Servers are a vital part of any enterprise network. A problem or failure of the server can bring down the entire network. And you don’t need us to tell you that downtime is expensive – at times, five-figure expensive! It’s best to stay on top of common server issues and address them as they happen.
Maintenance is vital for preventing many of the typical server issues. From replacing faulty components to installing firmware updates, timely maintenance and monitoring can prevent failure. Still, servers are machines at the end of the day and can have problems.
In this article, we will discuss the following:
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Hardware problems are physical issues with the server or one of its components. Hardware issues are perhaps the most consequential because they can lead to complete failure.
Here are the common hardware issues in servers:
Hardware problems can be the most challenging because many enterprises lack hardware expertise. To troubleshoot possible hardware issues, it’s best to begin with a visual inspection to ensure everything is connected as it should.
Run the diagnostic tool specific to the server to determine which component is malfunctioning. The tool should give you specifics for the part that may have an issue.
Hardware issues should be diverted to your maintenance provider, whether it’s the manufacturer or a third party. They can provide better support and send in an engineer or replacement should the issue result in complete failure.
Software programs run and control the server, so an issue in one of those programs can result in performance issues or poor uptime and availability.
Here are common software-related issues in servers:
Detecting and diagnosing software issues can be tricky. Start with the operating system to ensure that it’s configured correctly. Then, move to drivers to ensure they’re the latest version from the vendor.
If the issue occurs when running a specific application, consider looking into that. There may be compatibility issues or another problem with the application.
Most server software, whether it’s an operating system or database management system, has diagnostic tools. Run them one by one to get to the problem.
A server/network monitoring tool may also help identify the possible issue by auditing the event logs.
Most performance issues are a result of an underlying hardware or software problem. Nevertheless, some performance issues may just require some optimization efforts.
Here are the most common performance-related issues you’ll face with servers:
Server or network monitoring tools can help detect, diagnose, and resolve performance issues. Set benchmarks for main performance metrics (requests per second, thread count, network bandwidth, etc.) and ensure the server performance is at or near these benchmarks.
Again, performance issues may also spring from hardware or software issues. So it’s best to troubleshoot those, too, when looking for the cause of lackluster performance.
Servers are often the target of outside attacks, and a security issue is equivalent to a welcome mat for those threats. It’s imperative to be on top of any possible security vulnerabilities.
Here are common server security issues:
While some incidents, like zero-day exploits, may be beyond your control, other security issues can be addressed preemptively.
Most enterprises use dedicated network security solutions that can monitor for threats and issues with the equipment. Such tools should monitor for configuration drifts, new security patches, and abnormal user behavior to stop exploitation of the servers.
Various network and connectivity issues may impact your server. While some of these are directly linked to the server, others may have a root cause in another device, for example, the router.
Server connectivity issues include:
Begin by verifying the physical layer and checking for faulty cables or hardware.
Use network monitoring tools to assess overall network health, identifying packet loss, high latency, or other anomalies. Confirm correct IP configurations, DNS resolution, and DHCP assignments.
Review firewall and router settings for proper configurations, ensuring ports are open as needed. Examine VLAN and subnet configurations for consistency.
If you’ve read the article and reached here, you’ve already realized that many common server issues are linked with maintenance. How, exactly? Maintenance helps identify problems before they escalate, especially hardware and software issues. Devices may also cause performance and network issues when the server is connected.
Routine checks on hardware components are highly recommended. Similarly, monitoring the server's performance is extremely important for optimization and efficiency. It should form a cornerstone of maintenance.
Maintenance should solve your problems, not create new ones. Get coverage tailored to your networks and confidence, knowing when something happens, your spares will be there.
If TPM were a house, OneScan would be the foundation. We do the complex thinking for you when setting the foundation for an optimized maintenance strategy, saving you valuable time.
There can be various reasons behind server failure, including but not limited to hardware failure, configuration error, virus/malware, physical damage, overheating, and un-updated firmware.
Server failure can result in downtime, which, in turn, causes revenue and productivity losses. It can be prevented with maintenance and monitoring. Actively look for issues and resolve them before they get worse.
Server downtime, also called an outage, is when the server is shut down or fails to perform. It can directly impact network performance and data availability.
Common causes of server downtime include hardware issues, software bugs, faulty connections, loss of power supply, and even cyberattacks.
If your server is unresponsive or receiving errors, you may want to troubleshoot a number of common server issues.
Inspect the server’s connections to ensure all the cabling is connected as it should. Next, run a network diagnostic assessment to look for networking issues preventing the server from responding.
If troubleshooting network issues doesn’t solve the problem, you may have to reset the server hard.