Troubleshooting the Network

You will no doubt troubleshoot wiring and infrastructure problems less frequently than you troubleshoot client connectivity problems-and thankfully so. Wiringand infrastructure-related problems can be difficult to trace, and sometimes a costly solution is needed to remedy the situation. When troubleshooting these problems, a methodical approach is likely to pay off.

Wiring problems are related to the cable used in a network. For the purposes of the Network infrastructure problems are classified as those related to network devices such as hubs, switches, and routers.

Troubleshooting Wiring

Troubleshooting wiring involves knowing what wiring your network uses and where it is used. The cable used has certain limitations in terms of both speed and distance. It might be that the network problems are the result of trying to use a cable in an environment or a way for which it was not designed. For example, you might find that a network connects two workstations 130 meters apart with Category 5 UTP cabling, which is specified for distances up to 100 meters, so exceeding the maximum cable length could be a potential cause of the problem.

TIP: Look at cable distances carefully. When you run cables along walls, across ceilings, and along baseboards, the distances can add up quickly. For this reason, carefully consider the placement of the wiring closet and ensure that you can reach all extents of your network while staying within the specified maximum cable distances.

Determining the type of cable used by a network is often as easy as reading the cable. The cable should be stamped with its type-whether it is, for example, UTP Category 5, RG-58, or something else. As you work with the various cable types used to create networks, you get to the point where you can easily identify them. However, be careful when identifying cable types because some cable types are almost indistinguishable. After you determine the cable used, you can compare the characteristics and limitations of that cable against how it is used on the network. TIP: Cable Types The type of cable used in a network is important and should be included in the network documentation.