Proper network troubleshooting follows a systematic approach. Rather than guessing solutions to problems based on scant information and random theories, network administrators who follow a proper troubleshooting methodology perform a specific, organized process that helps them to be more efficient in their problem-solving operations. In this section, we will discuss this methodology.
The first step in troubleshooting any network issue is to properly identify the problem that has arisen. In many instances, network administrators are presented with symptoms of the problem, through reports from other users, from automated reports by monitoring software, or from their own observations. Often, these symptoms do not provide all of the information on the issue. It is therefore essential for the administrator to gather as much data as possible...