CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)Hardware and Network TroubleshootingHard
A technician is troubleshooting a client's desktop that intermittently loses network connectivity. The client reports that the issue seems to occur more frequently during peak network usage hours. The technician suspects a duplex mismatch. Which of the following tools would BEST confirm this suspicion?
- ATone generator and probe.
- BLoopback adapter.
- CCable tester.
- DNetwork analyzer.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Network analyzer.
A duplex mismatch occurs when one side of a network connection operates in full-duplex mode and the other in half-duplex mode, leading to excessive collisions and poor performance. A network analyzer (or packet sniffer) can capture network traffic and detect high collision rates, runts, or late collisions, which are strong indicators of a duplex mismatch.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A tone generator and probe are used to locate cables, not diagnose network protocol issues like duplex mismatch.
- B. A loopback adapter tests the functionality of a network interface card (NIC) by sending data back to itself, but it does not analyze network traffic in an active connection.
- C. A cable tester verifies cable integrity (opens, shorts, crossed pairs) but cannot detect duplex mismatch.
Duplex Mismatch Diagnosis
Identifying a network configuration error where two connected devices operate at different duplex settings, causing performance issues.
- Leads to excessive collisions, retransmissions, and slow speeds.
- Symptoms are intermittent connectivity, poor throughput.
- Best diagnosed by observing collision rates with a network analyzer.
Memory trick: When the network's ghosting, a 'sniffer' will show what's boasting.