• Network+ Guide to Networks6th Edition• Chapter 13• Troubleshooting Network Problems• Objectives• Describe the steps involved in an effective troubleshooting methodology• Follow a systematic troubleshooting process to identify and resolve networking problems• Document symptoms, solutions, and results when troubleshooting network problems• Use a variety of software and hardware tools to diagnose problems• Troubleshooting Methodology• Proceed logically and methodically• Follow recommended steps• Use experience when necessary• Logical approach benefits– Prevents wasteful, time-consuming efforts• Unnecessary software, hardware replacements• Troubleshooting Methodology (cont’d.)• Troubleshooting steps– Identify problem• Gather information• Identify symptoms• Question users• Determine if anything has changed– Establish theory of probable cause• Question the obvious• Troubleshooting Methodology (cont’d.)• Troubleshooting steps (cont’d.)– Test theory to determine cause• If theory confirmed, determine next steps• If theory not confirmed, establish new theory or escalate– Establish action plan– Implement solution or escalate– Verify full functionality– Implement preventative measures if applicable– Document findings, actions, outcomes• Identify the Problem and Its Symptoms• Ask questions– Answers help identify network problem symptoms• Avoid jumping to conclusions about symptoms• Pay attention to:– Users– System and network behaviors– Error messages• Identify the Problem and Its Symptoms (cont’d.)• Determine the problem’s scope– Find out how many users or network segments are affected– Narrow down time frame during which problem occurred• Benefits of narrowing scope– Eliminate causes, point to others• Identify the Problem and Its Symptoms (cont’d.)• Take time to troubleshoot correctly– Ask specific questions– Filter unrelated user information• Discover time and frequency of problem – May reveal more subtle network problems• Identify affected problem area– Leads to next troubleshooting steps• Identify the Problem and Its Symptoms (cont’d.)• Question users– Ensure human error is not source of problem– Watch the user if possible (Caps Lock on)• Use remote desktop software• Ask what appears on the screen• Use methodical approach• Determine if anything has changed– Be aware of recent network changes– Where there any hardware and software changes• Identify the Problem and Its Symptoms (cont’d.)• Possible actions if network change created problem– Correct problem• Sometimes the best solution– Reverse change• Restore the hardware or software changes• Network change records– Track what has changed on the network– Make records available to staff members• Establish a Theory of Probable Cause
• Re-create the symptoms
– Follow same steps as person reporting symptom
– A good way to learn more about the cause of a problem
• Verify Physical layer connectivity
– Cabling and network adapters a common source of problems
– Symptoms of physical layer problems
• Segment, network lengths exceed standards
• Noise
• Improper terminations, faulty, loose, or poorly crimped connectors
• Damaged cables
• Faulty NICs/Network Hardware
• Establish a Theory of Probable Cause
• Verify logical connectivity
– Examine firmware and software configurations, settings, installations, protocols, routes, and privileges
• Test the Theory to Determine Cause
• Test Physical layer theories
– Complicated problems require effort and analysis
• Example approaches
– Use a cable testing tool
– Check to make sure NIC is seated firmly in slot
– Use wireless analyzer
– Follow cables to verify physical connectivity
– Exchange suspect component with a known good one
– Try different port, data jack
• Test the Theory to Determine Cause (cont’d.)
• Test logical connectivity theories
• Example approaches
– View switch configuration to determine which nodes are included in VLANs
– Investigate user permissions
– Examine NIC configuration
– Ensure routing table includes valid entries
– Use tools such as ping, netstat, route, traceroute
– Check wireless client settings
• Test the Theory to Determine Cause (cont’d.)
• Escalate if necessary
– Ask colleague with more experience or knowledge
• Help desk analysts
– Proficient in basic workstation, network troubleshooting
– First-level support
• Network specialist
– Second-level support—skilled in one or more aspects of a network
• Help desk coordinator
– Third-level support personnel—highly skilled in one area of networking
• Establish a Plan of Action to Resolve the Problem
• Consider how solution affects users, network functionality
• Scope of solution
– Assess solution’s scope before implementing
• Trade-offs
– Solution may restore functionality for one user group
• But may remove functionality for others
• Security
– Be aware of security implications
• May increase network vulnerability
• Establish a Plan of Action to Resolve the Problem (cont’d.)
