Common problems with an internet provider and how to solve them
There are several problems that those who work with the implementation of ISP services face on a daily basis. Whether it's sudden technical failures, time-consuming installations, or frequent maintenance. All of this contributes to a loss of productivity, but even more so: it can drive customers away and further harm the provider.
In this article, we identify six common problems with an internet provider, and possible solutions to minimize them.
1 - Low quality equipment
As we already know: cheap, most of the time, ends up being expensive.
Lower-cost, higher-quality equipment tends to fail after a short period of use. This is not just due to technical failures, but also due to deterioration of the materials used to manufacture these products. It is important to understand the resistance of both aspects.
At first, the choice may be tempting, but in the long run it will result in loss of customers, headaches and damage to the image that your provider has in the market. It is worth doing a little more research at the beginning and getting the investment right, rather than just relying on the lowest price.
Prioritizing certified and guaranteed instruments is essential, if possible, combined with available support. This is undoubtedly the safest alternative.
2 - Installation of equipment
This point is directly linked to the previous one.
Just as smart management must be involved in purchasing equipment from your provider, it also needs to keep an eye on the installation process. A good instrument is useless if the person handling it does not have the necessary knowledge to get the best out of it.
This involves adequate training of field professionals, supervision of network projects and increased practicality during installations. Choosing product models that offer this practicality during assembly can help. Not only in making the work efficient, but in saving money by reducing installation time.
3 - Old or outdated equipment and configurations
In addition to low-quality equipment, another problem may be the use of outdated products and configurations. In addition to presenting malfunctions over time, this type of material can generate safety issues.
The quality of the connection is significantly compromised in these cases, as old equipment can affect internet speed.
The solution here is to simply check which are the most recent and updated versions of the devices in use, and whenever possible opt for a replacement. The result will be a higher quality of service provided by the provider, and satisfied customers.
4 - Constant maintenance
This factor is also directly linked to the provider's management. When maintenance becomes too frequent, with failures occurring all the time, the performance of the company and the technicians responsible also suffers. As previously mentioned, a good choice of equipment can help in this regard, but we believe that good network management can also help. Combining these two things will greatly optimize your provider's processes.
Being able to know exactly where a fault occurs, through detailed documentation of your network project, speeds up maintenance work, but not only that: through this information, it will be possible to know where the causes of the errors are, and make intelligent changes of material from there. Once again, saving time and money.
5 - Network interference and instability
There are several devices that can cause network interference, reducing internet speed, especially when fiber optics are not used. Be aware that not only factors/elements in the customer's home can cause this type of instability, but also in the surrounding area. Since this is something that directly influences the user experience, it is important to find the causes and offer solutions, from specific equipment to new reception channels.
However, for a long-term resolution of interference and instability, opting for a fiber optic network is the best alternative. They, for example, do not suffer from electromagnetic interference.
Power outages can also cause problems for the stability of a network. In addition to disrupting the customer experience, they can cause serious damage to the provider's equipment. Using equipment that operates online, for example, can help in this regard. Power surges will not affect the network, since damage can be prevented in real time. UPS sources, switching power supplies, electrical protectors, converters and POEU2019s protect equipment from possible power variations.
6 - Network documentation
Finally, a hurdle for providers is the lack of control over their network design. What may not seem like a problem at the beginning for the provider becomes a snowball effect over time. The network grows, and the rote knowledge of where things are will inevitably be lost. Relying exclusively on the memory of one or another person responsible for handling all the information about boxes, cables, and equipment used at each point is risky, to say the least.
This problem can impact productivity, cause unnecessary expenses to be incurred due to a lack of detailed information and hinder a moment of expansion for the provider.
To solve this problem, the best approach is to start documenting early. Even a small provider that is just starting out can invest time in designing its network. There are free tools to help with this process, such as Google Earth, and they will also allow for an easier migration to dedicated software such as OZmap, for example, in the future.
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