Simply put
A network glitch refers to a temporary disruption or malfunction within a computer network that affects its performance or connectivity.
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Hardware Failures: Often, glitches can stem from physical issues within the network hardware, such as faulty cables, routers, switches, or network interface cards (NICs). These components may experience wear and tear over time, leading to intermittent connectivity issues or data transmission errors.
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Software Bugs: Software running on network devices, including routers, switches, firewalls, or even endpoint devices, can contain bugs or glitches that cause unexpected behavior. These bugs may manifest as intermittent connectivity issues, packet loss, or network slowdowns.
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Configuration Errors: Misconfigurations in network devices or software settings can lead to glitches. For instance, incorrect routing configurations, firewall rules, or Quality of Service (QoS) settings can disrupt normal network operations and cause performance issues.
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Interference and Environmental Factors: External factors such as electromagnetic interference, radio frequency interference, or environmental conditions (e.g., temperature fluctuations, humidity) can impact network performance and contribute to glitches, especially in wireless networks.
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Traffic Overload: High network traffic volumes, particularly during peak usage hours, can overload network devices and lead to congestion, packet drops, or latency spikes, resulting in network glitches.
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Security Threats: Cybersecurity incidents, such as denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, malware infections, or intrusion attempts, can disrupt network operations and cause glitches by overwhelming network resources or compromising network integrity.
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Upgrades or Maintenance: Network maintenance activities or software upgrades can sometimes introduce unexpected glitches if not properly planned or executed. Changes to network configurations or software versions may inadvertently cause compatibility issues or configuration conflicts.
See
https://indico.cern.ch/event/129491/contributions/110961/attachments/88989/127383/NetworkGlitch.pdf
https://www.chorus.co.nz/get-better-internet/guides/what-happens-when-your-internet-glitches