The Cisco Troubleshooting Methodology is a 7-step process that loops back ad forth around itself.

1. Define the problem
2. Gather information
3. Analyze information
4. Eliminate potential causes
5. Propose hypothesis
6. Test Hypothesis
7. Solve Problem and Document Solution

Source: FlackBox

There are 4 key troubleshooting styles

1. Work around the OSI model
   1. Top down
      1. Application>Physical
   2. Bottom up
      1. Physical>Application
   3. Divide and Conquer
      1. Start in the middle
2. Compare configuration
   1. Between different devices, between backups, etc.
3. Trace the path
   1. Trace the path from source to destination
4. Swap out components
   1. Is something physically broken?

Metadata

OSI or TCP/IP Layer

CCNA Exam Topic

Contributors

Sources

Troubleshooting Overview  [Support] - Cisco Systems
The Cisco Troubleshooting Methodology - FlackBox