Struggling to troubleshoot network issues?

Identify the network problem, Gather details of the issues, including error messages and symptoms. Single/ multiple user affected, Single/multiple locations impacted? While troubleshooting, try to isolate one by one node to deep dive into network node path, Make use of Ping/Trace to identify where delays or failures occur. Check logs on routers, switches, and firewalls for errors or unusual activity. Look for signs of network congestion, such as high latency or packet loss. Utilize Tools like Wireshark can capture and analyze network traffic to identify anomalies and pinpoint issues. Review any recent changes to network configurations or hardware that could have caused the issue. If the issue persists, escalate it to SME, OEM support.

A Systematic approach is required to troubleshoot network issues. Problems could be very easily such as cable not plugged or a faulty network source to very complex depending on the root cause. One approach is to start from the source to the destination.verifying that there's connectivity between point A and and point B requires each point to be plugged into the network. So you can confirm your cables are inserted and blinking, your network source is connected and your default gateway or router is up and fully functional if the destination resides on another network. When that is sorted then simple tools like ping and traceroute can be used to test connectivity. When you have issues with the endpoints a simple reboot might help

Addressing network issues effectively hinges on a methodical approach. Begin by meticulously defining the problem: gather specific details about symptoms, affected devices, and recent changes. Adopting a systematic troubleshooting methodology, such as the OSI model, helps in isolating issues step-by-step. Additionally, keeping records of previous cases and solutions provided can be invaluable. Maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Methods of Procedures (MOPs) for common issues and resolutions. Having these documents handy streamlines troubleshooting efforts and ensures consistency in problem-solving.

I have always believed that network issues can easily be known and resolved with the right skill and tools. This is widely because there are tools that can be used to test connectivity. A ping utility can be used to test reachability between hosts. A telnet can reveal reachability of an application or service regardless of whether the host is reachable via icmp or not. Pings reveals that a host has icmp reachability. I explained this at #Netwoking101fordevelopers. Traceroute reveals the path through which a packet moves from source to destination. Testing tools are very beneficial in troubleshooting and used to narrow down the issue instead of beating about the bush and creating more havoc.

Ip address misconfiguration is another source of network issues. An Ip address is an address that uniquely identifies hosts on a network. A complete Ip address configuration has a network portion and a host portion which is defined by the subnet mask.inproper configuration of IP address will prevent the host from being able to communicate with other hosts. Therefore it is also highly recommended to confirm that Ip addresses are configured approximately and that there is no conflict.

Addressing configuration issues is crucial in troubleshooting network issues effectively. It involves meticulously reviewing and verifying settings such as IP addressing, routing tables, firewall rules, security settings, and Quality of Service (QoS) configurations. Ensuring these settings align with best practices and organizational requirements helps prevent network conflicts and performance degradation. By maintaining organized documentation and following a systematic approach, network administrators can streamline troubleshooting efforts and maintain smooth network operations.

Also the users reporting the issue might be a novice. I have seen people that will not turn on their system and would complain that it's not working.so also some would not plug in the network cable but call the help desk and so on. One of the very important traits in troubleshooting is having a listening heart. Just like a doctor always asks a patient about the symptoms and the drugs taken before even conducting tests so also, it is vital to ask questions to understand the issue before going on an unending journey. Troubleshooting a wrong issue would not provide the answer to the right or reported issue. Therefore anyone troubleshooting has to be meticulous and must be attentive to details