Troubleshooting Network Switches: Common Challenges

Network switches are key components that connect a network, but like any piece of technology, are not immune to failure if not managed properly. Organizations need to understand the complexity of network switches to troubleshoot common issues that help IT administrators ensure smooth operations and continuous uptime.

What is a network switch and why can it fail?

A network switch essentially connects devices within a network, using packet switching to receive, process, and forward data to destination devices. A well-functioning design, but switches are usually prone to failures due to overheating, power surges, hardware malfunctions, and environmental factors. The risk of regular wear and tear, as well as the strain of continuous data processing, may also lead to various issues that disrupt network performance.

Let’s delve into the different causes of network switch failures:

• Hardware failures: Wear and tear or manufacturing defects across general components, like power supplies, fans, or other internal hardware, could generate network errors over time.
• Overheating: Inadequate cooling or high ambient temperatures within data centers could cause overheating and component failures, disrupting BAU.
• Power surges or electrical issues:Power spikes, surges, or fluctuations can cause operational instability or a complete shutdown.
• Network traffic overload: High volumes of network traffic beyond device capacity can render it unresponsive over a period of time.
• Aging equipment: As switches age, internal components could undergo degradation, affecting functionality.

Troubleshooting common network switch issues

Troubleshooting network switch issues involves taking several steps to safeguard your switch’s health and ensure peak performance:

• Check physical connections: Ensure all your cables are securely plugged in and inspect LED indicators for activity.
• Verify link status: Use a verified switch management interface or Command-Line Interface (CLI) to confirm port’s link status.
• Review VLAN configurations: If you use VLANs, ensure ports are configured correctly.
• Restart switch: Rebooting the switch can resolve certain basic and brief issues.
• Use replacement equipment: Try using different cables or ports to eliminate device failures.
• Verify network device settings: Check connected devices for correct network configurations.
• Review network configurations: Ensure no conflicting settings exist in the switch configurations.

Reasons to invest in refurbished switches

Investing in refurbished switches is a smart move toward building seamless IT operations:

• Cost savings: Refurbished switches are often significantly cheaper than OEM ones and a better alternative to frequent IT infrastructure upgrades.
• Warranty: Most refurbished switches come with extended warranties, allowing you to extend end-of-life (EOL). CXtec gives you a lifetime warranty with advanced replacement for all networking switches.
• Reliability: High-quality refurbished switches have a reliability rating of 99.5% or higher.
• Environmental impact: Choosing refurbished equipment reduces your carbon footprint and is a more eco-friendly option over OEMs.

As North America’s largest secondary hardware market provider, CXtec offers you an advantage over OEMs. Our industry-leading refurbished hardware offering, equal2new®, helps you to make the most out of your IT infrastructure management. Our relentless commitment to reliability is demonstrated by our client successes across the globe, offering a unique blend of high-performance hardware, sustainability, and cost savings. You can choose from a range of brands, like Cisco, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise (HPE), and many others to improve your network operations.

Ready to get started? Contact CXtec now.