SK0-004 · Question #296
Users report that they are unable to connect to a server. An administrator confirms that it is unreachable across the network. Other administrators have been working in the server room throughout…
The correct answer is D. Verify that network cables are connected. When a server becomes unreachable after physical work was done in the server room, verifying cable connections is the correct first step following the bottom-up OSI troubleshooting model.
Question
Users report that they are unable to connect to a server. An administrator confirms that it is unreachable across the network. Other administrators have been working in the server room throughout the day. Which of the following is the NEXT step the administrator should take?
Options
- AVerify the configuration of the connected port on the network switch.
- BReboot the server.
- CInstall a new NIC on the server.
- DVerify that network cables are connected.
How the community answered
(30 responses)- A3% (1)
- B7% (2)
- C17% (5)
- D73% (22)
Why each option
When a server becomes unreachable after physical work was done in the server room, verifying cable connections is the correct first step following the bottom-up OSI troubleshooting model.
Verifying switch port configuration is a Layer 2 step and should only be investigated after Layer 1 physical connectivity has been confirmed.
Rebooting the server is a corrective action that skips diagnosis entirely and would not resolve a physical cable disconnection.
Installing a new NIC assumes a hardware fault without any evidence and bypasses all structured diagnostic steps.
The OSI troubleshooting model starts at Layer 1 (physical), and since other administrators were recently in the server room, a disconnected cable is the most probable and easily verified cause. Confirming physical connectivity before moving to higher layers prevents wasting time on complex diagnostics when the issue may be a loose patch cable.
Concept tested: OSI Layer 1 physical troubleshooting as first step
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