Busy network periods are fast approaching, and you should be preparing your network to handle additional traffic.   

During peak season, online stores can easily become swamped with extra customers. While this is great for your business, you want to ensure your network can handle the additional digital footfall.  

Get planning early  

The sooner you prepare, the better equipped you will be to handle traffic spikes when they emerge. You can expect higher data and customer traffic, so make sure your internet connection can handle the surge by upgrading your bandwidth if needed.  

Check routers, switches, and firewalls to ensure you run the latest firmware and configure them for peak performance. Test your website and systems by simulating heavy traffic. This will help you find any problems before the real rush comes.   

Set up backup internet connections or failover routes. This will keep your network online if the main link goes down. Also, consider increasing security measures to defend against potential cyber threats that often spike during busy seasons.  

Prepare your team and tools 

Planning is crucial, but you also should stay on the ball when the customers begin to roll in. Inform your teams about peak season plans, potential slowdowns, and procedures for reporting issues. Prepare your IT Support Team especially and ensure they are on standby to quickly address any issues during peak times. 

If you have a website, Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) can share traffic across many servers. This helps reduce delays and improve load times. Configure Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritise essential business applications and services during high traffic periods. Lastly, use proactive monitoring tools to spot slowdowns or outages instantly, allowing you to act before customers notice.  

Ample preparation allows you to enjoy peak periods with minimal stress. It also equips your business to receive the full benefit of additional traffic and customers. At dbfb, we can help you prepare and bolster your network for even the most extreme traffic spikes. To learn more, get in touch by calling 01604 673320 or emailing discover@dbfb.co.uk.