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Fundamentals Of Networking
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COURSE NAME: FUNDAMENTALS OF NETWORKING
ASSIGNMENT: TROUBLESHOOTING AND TOOLS REPORTS OF NETWORK
PROBLEMS
Instruction 1
Network problems can significantly impact business operations, leading to frustration among
users and potential disruptions. Identifying and resolving these issues promptly is crucial to
maintaining a healthy network. Common problems include intermittent connectivity, high
bandwidth usage, physical connectivity issues, malfunctioning devices, and more.
Troubleshooting network problems requires a systematic approach. Real-time monitoring tools
like Obkio Network Performance Monitoring Software can play a vital role in identifying issues
proactively (Lamberti, 2023). Setting up network monitoring involves labelling and organizing
cables, updating firmware and drivers, and ensuring proper configuration.
Physical connectivity issues, a frequent culprit for network problems, demand meticulous
troubleshooting. This includes checking physical connections, swapping cables and ports,
observing link lights, inspecting patch panels, and using cable testers (Lamberti, 2023).
Considering factors like Power over Ethernet (PoE), verifying power status, and examining
environmental conditions are essential steps in resolving physical connectivity issues.
Malfunctioning devices, such as routers, switches, or firewalls, contribute to network disruptions.
The consequences range from network downtime and slow performance to data loss and reduced
reliability. Causes include hardware failures, overheating, software bugs, power surges, and
environmental factors (Lamberti, 2023). To address these issues, businesses can employ network
device monitoring, review device logs, conduct hardware diagnostics, replace malfunctioning
devices, implement firmware/software updates, manage temperature, and use power protection
measures.
Despite the inevitability of network problems due to factors like complexity, human error,
constant changes, external influences, increased network traffic, ageing hardware, and security
threats, proactive measures can minimize their impact. Regular monitoring, maintenance, and a
skilled IT team are essential components of a strategy to ensure a reliable and efficient network
infrastructure.
Instructions 2
[Insert name]
Network Problem
The identified issue within our internal network revolves around the inconsistent performance of
our servers. The DHCP server, responsible for assigning IP addresses to hosts, exhibits irregular
behavior. At times, it successfully provides IP addresses to hosts upon startup, while on other
occasions, hosts receive an Automatic Private IP Address (APIPA). Consequently, hosts with
APIPA cannot communicate with our global servers, hindering our persistent engagement
capability. This inconsistency poses a significant problem as it directly impacts the functionality
of critical network services and disrupts the continuous communication between local and global
hosts.
Troubleshooting Steps
1.
Information Gathering by Identifying Symptoms and Problems
In the initial stage of network troubleshooting, comprehensive information about the network's
current state is collected. This involves utilizing various troubleshooting tools to assess the
network's performance. To pinpoint the root cause of the problem, the issue is duplicated on a
test piece of hardware or software, confirming its location. Furthermore, direct input from users
is sought to gain insights into encountered errors or difficulties (van Borkulo, 2018). Symptoms
of the network outage, such as complete loss of connection or slow behaviour, are identified to
guide the troubleshooting process effectively.
1.
Identify the Affected Areas of the Network
In order to optimize the troubleshooting procedure, it is critical to identify the exact regions of
the network that are impacted in order to determine the problem's scope. This stage entails
finding whether the issue is widespread affecting the entire network, or if it is confined to
specific users or segments (van Borkulo, 2018). Adopting this concentrated method enables a
more precise examination and resolution.
1.
Determine If Anything Has Changed
Network configurations are dynamic, and changes can contribute to issues. The latest network
configuration, hardware, or software changes are examined in this stage. This includes
monitoring for new hardware, users, or software changes that may be causing network troubles.
Identifying modifications helps in explaining the origin of the problem.
1.
Establish the Most Probable Cause
A theory on the possible causes of the network problem is established based on the information
obtained. This involves critically analyzing assumptions while taking into account both easy and
complicated reasons. The objective is to determine the problem's most likely primary cause in
order to enable a more targeted and efficient troubleshooting procedure.
1.
Determine If Escalation Is Necessary
Some network challenges require more skill. This stage involves analyzing the problem's
complexity and deciding whether it should move to higher-level assistance or specialist teams.
Sometimes outside suppliers are needed for efficient resolution (van Borkulo, 2018). This
effective choice engages the right resources to resolve the issue quickly.
1.
Create an Action Plan and Solution, Identifying Potential Effects
The next stage after determining the likely source of the issue is to create a thorough action plan
to solve it. This strategy ensures that the suggested solution is thorough and minimizes any
unexpected consequences by taking into account the effects on other network components or
users. This progressive method is essential for solving problems in an efficient manner.
1.
Implement and Test the Solution:
One of the most important steps in the troubleshooting process is carrying out the created
strategy. In order to make sure that the implemented measures effectively address the identified
problem, the suggested solution is put into practice and the network is thoroughly tested. If
necessary, modifications and improvements may be made due to this continuous testing process.
1.
Identify the Results and Effects of the Solution
After the solution is put into practice, the network's functionality is carefully examined. This
entails verifying that the original problem has been fixed in addition to looking for any unknown
consequences or fresh problems that could have emerged as a result of the adjustments that were
put into place (van Borkulo, 2018). The network's general stability and well-being are guaranteed
by this extensive evaluation.
1.
Document the Solution and the Entire Process
The final step is documenting each troubleshooting step. This documentation describes the
symptoms, hypotheses, tests, and solutions. This complete documentation can be shared with
other network engineers having similar issues for future troubleshooting. Documentation
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increases organizational awareness of network issues, lowering future resolution times.
