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Question 4 (SO 4, AC 1, AC 2)

You are required to assist an organisation that is experiencing Local Area computer network problems.
I. Briefly describe the general problem.​​​​​​​ (2)









II. Identify the signs and symptoms of the problem.​​​​​ (5)









III. Localize the problem and describe it.​​​​​​​ (3)







IV. Formulate and present a network troubleshooting plan​​​ ​ (5)









V. Implement the network trouble shooting plan and suggest solutions to the problem. (6)











VI. Select the best resolution and test to verify if the problem is solved. Describe how you tested the solution​​​​​​​​​ (4)








VII. Document the problem and solution. Attach the documentation in your POE

1 answer

I. General Problem Description (2)
The organization is facing issues with its Local Area Network (LAN), which is hindering communication and productivity. This could manifest as slow internet speeds, intermittent connectivity, or complete loss of network access, affecting the use of shared resources, applications, and connection to the internet.

II. Signs and Symptoms of the Problem (5)

  1. Slow Network Performance: Users report that internet speeds are slower than usual or that applications take a long time to load.
  2. Frequent Disconnections: Devices regularly disconnect from the network and need to reconnect manually.
  3. Limited Access to Shared Resources: Difficulty accessing shared drives, printers, or other network resources.
  4. Network Error Messages: Users encounter specific error messages when trying to connect to certain services.
  5. High Latency: Increased response time when pinging network resources or browsing the internet.

III. Localize the Problem and Describe It (3)
The problem appears to be localized within the organization's network infrastructure, specifically related to the router or switch configuration. There may be issues with device connectivity, improper IP addressing, or outdated firmware that could be causing packet loss and connectivity interruptions.

IV. Troubleshooting Plan (5)

  1. Gather Information: Interview users affected by the problem and gather logs from network devices.
  2. Check Physical Connections: Ensure all cables are properly connected and in good condition.
  3. Test Devices: Use ping and traceroute commands to check connectivity between devices and the internet.
  4. Check Router and Switch Configurations: Access the configuration of network devices to find misconfigurations or issues.
  5. Restart Network Devices: Reboot routers, switches, and affected devices to clear temporary issues.

V. Implement the Troubleshooting Plan and Suggest Solutions (6)

  1. Power Cycle Devices: Restart the router and switches to clear any temporary faults.
  2. Replace Faulty Cables: Inspect and replace any damaged network cables.
  3. Update Firmware: Ensure that all network devices have the latest firmware installed for optimal performance.
  4. Reconfigure Network Settings: Adjust settings such as DHCP ranges, subnets, and firewall rules if necessary.
  5. Monitor Network Traffic: Use monitoring tools to identify if there are any devices consuming excessive bandwidth.

VI. Select the Best Resolution and Test to Verify (4)
The best resolution was to update the router's firmware and reconfigure the DHCP settings. After implementing these changes, I tested the solution by performing the following steps:

  1. Ping Test: Conducted continuous ping tests to critical servers and the internet to monitor latency and packet loss.
  2. Performance Check: Verified internet speed using speed test tools.
  3. User Feedback: Collected feedback from users to ensure they can access network resources without issues.
  4. Log Monitoring: Analyzed logs to check for any continued error messages or disconnections.

VII. Document the Problem and Solution
Documentation should include:

  • Problem Statement: Description of the local area network issues experienced.
  • Steps Taken: Detailed account of the troubleshooting steps followed, including any configurations made, devices inspected, and tests run.
  • Outcome: Summary of the successful resolution and user feedback indicating restored functionality.

Attach Documentation: The documentation should be neatly formatted in a professional document (like a PDF or Word file) to be included in your Portfolio of Evidence (POE).