How many routers has your organisation been through since day one? That’s not a question you’re asked every day, but you’ll find that successful businesses who have used the same router (Barring those that have just started) since they opened for business are in the minority. Whether it’s due to upgrading, faulty hardware, expansion or simple maintenance, every routing environment needs periodic changes. Small businesses may not have much to worry about, but changing routers can become a nightmare in a sizeable organisation. There are ways to be prepared for the worst, however, and this blog will highlight a few of them.

Router configuration backup files contain vital network data

Your router configuration backup files contain a host of integral network settings, routing paths, Quality of Service (QoS) settings, Access Control Lists (ACLs) and other information that is crucial for network traffic to travel across the environment. Each time you change routers, or add one to your environment, you have to adapt their settings to suit your network. This results in a small loss of time at best, but in the case of replacing a faulty router, not having an up-to-date backup could cost you a lot more.

Adapting to a new router configuration can be costly

It goes without saying that setting up a router to best suit your environment can take time. If you aren’t making regular router configuration backups, starting a fresh routing environment will mean that you have to individually reset each device in your workplace to get your network up and running. With the number of devices in the average office today, this can escalate to an unbelievable waste of time and resources. With a reliable router configuration backup plan in place, it’s effortless to update the new routing environment with your existing configuration and get your network back up and running optimally.

Automate as much as your software allows

Why take the risk of human error when you can automate your router configuration backups? Many catastrophic network problems are the result of finger errors, forgetfulness or miscommunication between people. Additionally, setting up file access lists and account permissions requires a skilled IT technician, who could most likely be making much more profitable use of their time. Depending on the networking software you use, you can automate detailed router configuration backup schedules as regularly as you see fit. Tedious tasks like backing up configuration files bore most employees and take time out of their day, so the benefits of automating as many mundane processes as you can should be immediately noticeable.

Don’t throw out old backup files

It’s important to experiment with your router configuration to establish where and how your environment could be improved. However, sometimes errors only become apparent after time, and if you’ve been overwriting your router configuration backup files every time you change your settings, you could be in big trouble. Make sure you keep a record of all your router configuration backup files to avoid unnecessary trouble should you run into an unexpected error.

To find out more about how the right network management software can automate critical network processes and eliminate the risk of human error in your network environment, visit Iris Network Systems today.

Image credit: Mwaonline