• Scalability of solution
– Position network for future additions, enhancements
– Is it a temporary fix that the organization will outgrow
• Cost
– If the solution requires significant dollars for either software or hardware—review your options
• Establish a Plan of Action to Resolve the Problem (cont’d.)
• Use vendor information
– Manufacturer documentation
– Free online troubleshooting information
• Searchable databases
• Sophisticated web interfaces for troubleshooting equipment
• Vendor’s technical phone support
– Consult with others within, outside your organization
• Implement the Solution or Escalate as Necessary
• Solution implementation
– Time required may be minimal or long
– Use methodical and logical approach
• Leads to efficient correction process
– Follow series of steps
• Implement a safe, reliable solution
• For Large-scale fixes
– Roll out changes in stages
• Verify Full System Functionality
• Verify problem solution is complete
– Type of testing depends on solution
• Also area affected by problem
– May not be able to test solution immediately
• Determine how and why solution is successful
• Evaluate effects on users and functionality
• Consider how similar problems may be prevented in the future
• Document Findings, Actions, and Outcomes
• Necessary to record:
– Problem symptoms and cause(s)
– Solution(s)
• Justification for recording
– Impossible to remember each incident’s circumstances
– Job changes
• Use centrally located database
– Accessible to all networking personnel
• Document Findings, Actions, and Outcomes (cont’d.)
• Call tracking system (help desk software)
– User-friendly, graphical
– Prompts for problem information
– Assigns unique problem number
– Highly customizable
– If not available, use simple electronic form
• Supported services list document
– Lists all supported service, software and contacts
• Follow-up with user who reported problem
• Document Findings, Actions, and Outcomes (cont’d.)
• Notify others of changes
– Record resolution in call tracking system
– Alert others about problem, solution
– Notify others of network changes made
• Change management system
– Process or program
– Means of documenting network changes
• Minor modifications need not be recorded
– Example: user password reset
• Troubleshooting Tools
• Utilities help troubleshoot network problems
– Ping
– Specialized tools
• Specifically designed to analyze, isolate network problems
• Simple continuity testers
• Protocol analyzers
• Tool selection dependencies
– Problem being investigated
– Network characteristics
• Tone Generator and Tone Locator
• Ideal situation
– Telecommunications closet ports and wire terminations labeled properly
• Reality
– Telecommunications closet disorganized, poorly documented
• Tone generator (toner)
– Small electronic device
– Issues signal on wire pair
• Tone Generator and Tone Locator (cont’d.)
• Tone locator (probe)
– Emits tone when electrical activity detected
• Probe kit
– Generator and locator combination
• Testing requires trial and error
• Used to determine where wire pair terminates
• Multimeter
• Specialized tools used to test cables for faults
– Isolate problems with network cables
• Multimeter
– Measures electric circuit characteristics
• Resistance and voltage
• Voltmeter
– Measures voltage of an electric current
• Voltage creates signals over network wire
• Multimeter (cont’d.)
• Resistance
– Fundamental wire property
– Depends on wire’s molecular structure, size
– Measured in ohms using ohmmeter
• Impedance
– Resistance contributing to controlling signal
– Measured in ohms
– Telltale factor for ascertaining where cable faults lie
– Some impedance is required for proper signal transmission and interpretation
• Multimeter (cont’d.)
• Multimeter
– Single instrument for measuring impedance, resistance, voltage on a wire
– Has several uses
– Sophistication, features, and costs vary
• $30 to $4000
• Cable Continuity Testers
• Cable checkers (continuity testers, cable testers)
– Tests whether cable carries signal to destination
• Copper-based cable tester
– Consists of two parts
• Base unit generates voltage
• Remote unit detects voltage
• Series of lights, audible tone
– Used to signal pass/fail
• Cable Continuity Testers (cont’d.)
• Some continuity testers verify UTP, STP wires paired correctly
– Not shorted, exposed, crossed
• Fiber optic continuity tester
– Issues light pulses on fiber
– Determines whether pulses reach other end
• Test all cables to ensure meeting network’s required standards
– Homemade or purchased
• Offer convenience: portable, lightweight, low cost
• Cable Performance Testers
• Determines if cable carrying current
• Continuity testers versus performance te
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