Why Your Network is Slow and How You Can Fix It

Is your small business suffering from a sudden (or gradual) slowdown in your network? It can be tricky to troubleshoot what the issue is.

Is your small business suffering from a sudden (or gradual) slowdown in your network? It can be tricky to troubleshoot what the issue is, but here are some of the most common reasons for network slowdowns and simple ways to fix the problem.

Bad NICs

A Network Interface Card (NIC) is what lives inside of your computers that allows them to be a part of your small business’s network. A bad or failing NIC can be slowing down your entire network. If you suspect that one workstation is the culprit, take a look at the NIC’s LED lights. If the lights are solid green or amber, the workstation has an active physical connection to another network device. If the LED is not green, the network adapter does not have an active network connection (or the cable connecting the NIC is faulty). If you can rule out the network port or wall jack, the NIC is in need of replacement.

NetBIOS Issues

Many Windows NT 4.0 networks use NetBIOS to keep their networks running and in good shape. NetBIOS has many internal processes that are designed to detect and resolve conflicts within the network before you ever notice them. However, the internal processes are not wholly without flaws. When issues are not handled properly, entire networks can suffer outages, files can be inaccessible, and the network can experience a dramatic slow down. Make sure that your Windows systems are regularly updated to prevent against NetBIOS conflicts.

Spyware Invasion

While many networks have adequate provisions in place to protect against spyware, networks and computers are still vulnerable to spyware infestation if they haven’t been properly protected. The best protection from spyware is prevention, so make sure that your network’s computers have strong user policies in place and applications installed to prevent spyware programs from running.

Leave the Troubleshooting to SOS Technology Group

Whether you are experiencing a sudden slowdown in your network or constantly looking for ways to improve your network, SOS Technology Group has the expertise and equipment to troubleshoot and repair any issues. SOS Technology Group is a full-service IT consulting company that provides IT services and solutions for businesses throughout the United States. If you are interested in seeing how we can help your business, contact us online or give us a call at (410) 559-7020. For more technology tips, follows us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.