Which Document Answers It?

About this interactive

The lesson's documents: - **Physical network map** (physical topology): buildings, closets, racks and the links between them, such as the annex's wireless bridge to the core switch. - **Logical network map** (logical topology): the networks themselves, such as administration, operations, sales and servers, which may span several buildings. - **Performance baseline:** a capture of how a device normally performs. Without it, 80% CPU in an outage could be normal or could be the problem. - **Saved configuration:** a copy of each device's settings, taken again after every change, so a change can be spotted and a failed device replaced. The lesson's rule: document before the outage, and keep it where you can reach it when the network is down.

What you'll learn

Choose the network document that answers a troubleshooting question: a physical network map, a logical network map, a performance baseline or a saved device configuration
Explain why each must exist before the outage: a reading is only abnormal against a baseline, and a failed device is only rebuilt from its saved configuration

Aligned to

CompTIA Network+

3.1 Explain the purpose of organizational processes and procedures.

Cisco CCST Networking

4.2 Use a network diagram to attach the appropriate cables.

Key terms

Physical Network Map: A diagram that shows the physical layout and connections of network devices and infrastructure across locations.
Logical Network Map: A diagram that represents how data flows through a network, including virtual groupings and logical relationships between devices, independent of physical location.
Baseline: A documented set of minimum security standards or performance metrics used as a reference point.
Network Documentation: The collection of records, diagrams, and configurations that describe the design, structure, and operational state of a network.
Configuration Management: The process of tracking and controlling changes to hardware, software, and documentation throughout a system's lifecycle.

Topics

Documentation Network Maps Baseline Configuration Backup Troubleshooting Interactive Categorize

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