Email delivery problems can often be traced back to issues with your business network. Simply put, if your network isn't running smoothly, emails might get delayed, lost, or fail to send altogether. This happens because email systems rely on a stable internet connection and proper network settings to communicate with external servers and your internal devices.
Why network issues matter for Australian SMBs
For small and mid-sized businesses in Australia, email is a critical communication tool—whether it's dealing with customers, suppliers, or internal teams. Network disruptions can lead to downtime where emails don't arrive or get stuck, which affects staff productivity and can harm customer trust if important messages are missed. In some cases, network problems might also expose your business to cyber risks, such as interception or spoofing, if security controls aren't properly configured.
A typical scenario: How network problems disrupt email
Imagine a 50-person accounting firm in Melbourne relying on cloud-based email. One day, their internet connection becomes unstable due to a faulty router or ISP issues. As a result, employees notice emails failing to send or delayed notifications. The IT team investigates and finds that the network's DNS settings are misconfigured, causing email servers to be unreachable. A managed IT provider steps in, corrects the network settings, replaces faulty hardware, and sets up monitoring to catch future issues early. This quick response restores email flow and minimises disruption.
Practical checklist: What to do about network-related email issues
- Ask your IT provider: How do you monitor network health to prevent email disruptions? What's your process for troubleshooting email delivery problems?
- Review your service agreements: Check if network uptime guarantees and response times meet your business needs.
- Perform basic internal checks: Verify your internet connection is stable and fast enough for your email volume.
- Check network hardware: Ensure routers, switches, and firewalls are up to date and properly configured.
- Review DNS and firewall settings: Confirm they allow email traffic without unnecessary blocks.
- Backup configurations: Maintain recent backups of network device settings to speed recovery after issues.
- Train staff: Encourage reporting of email problems promptly to catch network issues early.
Network issues are a common but manageable cause of email delivery problems. By understanding how your network supports email and working with a trusted IT partner to maintain and monitor it, you can reduce downtime and keep your business communications running smoothly. If you're experiencing email delays or failures, consider consulting a managed IT provider who can assess your network setup and recommend targeted improvements.