Home > Networking Tips > Network Management > Logical Fault Isolation in six steps
Networking Tips:
EMAIL THIS
 TIPS & NEWSLETTERS TOPICS 

NETWORK MANAGEMENT

Logical Fault Isolation in six steps


Barrie Sosinsky
02.04.2004
Rating: -3.38- (out of 5)


Digg This!    StumbleUpon Toolbar StumbleUpon    Bookmark with Delicious Del.icio.us   


Complex problems often yield to a structured analytic approach. The idea is to create a logical step-by-step procedure that will accurately identify the cause of a network problem, a process that is also repeatable. The idea is to isolate a problem using Logical Fault Isolation, and to find the correct solution the first time. In order to isolate a problem you should follow the following six basic steps:

  1. Assess the level or concern and the priority the problem has. Not every problem is important, or requires an immediate solution.
  2. Discover all information related to the fault. This information is best gathered from a number of sources, such as user interviews, log analysis and other network activity information.
  3. Justify the cause of the fault and analyze the information found in discovery to suggest possible fault testing.
  4. Unit test to isolate the fault. The process should be test, evaluate and isolate.
  5. Systematically analyze the fault data. Perhaps your testing found the problem, then further work isn't required. However, many problems are complex and result from interactions of faults with other faults or complex systems. So in this step the idea is to review the fault data until you have isolated the problem.
  6. Transcribe the findings and document the process. It's a good idea to generate a record of the problem and its solution. You never know when it might crop up in the future.

The acronym to remember these steps is ADJUST.


Barrie Sosinsky is president of consulting company Sosinsky and Associates (Medfield MA). He has written extensively on a variety of computer topics. His company specializes in custom software (database and Web related), training and technical documentation.


Rate this Tip
To rate tips, you must be a member of SearchNetworking.com.
Register now to start rating these tips. Log in if you are already a member.




Digg This!    StumbleUpon Toolbar StumbleUpon    Bookmark with Delicious Del.icio.us   



RELATED CONTENT
Network Management
Common network errors and causes
Network monitoring -- Best practices
Change management policy
Networking Products of the Year 2004
Configuring HSRP and VRRP on Cisco routers
Dust
Auto-MDIX
In search of... an affordable management platform
The best of 2004
Network administrator documentation

Network Management
What network managers need to know about virtualization planning
Green enterprise: Three networking investments that make a difference
Distributed network management means no more hard NOCs
Green data center networks: Smarter architecture, not expensive devices
Internal cloud computing on the cheap: Free automated provisioning?
With virtual OS and virtual applications, who needs virtual machines?
Application switch testing: An easy RFP guide
Virtualization: The next generation of application delivery challenges
Improving the performance of Web traffic and application delivery
The link between network management and application delivery

Network Performance Management
How to test LAN switch energy efficiency
Web gateway helps Texas manufacturer develop network user management
Desktop virtualization network challenges: A primer
Green enterprise: Three networking investments that make a difference
Storage area networks change management primer
CA-NetQoS deal: Network management = application performance
Virtualization change and configuration management primer
Network change and configuration management primer
Distributed network management means no more hard NOCs
WLAN QoS and SLA monitoring with 7/24 Wireless Quality Assurance costs

RELATED GLOSSARY TERMS
Terms from Whatis.com − the technology online dictionary
baseboard management controller  (SearchNetworking.com)
fault management  (SearchNetworking.com)
loose coupling  (SearchNetworking.com)
maximum segment size  (SearchNetworking.com)
maximum transmission unit  (SearchNetworking.com)
network coding  (SearchNetworking.com)
packet loss  (SearchNetworking.com)
phase-change cooling  (SearchNetworking.com)
round-trip time  (SearchNetworking.com)
throttled data transfer  (SearchNetworking.com)

RELATED RESOURCES
2020software.com, trial software downloads for accounting software, ERP software, CRM software and business software systems
Search Bitpipe.com for the latest white papers and business webcasts
Whatis.com, the online computer dictionary

DISCLAIMER: Our Tips Exchange is a forum for you to share technical advice and expertise with your peers and to learn from other enterprise IT professionals. TechTarget provides the infrastructure to facilitate this sharing of information. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or validity of the material submitted. You agree that your use of the Ask The Expert services and your reliance on any questions, answers, information or other materials received through this Web site is at your own risk.



Networking Solutions for Business

Alcatel-Lucent Network Business Communications Solutions

About Us  |  Contact Us  |  For Advertisers  |  For Business Partners  |  Site Index  |  RSS
SEARCH 
TechTarget provides technology professionals with the information they need to perform their jobs - from developing strategy, to making cost-effective purchase decisions and managing their organizations' technology projects - with its network of technology-specific websites, events and online magazines.

TechTarget Corporate Web Site  |  Media Kits  |  Site Map




All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2000 - 2009, TechTarget | Read our Privacy Policy
  TechTarget - The IT Media ROI Experts