Managed services providers often prioritize properly configuring and implementing client network switches and firewalls. However, regularly reviewing and updating such components is an equally important responsibility.

It’s essential to ensure clients understand the necessity of regularly auditing, updating and creating new backups for network switches and routers as well as the need for scheduling the required service windows and any corresponding expenses. MSPs should consider recurring maintenance tickets to ensure the work is scheduled and completed.

Because network switches perform multiple complex functions, including performing Layer 3 routing, and firewalls fulfill critical security responsibilities, consider arming technicians with a checklist, like the one provided by TechRepublic Premium, for performing regular maintenance on these devices. In addition, creating corresponding service tickets, including tickets that incorporate the checklists as templates or attaching completed checklists to those tickets, helps ensure the critical infrastructure is regularly reviewed, audited and backed up.