Featured Topic: Basic Ethernet Troubleshooting
Users can't connect. Devices stop talking to each other. Physical layer changes are causing problems. New networking technologies have caused even more. When everyday problems like these come up, the network technician has the simplest job description around: make it work. In today's business climate, making it work quickly and economically is the top priority. In any network environment, giving technicians proper training, the right tools, and a solid methodology for using them makes network troubleshooting faster, saving technician time and getting network users back to productivity faster. Basic Ethernet troubleshooting techniques and tools help minimize network downtime and user complaints.
The basic troubleshooting sequence consists of five steps:
1. Document your network: A diagram of the parts of the network, as well as the signal flow paths between the various devices, is enormously helpful in visualizing the problem and saving valuable time. Theory and practical experience will determine which test to perform first. Consider experience with the same or similar equipment and related symptoms, as well as the probability of what is likely to fail or what suffers from repeated failures. A good practice however, is to star