Top of
Form
Tool and Description
A popular network protocol analyzer called Wireshark is a useful tool for addressing the periodic
server problems mentioned in the network issue. An extensive analysis of network traffic is made
possible by Wireshark, which helps find defects and possible reasons for loss of connectivity.
Wireshark records and examines data that is sent back and forth over a network, giving
information on how devices communicate with one another. Wireshark may be used to trace
DHCP transactions in relation to the DHCP server problem, examining the message flow
between the server and the hosts (Bhatiaa et al., 2020). Through packet capture during successful
and unsuccessful IP address allocations, network administrators may identify patterns and
compare the variations.
Filtering and sorting of captured data is another feature of the tool that makes it easier to analyze
traffic related to DHCP. Furthermore, users can get deeper into packet specifics with Wireshark's
user-friendly interface, which helps identify any faults or configuration errors.
Due to its flexibility, Wireshark is a very useful tool for debugging situations and allows network
specialists to see network activity in great detail. Using Wireshark in this situation allows
administrators to quickly identify and fix the DHCP server's irregular behaviour, guaranteeing
that IP addresses are provided to network hosts in a reliable and consistent manner.
Tool Operational Use Case
The practical use case of Wireshark in addressing related network issues is in its capacity to offer
real-time insight into network traffic, allowing network administrators to quickly identify and fix
problems. Wireshark may be used to record and examine network traffic during successful and
unsuccessful IP address allocations in relation to the DHCP server issue.
By examining the packet exchanges between the DHCP server and the hosts, administrators can
identify patterns or discrepancies leading to sporadic connectivity issues. Wireshark's filtering
capabilities allow for a focused analysis specifically on DHCP-related traffic, aiding in the quick
isolation of problematic interactions (Weinberg, 2022). This process not only resolves the
immediate issue but also establishes a precedent for addressing similar problems in the future.
For subsequent incidents, network administrators can apply the knowledge gained from previous
Wireshark analyses. They can proactively monitor DHCP transactions, detect abnormalities
early, and implement preventive measures based on historical insights. Wireshark's
documentation features further contribute to building a knowledge repository, ensuring that
troubleshooting procedures are well-documented and readily accessible for future reference
(Bhatiaa et al., 2020). In essence, Wireshark serves as a proactive tool for continuous network
health monitoring, empowering administrators to anticipate and address DHCP-related
challenges before they escalate.
Tool Functionality
Wireshark, a preeminent network protocol analyzer, plays a pivotal role in capturing and
dissecting network packets for granular analysis. It operates by capturing packets from a network
connection, providing a detailed examination of data flow within typical Ethernet networks. The
tool excels in three primary functions: packet capture, filtering, and visualization.
The packet capture feature of Wireshark allows for the real-time monitoring of network
connections and the possible simultaneous recording of streams of traffic equal to tens of
thousands of packets. By adding filters based on certain criteria like IP addresses, protocols, or
ports, users may utilize the tool's filtering functionality to further narrow the study and conduct
targeted investigations (Agrawal et al., 2022). One major advantage of Wireshark is its
visualization capabilities, which enable comprehensive packet analysis and show whole
conversations and streams.
The wide range of uses for Wireshark's utility includes debugging networks that are having
performance problems. It greatly contributes to network research and security and is widely used
by cybersecurity experts to trace connections, examine the contents of network transactions, and
detect unusual bursts of network traffic.
The tool serves as an educational instrument for individuals entering the field of information
security. Aspiring professionals leverage Wireshark to comprehend network traffic analysis,
protocol communication nuances, and the identification of issues during specific protocol
interactions (Agrawal et al., 2022).
Wireshark's operational use involves capturing packets, applying filters to isolate relevant
information, and interpreting packet contents for diagnostics. For example, in a scenario of slow
internet connectivity, Wireshark can address issues by analyzing ICMP traffic and unveiling
router malfunctions or misconfigurations.
Wireshark's distribution entails downloading the tool from its official website and installing it on
the relevant operating system. For Windows users, an administrator account is required, while
Linux users need root permissions. Once installed, capturing packets involves selecting network
interfaces, initiating capture sessions, and applying filters to refine the analysis (Agrawal et al.,
2022). The tool employs colour coding to aid users in identifying packet types naturally. For
instance, TCP packets are represented in light purple, UDP in light blue, and packets with errors
in black. Wireshark's customization options extend to colour rules, allowing users to tailor the
display to their preferences.
Wireshark offers advanced features for in-depth analysis, including input or output traffic graphs,
endpoint conversation summaries, and even geographic estimations of source and destination IP
addresses. Additionally, the tool supports packet filtering through display filters, enabling users
to focus on specific IP addresses, protocols, or conversations of interest.
Reference
Agrawal, A., Bhatia, A., Bahuguna, A., Tiwari, K., Haribabu, K., Vishwakarma, D., & Kaushik,
R. (2022). A survey on analyzing encrypted network traffic of mobile devices.
International
Journal of Information Security
,
21
(4), 873–915. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10207-022-00581-y
Bhatiaa, A., Bahugunaa, A. A., Tiwaria, K., Haribabua, K., & Vishwakarmab, D. (2020, June 22).
A survey on analyzing encrypted network traffic of mobile devices
. arXiv.Org.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2006.12352
Lamberti, A. (2023).
16 most common network problems: How to find & fix them
. Obkio.
https://obkio.com/blog/common-network-problems/
van Borkulo, Ms. C. (2018). Association of symptom network structure with the course of
depression.
JAMA Psychiatry
,
72
(12), 1219–1226.
https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2015.2079
Weinberg, N. (2022, March 14). DHCP defined and how it works.
Network World
.
https://www.networkworld.com/article/3299438/dhcp-defined-and-how-it-works.html
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