What are the best network hardware diagnostic practices for archiving networks?

2 Backup your network configuration

The second step is to backup your network configuration files, such as startup-config and running-config, from your network devices. These files contain the settings, parameters, and policies that control the behavior and functionality of your network hardware. You can use different methods to backup your network configuration, such as copy, tftp, ftp, scp, or rcp. You should also verify the integrity and validity of your backup files, and store them in a secure and accessible location.

3 Test your network performance

The third step is to test your network performance, such as speed, latency, bandwidth, throughput, and packet loss, between your network devices and connections. You can use various tools and commands to measure these metrics, such as iperf, netstat, nmap, ping, traceroute, and tcpdump. You should also compare your network performance with the baseline or expected values, and identify any anomalies or bottlenecks that may affect your network quality.

4 Scan your network security

The fourth step is to scan your network security, such as vulnerabilities, threats, and risks, on your network devices and connections. You can use various tools and commands to perform these scans, such as nmap, nessus, wireshark, tcpdump, and iptables. You should also review your network security policies and rules, such as firewall, access control, encryption, and authentication, and ensure that they are up to date and compliant with the best practices and standards.

5 Update your network firmware

The fifth step is to update your network firmware, which is the software that runs on your network hardware and provides the basic functionality and features. You can use different methods to update your network firmware, such as download, upload, flash, or boot. You should also check the compatibility and stability of your network firmware with your network configuration and performance, and avoid any conflicts or errors that may cause your network hardware to malfunction or crash.

6 Document your network status

The sixth step is to document your network status, which is the current state and condition of your network hardware and connections. You can use various tools and commands to generate reports and logs of your network status, such as show, snmp, syslog, and netflow. You should also include any changes, issues, or improvements that you have made or encountered during your network hardware diagnostic practices, and provide recommendations or solutions for future reference.