A network technician is troubleshooting a desktop computer that has lost network connectivity. Upon inspecting the back of the computer, the technician observes that the link light on the Ethernet network interface card (NIC) is completely off. Which of the following should the technician perform FIRST?
- Check if the Ethernet cable is securely connected at both the computer and the wall jackAnswer
- BRun ipconfig /release and ipconfig /renew to obtain a new IP address from the DHCP server
- CChange the wireless network channel on the router to reduce frequency interference
- DReconfigure the local router to act as a Layer 2 switch to bypass network boundary restrictions
Answer
Check if the Ethernet cable is securely connected at both the computer and the wall jack
An unlit link light indicates a failure at Layer 1 (Physical Layer) of the OSI model. Verifying that the cable is properly seated and undamaged is the logical first step to establish physical layer connectivity.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Wired Network Physical Layer Diagnostics