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 3, confirmed that your theory makes sense technically, you need to develop an action plan. If time permits, you should document your action plan. The documentation of your action plan can be used as a back-out plan if your hypothesis is incorrect. 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.
An action plan might be to change the subnet mask on user A's computer from 255.255.0.0 to 255.255.255.0.
Before moving on to the next step, implementing the action plan, determine what impact your plan will have on other devices and other users. Also make sure that you have sufficient administrative privileges to perform your action plan.
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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• A free copy of the CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Simulator Lite software, complete with meaningful lab exercises that enhance your hands-on skills
• 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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