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Objectives
After reading this chapter and completing the exercises, you will be able to: Discuss the benefits of network management and planning Understand the necessity for networking standards, policies and procedures, and Troubleshoot your network following a structured approach Discuss the types of specialized equipment and other resources available for
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Lecture Notes
Preventing Problems with Network-Management and Planning
1. The two ways to resolve network problems are: pre-emptive troubleshooting and troubleshooting. In a perfect world, we would be able to prevent problems before they occur (pre-emptive troubleshooting), however, network administrators often find themselves repairing problems that already exist (troubleshooting). Policies and procedures should be applied during the planning stages of a network as well as throughout the networks life. Tasks that should be included in such policies are: back-up methods, security, hardware and software standards, upgrade guidelines, and documentation.
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Security policy should not only include data security, but hardware security as well. If file server or other networking equipment is in a common area that anyone can access, security can easily be compromised. Special security requirements may be necessary for dial-in users. One of the most important security considerations is who should be granted network administrative access to the network. The more people who have this level of access, the more likely security problems will occur.
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Maintaining Documentation.
1. Documentation is often viewed as the most boring and time-consuming aspect of an administrators duties, however, it can be one of the most important elements of troubleshooting network problems. A well-documented network is much easier to troubleshoot than a network with very little documentation. If you work in a networking environment that encompasses multiple LANs, each LAN should have its own set of documentation. One of the most important lists is the address list. If a specific device is causing a problem on a network, it will most likely be identified by a MAC or IP address. If an updated address list is kept, location of a particular device is easily identified. An address list is an example of a list that can be kept as a database. Documentation should be kept in both hard copy and electronic form so that it is readily accessible. When information is updated, it should be documented on both forms of documentation.
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The five ISO pre-emptive troubleshooting network-management categories are: accounting management, configuration management, fault management, performance management, and security management.
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Quick Quiz
1. 2. Which backup method will back up all selected files without marking them as backed up? Answer: Copy A ___________ defines a point of reference against which you can measure network performance and behavior when problems occur. Answer: baseline What is the name of the SNMP database where information is stored? Answer: MIB True or False: It is not necessary to document MAC addresses. Answer: False it is very useful to document MAC addresses
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Network Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Methodology
1. 2. Troubleshooting is often a learned skill instead of a skill that can be taught. However, there is a methodology that can be followed to help in troubleshooting problems. The following set of steps helps you troubleshoot most common networking problems:
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Eliminate any potential user errors. Verify that physical connections are indeed working. Verify the status of any suspect NICs. Restart the computer.
Structured Approach
1. 2. 3. 4. Sometimes even if the basic steps are followed, a more detailed approach might be necessary. The five-steps of the structured troubleshooting approach: prioritize, collect information, establish possible causes, isolate the problem, and test results. When collecting information, network administrators should find out as much information as they can by asking specific questions, such as those listed in the text. Once possible causes are identified, the most likely cause should be tested first. It is important to understand that only one change should be implemented at a time. If a technician tries several changes before testing each one, he/she will not know for sure which change solved the problem. Also, the technician may have fixed the original problem, but cause another one with an unnecessary change.
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If a subscription to Microsoft TechNet is too expensive, Microsoft offers a free support service known as Microsoft Knowledge Base on their web site. It will not offer as much information as the TechNet subscription. There are support services offered by Linux and Novell NetWare. Many of these sites provide articles about known problems, workarounds and downloads of upgrades and bug fixes. There are also many online support services that allow you to tap into the knowledge of experienced networking professionals. Additionally, many of the networking periodicals are now available online as well.
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Quick Quiz
1. Name the five steps of the structured troubleshooting approach. Answer: set the priority, collect information, develop a list of possible causes, test each hypothesis to isolate the actual cause, and for each potential cause, attempt at least one solution True or False: Because networking technology changes frequently, it is necessary to upgrade equipment and software on a regular basis. Answer: True Name at least three special tools that can be used when troubleshooting. Answer: DVM, TDR, basic cable tester, advanced cable tester, oscilloscopes, network monitors, and protocol analyzers What is the name of Microsofts free online support service? Answer: Microsoft Knowledge Base
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