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Difficulty: Very hardTroubleshooting Methodology

A server administrator is responding to an automated alert indicating that a virtualization host in a remote datacenter is dropping connections to its Fibre Channel SAN target. The administrator identified physical errors on the host's HBA, established a theory of a degraded optical patch cable, tested the optical cable using a power meter to confirm signal attenuation, and subsequently replaced the faulty cable during an approved maintenance window. Which of the following actions should the administrator take NEXT according to the CompTIA troubleshooting methodology?

  1. Perform a test data transfer and monitor storage host adapter interface performance counters to confirm full system recovery.Answer
  2. B
    Log the root cause, optical power meter test measurements, and cable replacement details into the datacenter ticketing system.
  3. C
    Reconfigure the DHCP scope options on the SAN switch to dynamically reassign IP address leases to the HBA ports.
  4. D
    Inspect the physical HBA status LEDs on the rear of the server enclosure to verify whether link-layer connection lights are active.

Answer

The administrator should verify full system functionality by initiating a test data transfer and monitoring storage interface counters before closing out the issue.
According to the CompTIA troubleshooting methodology, once a plan of action is executed and a solution is implemented (Step 4), the technician must NEXT verify full system functionality (Step 5). Running a test storage transfer while observing interface throughput and error counters ensures that the replaced optical cable resolved the connection drops without remaining issues.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the scenario state within the 6-step CompTIA Troubleshooting Methodology
The administrator has completed Step 1 (Identify problem), Step 2 (Establish theory), Step 3 (Test theory), and Step 4 (Establish plan & implement solution by replacing the optical cable).
Determining the current phase is required to select the correct subsequent step.
2
Identify the mandatory next step following solution implementation
Step 5 dictates verifying full system functionality and implementing preventative measures if applicable.
A technician must never assume a hardware swap resolved the issue without testing full operational performance under normal workload conditions.
3
Select the option that aligns with Step 5 functionality verification
Testing data transfers and monitoring interface error counters validates that the Fibre Channel HBA is functioning reliably without dropping storage packets.
Verifying end-to-end service restoration ensures the original problem is fully resolved.

Key Concept

CompTIA 6-Step Troubleshooting Methodology Sequence
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Topics

Troubleshooting Methodology

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