You’re troubleshooting network issues. What’s the first step?

In my experience, its always a good thing to check the physical layer first. Is the device in question powered on? are the cables plugged in and intact? is the device transmitting as expected? etc... once all layer 1 checks are done, you move to layer 2, 3 and upwards.

Network troubleshooting calls for a methodical approach. Finding the issue is the first step. Compile details on the problem, including symptoms, devices that are impacted, and any recent modifications. Check for power, confirm physical connections, and make sure the devices are installed correctly. To check connectivity, ping the pertinent devices. Examine network settings, logs, and any recent programme or update changes if the problem continues. Recall that seclusion is crucial; focus inside to identify the underlying reason. Work along with associates or employ diagnostic instruments. Recordkeeping is essential at every stage of the procedure.

The first step in troubleshooting network issues is to conduct an initial assessment to identify the symptoms and define the scope of the problem. After confirming the area of the issue, the physical and logical integrity of network devices and connections are verified, and network diagnostic tools are used to further investigate and isolate the problem to a specific component of the network. This could include using command-line tools like ping and traceroute to check network connectivity, or netstat to view network statistics and configurations.

Gathering information about the problem helps clarify possible root causes, which is essential because the clarity of the problem will be an important guide for the rest of the analysis and potential solution.

1st step in troubleshooting network issues involves gathering detailed information about the symptoms and characteristics of issues. Obtain as much information as possible. You can ask questions such as how many users are impacted are several users affected or just one? Determine when the issue first occurred how frequently it happens. Look for any error messages and identify the actions being performed. Attempt to replicate the issue if possible. Review logs, check physical devices and connections, and assess the uptime. Reboot the device if necessary and check with the ISP for any known issues or outages. Verify if there are any billing issues, as service degradation can occur due to nonpayments without necessarily stopping completely.

To troubleshoot any network issue first of it is very important to understand the problem statement. Once you understand the problem then you need to identify the symptoms and start troubleshooting from the basic to deep dive and debug. Many time people start troubleshooting issue with fancy commands debug pcap but ideally we all have to start from bottom. This is the time where we all should say, “back to basics”.

ping to test the reachability and latency of a remote host or IP address traceroute to trace the path and hops of packets from one host to another ipconfig or ifconfig to display the IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS settings of a network interface nslookup or dig to query the DNS records of a domain name or IP address nmap or netstat to scan the ports and connections of a host or network

The majority of network disruptions often stem from misconfigurations and erroneous assumptions regarding the accuracy of settings on network interfaces, firewalls, routers, and switches. It is imperative to adopt a proactive approach by systematically testing configurations rather than presuming their correctness. Initiate comprehensive connectivity assessments and consider employing alternative configurations to precisely identify and address the underlying issues. This method ensures a thorough and effective troubleshooting process, minimizing downtime and optimizing network performance.

Ping remains the number the number one tool in every network administor's toolset! The result of a ping can provide valuable information and pointers to what the problem could be. For instance, a "Destination host unreachable" ping result gives an idea that the resource being pinged may have been misconfigured in terms if its gateway address, subnet or even routing. On the hand, a ping result of "General failure" is indicative of even a problem with the pinging device's network adapter

Check Physical Connections: Inspect the physical network connections, including cables, switches, routers, and access points. Ensure that all cables are properly connected and not damaged. Check for any loose connections or cable faults that could be causing the issue. Verify Network Devices: Check the status of your network devices, such as routers, switches, and access points. Make sure they are powered on and functioning correctly. Look for any error lights or status indicators that may provide clues about the problem. Check Network Configuration: Review the network configuration settings on your devices and servers. Ensure that the IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, and DNS settings are correct.

Undersand the OSI Model>Check L1/PHY layer proper connectivity>Check L2 connectivty>Using ping and trace route ensure there is L3 connectivity/reachability . These to me are the basics of network troubleshooting

It’s Always DNS It’s a funny meme to think about but it is true networking is all about addressing and communication. Finding out what are the stopping points like pinging and and checking devices is always a great start.

-We can recreate the issue in a secure environment, some type sandbox o local machine without affecting the production environment!

After identifying and diagnosing the issue, based on the estimated cost that the network disruption has caused to a system, action can be taken to resolve the problem. If the disruption has incurred significant costs, temporary equipment replacement should be undertaken as quickly as possible to address the issue.

Use network utility tools like ping and traceroute to test the connectivity between devices and identify the point of failure, Review the log files on your network devices, servers, and client machines, If possible, try connecting a known good device (e.g., a laptop or a different network device) to the network.If the issue persists, it may indicate a broader network problem. If the known good device works fine, the issue may be specific to the problematic device or configuration. If you're unable to resolve the issue, consult the documentation, knowledge bases, or support resources provided by your network equipment vendors or service providers. They may have known issues or troubleshooting guides that can assist you further.

First, ensure all cables are securely connected and devices are powered on. Check Wi-Fi or Ethernet connections for stability. Restart the router/modem and affected devices. Test connectivity on multiple devices. Check for any error messages or lights on networking equipment. You may want to make research on dictating further issues. Hope this helps 😊

The network could be fine but the application could be the culprit. Always try another network connected app. If 8t works fine, then the network is in the clear.

Troubleshooting network issues effectively often means starting with the basics and moving up. The OSI model is ideal for this. By checking the physical layer (hardware, cables, connections) and then the data link layer (lldp/cdp, switches, QoS-CoS), we cover the essentials first. In my experience, most local network issues lie within these first two layers. A systematic approach saves time and avoids the complexity of higher layers where issues are less likely to occur.

Start by verifying and identifying the scope of the problem. A issue that impacts a critical resource or multiple users needs to be escalated. Then use the OSI model from the bottom up to start troubleshooting.

Some things to be considered are solutions from forums and tech communities. For instance, I learned about the Intel and Microsoft incompatibility that caused a recurrent issue I was facing where the Wi-Fi would disconnect on its own and the icon would actually disappear from the taskbar.