What is the first troubleshooting step to take when a hub port status indicator shows a problem?

The first troubleshooting step when encountering a hub port status indicator that shows a problem is to establish the symptoms. This initial step is critical because it provides a clear understanding of the issue at hand. By gathering detailed information about the symptoms, such as whether the port is completely non-functional or intermittently dropping connections, a technician can begin to form a hypothesis about the underlying cause of the problem.

Establishing symptoms helps in pinpointing the nature of the issue and directs subsequent troubleshooting efforts more effectively. Without this foundational understanding, it becomes challenging to accurately select potential causes or to make informed decisions about verifying configurations or considering hardware replacement. This step sets the groundwork for an efficient troubleshooting process, ensuring that the technician can focus on the most relevant factors affecting network performance.