Network Health Check & Documentation
Network firmware updates, on site
Our firewall, switches and access points have never been updated.
Our firewall, switches and access points have never been updated.
Firmware updates fix security flaws and bugs in routers, firewalls, switches, access points and NAS units. Many small business devices are installed and forgotten, sometimes running versions several years old with known vulnerabilities. Some are also past the vendor's end-of-support date and will not receive any more updates. Updates also bring fixes for Wi-Fi roaming, VPN stability and performance, so they are worth doing even where security is not the trigger.
What the technician does
- List devices, current firmware and vendor support status
- Back up configurations and update in a planned order
- Test the network and record new versions
Updates usually need a restart, so plan them for a quiet time.
About network firmware updates
We check each device's version against the vendor's releases and notes, back up configurations, and update in an order that keeps the network reachable. After each step we confirm that devices are working and VLANs, VPNs and Wi-Fi are behaving. Devices past end of support are listed with replacement options. You get a list of versions to compare against next time.
What usually causes it
- No one responsible for network updates
- Security alert for a firewall or router model
- Network health check flagged old firmware
- Wi-Fi bugs or stability issues
Before we arrive
- Any existing logins, passwords or notes from previous IT help
- Access to the comms cupboard, server room and ceiling spaces
- A list of known problems and when they tend to happen
- Details of your internet provider and connection type
What a visit looks like
When you book network firmware updates, you tell us what's going on and we reply with a time that suits you and a price. Nothing starts until you're happy with both.
On the day, the technician arrives, looks at the problem in person and confirms the plan with you before starting. If something turns out different from what was expected - a part is needed, or the cause is somewhere else - we stop and agree the change with you first.
When the work is done we test it with you, show you what was changed, and leave the area tidy. For business jobs we note what we did, so there is a record for whoever looks after your IT next.
Pricing
Each network firmware updates job is priced before work starts. The price depends on what's involved - the size of the site, the equipment, and whether parts are needed - so the quickest way to a number is to tell us about the job on the booking form.
There is no contract and no monthly fee. You book the job you need and pay for that job.
Network firmware updates: questions
Can firmware updates break things?
Occasionally. That is why we read the release notes, back up configurations first and update in a planned order with a way to roll back. Reading notes first matters most on firewalls.
Should updates be automatic?
Some devices manage this well; for firewalls and core switches, planned updates are usually safer. We set an approach that suits each device. Consumer-grade gear often has no control over update timing at all.
Do you do network firmware updates on site?
Yes. We come to businesses and homes across Auckland and Hamilton and do the work where the equipment is.
How much does network firmware updates cost?
It depends on what's involved. Tell us about the job on the form and we'll confirm the price before any work starts.