Question

Assume you are a Network technician in your company, you have been requested to visit one of your company's client that have been experiencing Network downtime for over one hour. On getting to the client's office, you realised that, on some station, only a few users cannot connect to the network, while on other station, all users cannot connect to the network. You are required to follow the necessary troubleshooting steps to find a solution to the problem. Outline each steps and explain the intended solution the outlined steps will provide.

Answer 1

The necessary troubleshooting steps include analyzing the problem, checking network connectivity and configuration, troubleshooting hardware and software, and verifying network infrastructure, DHCP server, and DNS configuration. Updating network drivers and restarting network devices can also help solve the issue.

Step-by-step explanation:

1. Analyse the problem and identify what information is given: Begin by understanding the specific issue reported by the client and gather any relevant information, such as when the downtime started and which stations are affected.
2. Check network connectivity: Verify if the affected stations have a working network cable and are connected to the correct network port.
3. Check network configuration: Examine the network settings on the affected stations and ensure they are correctly configured, including IP addresses, subnet masks, and default gateways.
4. Check network infrastructure: Inspect the network switches, routers, and other devices to ensure they are powered on and functioning properly.
5. Troubleshoot hardware and software: If the problem persists, investigate if any faulty hardware components or malfunctioning software applications are causing the network issue.
6. Verify DHCP server: Confirm that the DHCP server is operational and distributing IP addresses to the stations.
7. Check DNS configuration: Ensure the DNS settings are correctly configured on the affected stations, allowing them to resolve domain names.
8. Update network drivers: Update the network drivers on the affected stations, as outdated or incompatible drivers can cause connectivity issues.
9. Restart network devices: Finally, suggest restarting the network devices, including switches, modems, and routers, to refresh their settings and clear any temporary issues.