing organizations with a single solution that not only automatically performs
root cause analysis to support any troubleshooting efforts but also prevents
network issues with predictive maintenance.
Managing bandwidth allocation in enterprise networks
Enterprise networks often face challenges in managing bandwidth allocation
effectively. Troubleshooting here involves monitoring network usage, prioritizing
critical applications, and preventing network congestion to ensure the smooth
operation of business-critical processes.
Automate and streamline network maintenance with Nile
By utilizing advanced network planning and design methodologies powered by AI,
and by automating the wired and Wi-Fi network lifecycle management across
campus and branch locations, the Nile Access Service ensures that your network
comes with performance guarantees for coverage, capacity and availability. It
effectively eliminates reactive, complex and time-consuming maintenance tasks.
This optimization enhances the user experience, provides a better platform for new
generation of digital connectivity use cases, and leads to significant savings in total
cost of ownership for IT organizations looking to improve their network
infrastructure uptime.
With a focus on removing complexity out of day -1/N network operations and
offering a reliable, hands-off network experience, Nile helps IT organizations
streamline their edge network infrastructure, reducing TCO while maintaining high
connectivity and security standards.

Understanding what network maintenance is will help ensure that your IT network is
being properly protected against a whole range of potential problems. At EC Managed
IT, we know that proper network maintenance can be vital for keeping an IT network up
and running. That is why we offer a range of data protection services, including network
security and maintenance.

What is Network Maintenance?

Network maintenance covers everything that needs to be done in order to keep a
network up and running efficiently. Having a structured, predefined plan for network
maintenance will allow you to ensure that IT related problems are being resolved before
they can cause any actual harm, while also helping to reduce the need for reactive
problem solving.

Network Maintenance Tasks

Some common network maintenance tasks that should be performed on a day-to-day
basis include:
Upgrading Hardware and Software
Installing, replacing, and upgrading hardware and software is an important part of
network maintenance because it ensures that your IT network is not made vulnerable by
outdated technology. Upgrading hardware and software can include everything from
replacing older or failed hardware to upgrading patch levels.
Network Monitoring
Proactive monitoring is essential to creating an effective network maintenance strategy
for any business because it allows potential problems to be detected and solved before
they can negatively impact a business’ operations. When monitoring a network, it is
important to document any potential problems to ensure that everything is being
handled properly.
Network Security
One of the most integral parts of network operation and maintenance is network
security. Having a dedicated security team that consistently monitors your IT network
and helps maintained a structured maintenance approach will help you discover
potential vulnerabilities and security threats, both internally and externally, before they
can affect your business.
Scheduling Backups
While a lot of businesses tend to give low priority to performing routine maintenance
tasks like data backups, regularly backing up your business’ important data can be
essential in recovering information lost due to a serious or critical network failure.
Making sure to schedule, monitor, and verify all backups of core network components
and devices will make it easier and faster to recover a network or individual network
components after a hardware or software failure.