What is the first step in troubleshooting a network?

Establishing the symptoms is a crucial first step in troubleshooting a network because it enables the technician to understand what issues are occurring. By gathering information about the symptoms, the technician can develop a clearer picture of the problem, which informs subsequent investigation. This step often involves asking relevant questions, observing any error messages, and noting any patterns associated with the network issue. By focusing on the symptoms, the technician can establish a direction for the troubleshooting process and prioritize the areas that need attention. Understanding what impacts the users or applications and the specific behavior of the network aids in pinpointing the root cause effectively as the process continues.

Other steps in the troubleshooting process—such as identifying the affected area, analyzing network topology, or checking connectivity settings—are important, but they rely on the clarity provided by establishing the symptoms first.