Network Diagnostics

One of the great things about computers and networks is that many problems can be diagnosed remotely. This works especially well with network diagnostics because each part of a network, when functioning properly, will send out its own "signature" to let the technician know that it's there. Because of this, a network with a problem is obvious due to the malfunctioning nodes either not showing up at all, or showing incorrect information. Then, repair efforts can be focused on those locations.

 

For a small network, such as a home setup, network diagnostics usually takes place quickly. If you know you have three computers on your router and only two of them are showing, it's obvious that the next step is to get the third one to connect. Then, a variety of methods can be used to determine why it isn't already online.

 

When a company needs diagnostics, it can be more difficult due to the number of possible connections. In some cases, the person calling for support might not even know how many there are supposed to be in total. Then, diagnostics begin at the point of failure.

 

Wireless diagnostics work similarly, but in this case, there is no need to check things like cables because they don't exist. Instead, transmitters and receivers will be on the list of possible failure points. Often, wireless diagnostics will find a software or firmware problem. This can cause a transmitter to send no signal or an improper signal, or a receiver to not "listen" to a signal that's already there. In that case, repair is often just a matter of downloading a repaired version of the software or firmware. Good IT support will know how to get the download done despite the problems.