Use the following techniques to determine
the problem: recognize abnormal physical conditions; isolate and correct
problems where the fault is in the physical media (patch cable or cable run); check
the status of servers; check for configuration problems with DNS, WINS,
and HOST files; check for viruses; check the validity of the account name and
password; recheck operator logon procedures; and select and run appropriate diagnostics.
Question: What are some common issues
to look for if a network is having problems?
First, abnormal physical conditions
should be considered, such as power interruptions, presence of high
heat or humidity where a networking device is located, or large
amounts of electrical noise.
An extremely common problem, often
referred to as a layer 1 problem, is somewhere in the conducting path
from a PCs NIC to the nearest networking device (typically a hub or a
switch). The patch cable from the PC to the outlet could be faulty:
Bad terminations, bent or crushed cable, or improper wiring sequences.
The horizontal cable run, from the outlet to the patch panel, could be
bent, crushed, cut, improperly mounted, or otherwise damaged. Or the
patch and jumper cables from the patch panel to the networking device
could be the incorrect type of cable or also have damage.
Servers should be checked to verify
that all servers and resources are functioning properly. Servers and
resources such as DNS, WINS, and HOST files should be checked for
proper configuration. A virus scan can be done to be sure that a virus
has not tapped into the networking causing problems. Workstations must
have all of the proper settings.
Next, verify the validity of the user's
account and password. Is the user typing in the correct user id and
password? Does the individual have access? Verify the log in
procedures. Finally, if the problem can not be resolved, vendor
provided diagnostics should be run.
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