Question

During a move, employee workstations were disconnected from the network and reconnected in new offices. However, after the move, a few workstations cannot get a valid IP address. What should be checked first to identify the root cause of the problem?

a. Check the operation status of the DHCP server.
b. Test if these workstations can ping the default gateway.
c. Make sure the cables are functional and properly plugged.
d. Install all software updates.

Answer 1

The first step in troubleshooting workstations not obtaining a valid IP address after a move is to check the cables are functional and properly connected. If physical connections are confirmed to be fine, then the DHCP server status and network connectivity can be further examined.

Step-by-step explanation:

When workstations cannot obtain a valid IP address after being reconnected to a network following a move, the first step to troubleshoot the issue is often to check the physical connections. This includes ensuring that the network cables are functional and properly plugged in to both the workstation and the network outlet or switch. Physical connection issues are the simplest to correct and the most common problem following a move. If the cables and connections are fine, other potential issues can be investigated such as the operation status of the DHCP server, or whether the workstation can ping the default gateway. However, software updates are less likely to be the immediate cause of not obtaining an IP address following physical disconnection and reconnection of workstations.