Stabilizing the Client and Server Network Connections

The client and server also are large factors in network stability and application performance, starting with the connection point to the network, the NIC. For all devices, if the client or server network connection is not stable (because of improper device drivers, faulty network cards, bad cables, or a poorly implemented or misconfigured TCP/IP stack, for example), then the network will appear to lack stability and application performance will suffer.

The device driver selected by the operating system may not always be the most appropriate, accurate, or current. Ensuring that servers, client workstations, and their respective NICs are operating in the most efficient and stable manner will impact the stability of the LAN and WAN directly. The stability of the network offers no value if the server or client devices cannot reliably transmit data through it. There is a possibility that the operating system's default driver selection will lead to packet loss or a network interface exhibiting intermittent functionality. The host operating system may not be equipped to communicate the lack of functionality to the administrator.