A network systems engineer is investigating severe network degradation on a newly deployed 90-meter Category 6A UTP link connecting an access switch to a server cluster. Server nodes on this link report intermittent link flapping, high frame loss, and an inability to obtain dynamic IP configurations from the centralized DHCP server. To conduct a comprehensive diagnosis of both physical layer integrity and transport protocol operations for this issue, which TWO of the following tools or capture filter configurations should the engineer utilize? (Select TWO)
- Attach a Time-Domain Reflectometer (TDR) to the UTP run to measure signal reflections and pinpoint the precise linear distance to any physical conductor breaks or impedance mismatches.Answer
- BUse a simple wiremap continuity tester to measure high-frequency near-end crosstalk (NEXT) and determine the exact location of internal pair twists.
- Configure a packet analyzer filter specifying `udp port 67 or udp port 68` to capture and inspect DHCPOFFER and DHCPACK transaction frames.Answer
- DConfigure a packet analyzer filter specifying `tcp port 67 or tcp port 68` to monitor reliable connection-oriented handshakes during DHCP Discover broadcasts.
Answer
The network engineer should attach a Time-Domain Reflectometer (TDR) to locate physical cabling faults by distance, and set a packet analyzer filter for UDP ports 67 and 68 to inspect DHCP protocol traffic.
Using a Time-Domain Reflectometer (TDR) allows the administrator to send signals down the Category 6A cabling and calculate the distance to pin breaches or impedance disruptions. Additionally, setting a packet capture filter for UDP ports 67 and 68 captures the full DHCP DORA sequence, enabling analysis of lease negotiations.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Physical Cable Fault Localization and Packet Filter Construction