Changes to the Network

Most of today's networks are dynamic and continually growing to accommodate new users and new applications. Unfortunately, these network changes, although intended to increase network functionality, may inadvertently cause additional problems. For instance, a new computer system added to a network might be installed with a duplicate computer name or IP address, which would prevent another computer that has the same name or address from accessing the network. Other changes that can create problems on the network include adding or removing a hub or switch, changing the network's routing information, or adding or removing a server. Almost every change that the network administrator makes to the network can potentially have an undesirable impact elsewhere on the network. For this reason, all changes made to the network should be fully documented and fully thought out.

NOTE: Faulty Hardware Although recent changes to systems or networks account for many network problems, some problems do happen out of the blue. Faulty hardware is a good example.