Content

| 7.2 |  | Gathering Information on Application Layer Problems |
| 7.2.1 |  | Overview |

To make quick and accurate troubleshooting decisions, a network administrator must be able to get the right information at the right time.

There are several tools available to help in this troubleshooting process. However, the best time to learn about these tools is not when a problem is encountered. The best time to explore and learn these tools is when the network is functioning correctly. This way network baselines can be established and recorded. When problems occur, administrators should refer to the normal baseline to identify inconsistencies more quickly.

In short, an administrator must not only know about the tools, but they must also be able to recognize and decipher the pertinent information provided by the various tools.

An administrator should be fluent with all the following tools:

- Command line (UNIX, DOS, Cisco IOS)
- Windows, UNIX, IOS utilities
- Protocol Analyzers
- Network Management Systems
- System logs

The following section highlights some of the tools available and their typical use. It is assumed that the reader is somewhat proficient with most of these tools.

| Lab Activity Lab Exercise: Troubleshooting Problems at All Logical Layers In this lab, the student will use a troubleshooting methodology and Cisco commands to define, isolate, and correct issues.