A technician troubleshooting a slow 100 Mbps server link has just formed the idea that a duplex mismatch between the switch port and the server NIC is the likely cause. Following the CompTIA seven-step troubleshooting methodology, what should the technician do next?
- ATest the theory by checking the interface counters and duplex settings on both ends to confirm the mismatch. Correct
- BImplement the solution by hard-coding both interfaces to the same speed and duplex.
- CDocument the findings and the corrective action taken in the ticketing system.
- DEstablish a plan of action and identify the potential effects of changing the duplex settings.
Why A is correct: After a theory of probable cause is established, the methodology's next step is to test that theory to determine whether it is actually the cause.
Why B is wrong: This is the eventual corrective action and feels efficient, but implementing a change comes only after the theory has been tested and a plan of action has been established.
Why C is wrong: Documentation is a real methodology step, but it is the final one performed after the fix is verified, not the step that follows forming a theory.
Why D is wrong: Planning is a genuine step, but it belongs after the theory is confirmed by testing, so building a plan now skips the required test step.