We can’t tell you how many times we’ve been called out to fix network problems that could’ve been avoided with a bit of regular maintenance. Routers that haven’t been updated in years. Switches that have been overheating for months. WiFi passwords that everyone and their dog seems to know. These aren’t emergencies, they’re just maintenance jobs that got ignored until they became crises.
Think of your network like a car. It needs regular check-ups to keep running smoothly. Skip the maintenance and you’ll end up broken down on the side of the road. Or in this case, with your whole business unable to work.
We’ve put together this monthly checklist based on what we’ve learned working with small businesses. It’s not rocket science, but it is thorough. Spend an hour or two each month going through this stuff and you’ll catch problems before they turn into disasters.
1. Check How Your Network is Performing
Start by actually testing your network speed. We know it sounds obvious, but most people never bother. They just assume it’s working because websites eventually load.
Use a speed test tool like speedtest.net or fast.com. Test at different times of day because you might find your network slows down during peak hours. If speeds are consistently below what you’re paying for, there’s probably an issue with your connection or equipment.
Also check for latency. That’s the delay between clicking something and it actually happening. High latency makes everything feel sluggish, even if your download speed looks fine. If you’re seeing latency over 100ms on a local network, something’s definitely wrong.
If you’ve got network monitoring tools (and you really should), review the reports. Look for patterns. Maybe certain times of day are problematic, or specific devices are hogging way more bandwidth than they should.
2. Update Everything
Your router, switches, access points, they all run firmware and that firmware needs updates. Manufacturers release updates to fix security holes and bugs. Running outdated firmware is basically like leaving your front door unlocked.
Most modern network equipment has a web interface where you can check for updates. Log into your router (usually by typing its IP address into a browser), look for a firmware update section, and see if there’s a newer version available.
Important bit: before updating firmware, backup your current configuration. If something goes wrong during the update, you can restore your settings. We’ve seen updates go sideways, and having that backup has saved the day more than once.
Also check for updates to any network management software you’re using. These tools help you monitor and control your network, and they need to be kept current too.
3. Review Your Security Settings
Security isn’t something you set once and forget. You need to review it regularly.
Start with your firewall. Check the rules. Are they still appropriate? Sometimes rules get added for temporary projects and never removed. Old rules can create security holes.
Look at your access logs. Most routers and firewalls keep logs of connection attempts. Review them for anything suspicious. Repeated failed login attempts, connections from unusual locations, that sort of thing. Most of the time it’s nothing, but every now and then you’ll spot an actual threat.
When was the last time you changed your WiFi password? If you can’t remember, it’s been too long. Even if you think it’s secure, change it periodically. And make sure you’re using WPA3 or at least WPA2. If you’re still on WPA, you’re basically broadcasting your password to anyone nearby.
If you’ve got a VPN for remote access, verify it’s working and secure. Test connecting from outside your network, make sure the encryption is still properly configured, and check who has access.
4. Check Your Hardware
Network equipment can fail, and it usually gives you warning signs if you’re paying attention.
Physically inspect your equipment. Are the cables in good condition? We’ve seen network problems caused by a cable that got chewed by a mouse or damaged by being stepped on. Check that all connections are secure. A loose cable can cause intermittent problems that’ll drive you mad.
Feel your equipment (carefully, make sure it’s not too hot first). Routers and switches should be warm, not hot. If they’re too hot to touch comfortably, they’re overheating. That’ll shorten their lifespan and can cause performance issues. Make sure they’ve got adequate ventilation.
Check the error logs on your network devices. Most have a way to view logs through their web interface. Look for repeated errors. Those are clues that something’s wrong. A few errors here and there are normal, but if you’re seeing the same error over and over, investigate it.
If you’ve got a UPS protecting your network equipment, test it. Unplug it from the wall and make sure it actually provides backup power. A dead UPS battery is worse than no UPS at all because it gives you a false sense of security.
5. Test Your Backups
We’re not talking about data backups here, we mean backing up your network configuration. Your router and switches have settings. WiFi passwords, firewall rules, port configurations, all that stuff. If your equipment dies and you have to replace it, you’ll want those settings.
Most network equipment lets you export your configuration to a file. Do that monthly, and store it somewhere safe (not on the same network equipment). If you ever need to replace a router or restore settings, you’ll be glad you have it.
And actually test restoring from that backup. We know it sounds like overkill, but we’ve seen people discover their backup was corrupted or incomplete when they actually needed it. Better to find out during a test than during an emergency.
6. Review Who Has Access
People come and go, and their network access should too. Every month, review who has access to your network and remove anyone who shouldn’t be there anymore.
This includes WiFi passwords. If someone leaves, change the password. Even if they’re trustworthy, you don’t want former employees (or their devices) still able to access your network.
Review user permissions. Does everyone still need the level of access they have? Maybe someone moved to a different role and doesn’t need admin access anymore. The principle of least privilege applies here. Give people only the access they need to do their job.
Also review your network policies. Are they still appropriate? Technology changes, business needs change, and your policies should reflect that.
7. Document Everything
We know, documentation is boring. But when something goes wrong at 3am and you’re trying to remember what you changed six months ago, you’ll wish you’d written it down.
Keep a simple network diagram. What devices you have, how they’re connected, what IP addresses they use. You don’t need fancy software, a simple drawing works fine. Update it when you add or change equipment.
Document any configuration changes you make. Why did you change it? What problem were you solving? Future you (or your IT person) will thank you.
Keep notes on problems you’ve encountered and how you fixed them. Chances are you’ll see similar problems again, and having that history saves time.
Making It Happen
We get it, you’re busy running a business. Finding time for network maintenance isn’t easy. But an hour of maintenance each month can save you days of downtime and thousands in emergency repairs.
If you don’t have the time or technical knowledge to do this yourself, that’s okay. Many businesses we work with outsource their network maintenance to us. We handle the monthly checks, keep everything updated, and catch problems before they become emergencies. It’s usually more cost-effective than dealing with crises as they happen.
Whether you do it yourself or get help, the important thing is that it gets done. Your network is too important to ignore. Get in touch if you want to discuss setting up a maintenance schedule that works for your business.