A network technician is troubleshooting a desktop computer that has lost network access. Following a bottom-up (physical to application layer) troubleshooting approach, in what order should the technician perform the diagnostic steps?
- 1Inspect the Ethernet cable connection and verify the status of the network interface card (NIC) link light.
- 2Run the ipconfig tool to verify if the workstation has received a valid IP address or an APIPA address.
- 3Execute a ping command to the local default gateway to confirm connectivity within the local subnet.
- 4Use the nslookup command to test DNS hostname resolution for external web addresses.
Answer
The correct order follows a bottom-up diagnostic sequence: first verify the physical link light and cable, next check the workstation IP configuration with ipconfig, then ping the default gateway to test local network access, and finally run nslookup to verify DNS name resolution.
The bottom-up OSI troubleshooting model moves sequentially from Layer 1 (Physical) to Layer 7 (Application). Checking the physical cable and NIC link light comes first. Once physical connection is confirmed, verifying the local IP configuration (Layer 3) is next. Testing ICMP connectivity to the default gateway ensures local communication works before finally checking DNS hostname resolution at the application layer.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Bottom-Up Network Troubleshooting