use the appropriate tool or protocol to solve networking issues (Network+)

Networking Troubleshooting Tools

Tools and commands to find and fix network issues. Example: Using a ping or cable tester to see why a device cannot connect.

Protocol Analyzer

Captures and analyzes network traffic. Example: Wireshark shows which packets are failing to reach their destination.

Command Line Tools

Basic network commands such as ping, traceroute/tracert, nslookup, tcpdump, dig, netstat, ip/ifconfig/ipconfig, arp. Example: Use 'ping google.com' to check Internet connectivity.

Nmap

Scan networks to see which devices and ports are active. Example: Check which devices are connected to a network.

LLDP / CDP

Discover connected devices and their network info. Example: Identify which switch a device is connected to.

Speed Tester

Test network bandwidth. Example: Check if Internet speed matches ISP plan.

Toner

Trace cables using a tone generator. Example: Find the other end of a cable in a wall or patch panel.

Cable Tester

Check cables for continuity, shorts, or miswires. Example: Verify an Ethernet cable works correctly.

Taps

Capture network traffic without disrupting it. Example: Monitor traffic on a switch port for troubleshooting.

Wi-Fi Analyzer

Check Wi-Fi signal strength, channels, and interference. Example: Identify crowded Wi-Fi channels and weak coverage.

Visual Fault Locator

Shine light through fiber cables to find breaks or faults. Example: Detect a broken fiber link in a data center.

Show mac-address-table

Switch command to see devices connected to ports. Example: Identify which PC is on which switch port.

Show route

Router command to view routing table. Example: Check why a packet cannot reach its destination.

Show interface

Check interface status and errors. Example: Use to see why a port is down.

Show config

View device configuration. Example: Verify VLANs and IP addresses on a switch.

Show arp

Check IP-to-MAC address mappings. Example: Find the MAC address of a device on the network.

Show vlan

View VLANs on a switch. Example: Confirm a device is in the correct VLAN.

Show power

Check PoE status on switch ports. Example: Ensure IP cameras receive enough power.