Computer networking can be a simple matter or a gargantuan feat. Depending on the environs, network size, demands, and many other factors, it can become increasingly easy to administer not just the network, but a network mistake. For entertainment and educational purposes alike, here are five of the most common computer networking mistakes.

Improper Server Placement

One of the most common networking mistakes involves the improper placement of the network’s critical server system. A LAN, or local area network requires the use of a central server that handles all of the central files and file traffic among devices on the server. It is crucial that this system be set in a location that is central to all devices in a building.

This rule is especially true when transmitting data via cat-5 or cat-6 ethernet cables. These cables only carry data reliably to around 100 meters. Signal boosters, however, can help remedy this problem when unavoidable.

Forgetting Heatmaps

In networking, a heatmap is a map of a building that shows the differing rates of data flow within it as well as access points and data strength being distributed to these areas. For example, one company’s heatmap might show that the most network traffic in it’s central office building is generated by a finance department on the fifth floor. This is a problem since the main access points are on the first floor.

In this scenario, the company in question could use the heatmap to determine this supply and demand mismatch. They could then move the server to the third floor and provide more access to the crucial fifth floor while also not leaving out the lower floors that still do need some access. It is a fairly common mistake, believe it or not, for network professionals to unnecessarily chase complexities beyond this basic problem-solving premise.

Lack of IT Standardization

Standards and unification serve all realms of the business world quite well. IT department operations and best practices are no exception. Common mistake number-three is that of a lack of standardization in IT staff procedure.

All IT network workers must follow the same procedures, troubleshooting practices, best practices, escalation protocols, and even the same methods of record keeping with regard to network work. By following a uniform procedure, less work orders fall through the cracks, and a more preventive approach can be taken on as opposed to a reactive one. Budget and matters of efficiency are also touched by the failures or accomplishments herein.

Communication Shortcomings

This mistake is another that some can find hard to believe – a lack of communication. Yes, even in this world of ultra data movement and advanced manners of communication, network professionals often fall short in communicating where it truly counts.

This point of communique being so terribly neglected is that of department management at various levels. A new set of features, for example, is applied to the network, and countless employees must then adapt. This is no new concept, however, if the IT developers didn’t consult with department management while developing these changes, these could be a setback as opposed to a leap forward. This is just one example of the many ways in which a failure to communicate can really lead to greater problems here.

Oversights in Project Inter-Dependency

Finally, oversights regarding the relation of various projects to one another is the final mistake on our list of the most common. Larger IT departments generally have any number of network projects going on at one time. It’s easy to view these projects individually, and to a certain degree, they should be viewed as such. The truth though is that many of these individual efforts are related to and have an effect on one another. Not making these cognitive connections can make for all types of confusion and costly frustrations.

Networking is an extremely important ability of virtually all modern companies today. These five mistakes are some of those that happen more often than most when it comes to this technological ability. When these computer networking mistakes are avoided, great successes and further efficiency are thus experienced.

Related resource: 50 Most Advanced University Computer Science Departments 2016