Chapter 13. Troubleshooting Connectivity
OBJECTIVES
This chapter covers the following CompTIA-specified objectives for the “Network Support” section of the Network+ exam.
Given a troubleshooting scenario, select the appropriate TCP/IP utility from among the following:
tracert
ping
arp
netstat
nbtstat
ipconfig/ifconfig
winipcfg
nslookup
Many TCP/IP troubleshooting utilities are available. Knowing which one to use in a given scenario is an essential skill for the real world and the Network+ exam.
Given a troubleshooting scenario involving a small office/home office network failure (e.g., xDSL, cable, home satellite, wireless, POTS), identify the cause of the problem.
The proliferation of small office and home office networks has given rise to a new type of specialized troubleshooting—one that has some very different considerations than those involved in working on a corporate network.
Given a troubleshooting scenario involving a remote connectivity problem (e.g., authentication failure, protocol configuration, physical connectivity) identify the cause of the problem.
Today remote connectivity is the norm rather than the exception. As a network administrator, you will be expected to be able to troubleshoot remote connectivity issues.
OUTLINE
Introduction
Troubleshooting Tools
The ping Utility
Troubleshooting with ping
Switches for ping
The Trace Route Utility
The arp Utility
The ARP Cache
Switches for arp
The netstat Utility
Switches for netstat
The nbtstat Utility
The ipconfig and ifconfig Utilities
The ipconfig Utility
The ifconfig Utility
The winipcfg Utility
The nslookup Utility
The route Utility
Troubleshooting in a Small Office/Home Office Environment
DSL Internet Access
DSL Troubleshooting Procedures
Cable Internet Access
Cable Troubleshooting Procedures
Home Satellite Internet Access
Home Satellite Troubleshooting Procedures
Wireless Internet Access
Wireless Troubleshooting Procedures
POTS Internet Access
POTS Troubleshooting Procedures
Troubleshooting Poor Connection Speeds
Modem-Specific Troubleshooting
Calling Technical Support
Troubleshooting Remote Connectivity Errors
Troubleshooting Authentication Failure
Troubleshooting Physical Connectivity Problems
Troubleshooting Protocol Configuration Problems
Chapter Summary
Apply Your Knowledge
STUDY STRATEGIES
Read the objectives at the beginning of the chapter.
Study the information in the chapter, paying special attention to the tables, which summarize key information.
Review the objectives again.
Pay close attention to the example scenarios. They focus on specific areas of knowledge for the Network+ exam.
Answer the exam questions at the end of the chapter and check your results.
Use the ExamGear test on the CD-ROM that accompanies this book to answer additional exam questions concerning this material.
Review the notes, tips, and exam tips in this chapter. Make sure you understand the information in the exam tips. If you don't understand the topic referenced in an exam tip, refer to the information in the chapter text and then read the exam tip again.