Chapter 14. Troubleshooting Tools and Utilities

OBJECTIVES

This chapter covers the following CompTIA-specified objectives for the “Network Support” section of the Network+ exam.

Given a wiring task, select the appropriate tool (e.g., wire crimper, media tester, punchdown tool, tone generator, optical tester).

• Working with wiring, or cable as it is often called, is a common task for network administrators. To do so effectively, you must understand the tools and concepts associated with making and testing cables.

Given a network scenario, interpret visual indicators (e.g., link lights, collision lights) to determine the nature of the problem.

• Sometimes finding the source of a problem is as simple as looking at indicator lights. Many network devices have visual indicators that help you troubleshoot.

Given output from a diagnostic utility (e.g., tracert, ping, ipconfig), identify the utility and interpret the output.

• Software utilities provide the network troubleshooter with information about the configuration of a system and a means to test connectivity with other systems on the network. Understanding how to interpret the information supplied by software utilities is a key skill for a network administrator.

OUTLINE

Introduction

Selecting the Appropriate Tool for Wiring

Wire Crimpers

Punchdown Tools

Tone Generators

Media Testers

Hardware Loopback Connectors

Interpreting Visual Indicators

LEDs on Networking Devices

LEDs on NICs and Other Devices

Using LEDs in Troubleshooting

Using Diagnostic Utilities

ping

The Destination Host Unreachable Message

The Request Timed Out Message

The Unknown Host Message

The Expired TTL Message

The tracert Command

The netstat Command

netstat -e

netstat -a

netstat -r

netstat -s

The ipconfig Command

The winipcfg Command

Chapter Summary

Apply Your Knowledge

STUDY STRATEGIES

• Read the objectives at the beginning of the chapter.

• Study the information in this chapter, paying special attention to the tables, which summarize key information.

• Review the objectives again.

• Study the output from the various commands demonstrated in this chapter.

• 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.