Troubleshooting skills vary from administrator to administrator. If a troubleshooter does not follow a structured approach, the temptation is to move between troubleshooting tasks in a fairly random way, often based on instinct. Such an approach can become confusing to remember what you have tried and what you have not tried.
You might encounter a variety of structured troubleshooting methodologies in networking literature. However, for the Network+ exam, the methodology shown in figure 21-2 is the one you should memorize.
Once you have completed step 4, established a plan of action to resolve the problem and identified potential effects, step 5 is to implement the solution or escalate as necessary.
Based on your documented plan of action, you should schedule an appropriate time to implement your action plan. The selection of an appropriate time is a balance between the severity of a problem and the impact your action plan will have on other users. Sometimes, when attempting to implement an action plan, you realize that you do not have sufficient administrative privileges to perform a task in your action plan. In such cases, you should escalate the issue to someone who has the appropriate administrative rights. In the example:
User A's computer is unable to communicate with server 1, as verified by a ping test. However, user A can communicate with all other servers. Also, no other user seems to have an issue connecting to server 1.
Changing the subnet mask on one computer should not impact any other devices. So, you might immediately make the configuration change on user A's computer.
Elaboration of Step 1 though Step 7 of the network troubleshooting methodology that should be understood and memorized for the Network+ exam can be found in CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Cert Guide
About The Author
Anthony Sequeira, CCIE No. 15626, is a Cisco Certified Systems Instructor (CCSI) and author regarding all levels and tracks of Cisco Certification. Anthony formally began his career in the information technology industry in 1994 with IBM in Tampa, Florida. He quickly formed his own computer consultancy, Computer Solutions, and then discovered his true passion-teaching and writing about Microsoft and Cisco technologies. Anthony joined Mastering Computers in 1996 and lectured to massive audiences around the world about the latest in computer technologies. Mastering Computers became the revolutionary online training company, KnowledgeNet, and Anthony trained there for many years. Anthony is currently pursuing his second CCIE in the area of Security and is a full-time instructor for the next-generation of KnowledgeNet, StormWind.com. Anthony is also a VMware Certified Professional.
CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Cert Guide contains proven study features that allow you to succeed on the exam the first time. Expert instructor Anthony Sequeira shares preparation hints and test-taking tips, helping you identify areas of weakness and improve both your conceptual knowledge and hands-on skills, essential for successful completion of the performance-based testing items on the exam. This complete, CompTIA-approved study package includes the following:
• A test-preparation routine proven to help you pass the exams
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• More than 60 minutes of video mentoring
• A final preparation chapter that guides you through tools and resources to help you craft your review and test taking strategies
• An Exam Essentials appendix that quickly recaps all major chapter topics for easy reference, both in print and interactive digital format
• A key terms Glossary in both print and on the companion website, which acts as an interactive flash-card application
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Well regarded for its level of detail, study plans, assessment features, challenging review questions and exercises, video instruction, and hands-on labs, this approved study guide helps you master the concepts and techniques that ensure your exam success.
Master the topics on the CompTIA Network+ N10-008 exam, including:
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• Routing, Ethernet switching, and wireless networking
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• Network troubleshooting
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