Learn to effectively resolve network connectivity problems across multiple remote sites with our practical system administration guide.

Use configuration management tools: Ansible, Terraform, Puppet... to control configuration changes, whether caused by people or events. Store multiple configuration versions. Ability to simulate configuration testing environment before actual application.

Use automatic log collection tools: Kiwi Syslog Server, Syslog Watcher, PRTG syslog server. Search and apply scripts and triggers to log data, analyze events, filter data, obtain valuable information, and speed up the time to find the cause.

Last updated on Jul 22, 2024

How would you troubleshoot network connectivity issues across multiple remote sites simultaneously?

When faced with network connectivity issues across multiple remote sites, it's crucial to approach the problem methodically. You're not just dealing with one network, but a series of interconnected networks, each with its unique configuration and potential points of failure. System administrators must be adept at identifying and resolving issues that can range from simple misconfigurations to complex routing problems. The key is to isolate where the problem lies and address it efficiently, ensuring minimal downtime for the organization.

1 Initial Check

Begin by confirming the basics at each site. Verify that all routers and switches are powered on and that cables are properly connected and intact. Check the status lights on network devices for any unusual indicators. Using a centralized management tool, if available, can help you quickly assess the status of network devices across all sites. Additionally, ensure that the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server is functioning correctly and that Internet Protocol (IP) addresses are being assigned without conflicts.

Add your perspective

Thomas Jällbrink

Systemingenjör at Tripnet AB
Report contribution
As DHCP could be an issue in itself, it’s not recommended to use DHCP for static nodes like servers. They should use static IPs. You should only use DHCP in a dynamic networks like the WiFi network.

Like
Aziz Abushelikh

Information Technology Engineer @ Edw. C. Levy Co. | Information Technology Infrastructure
Report contribution
Check the hardware connectivity. ... Use the command line and ipconfig to renew the computer's IP address. Use the command line, ping and traceroute to test the connection route. Use the command line and perform a DNS check using nslookup to test if the requested server has issues.

Like
Robert Martin 👨🏻💻

VP of Technology, Oil City Iron Works, Inc. | Forbes Technology Council | Gartner Peer Community | Web Author
Report contribution
Make the "Ping Test" your initial check. Depending on your terminal environment, you can run several ping tests at a time, so you can quickly check all the trouble locations at the same time.

Like
Syed Mansoor Ali

Manager Operations at Server4Sale LLC
Report contribution
Use centralized monitoring with alerts Ensure remote access to all sites Collect data systematically (ping tests, syslogs) Identify common patterns Analyze network topology Check ISP and WAN status Investigate sites in parallel Perform root cause analysis Document findings and solutions

Like

2 Ping Test

Next, conduct a ping test to assess the reachability of the remote sites. Use the ping command to send ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) echo requests to each site's network gateway. If there's no response, try pinging devices within the same network to determine if the issue is internal or external. Remember, a successful ping to the gateway doesn't necessarily mean there's no issue; it simply confirms basic connectivity.

Add your perspective

3 Trace Route

If pinging the gateway was successful but users still experience issues, run a trace route using the traceroute command. This tool will show you the path packets take to reach the destination and can help pinpoint where the connection drops. Look for any hops with high latency or packet loss, as these could indicate a problematic router or link in the chain between your sites.

Add your perspective

4 Log Analysis

Logs are invaluable for troubleshooting. Review system logs, firewall logs, and event logs for any anomalies or error messages that correlate with the time users reported connectivity issues. Look for patterns or repeated errors that could suggest a failing piece of hardware or a misconfiguration that's affecting network traffic.

Add your perspective

Pham Ngoc Thanh

⚡️SAP Basis and Cloud Technology｜Strategic Planning｜IT Transformation｜Technology and Change Leadership | Database Optimization
Report contribution
Use automatic log collection tools: Kiwi Syslog Server, Syslog Watcher, PRTG syslog server. Search and apply scripts and triggers to log data, analyze events, filter data, obtain valuable information, and speed up the time to find the cause.

Like

5 Configuration Review

Sometimes the issue lies in the configuration. Compare the current configuration settings of your network devices against a known good backup. Look for any recent changes that could have impacted connectivity. Ensure that routing protocols like OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) or BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) are correctly configured and that all routing tables are accurate and up to date.

Add your perspective

Pham Ngoc Thanh

⚡️SAP Basis and Cloud Technology｜Strategic Planning｜IT Transformation｜Technology and Change Leadership | Database Optimization
Report contribution
Use configuration management tools: Ansible, Terraform, Puppet... to control configuration changes, whether caused by people or events. Store multiple configuration versions. Ability to simulate configuration testing environment before actual application.

Like
Thomas Jällbrink

Systemingenjör at Tripnet AB
Report contribution
The issue is almost always a configuration change. The question is if it’s an internal or external change that’s happened. In most cases it’s an unintentional internal change that causes an issue like this.

Like

6 Escalate Issue

If all else fails, it may be time to escalate the issue to your internet service provider (ISP) or to a higher-level network engineer. Provide them with all the information you've gathered, including test results and log excerpts. They might have additional resources or insights that can help resolve the connectivity problems more rapidly.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Chifundo Nguku

Information and Communication Technology Technician (UNITRANS MALAWI LIMITED)
Report contribution
Start test with basic settings and configurations, see if the machines on the local networks are able to talk each other, if Yes, see if they can go out to the cloud, if no check the intermediate devices mostly router and switches both hardware, software and configurations of they are intact or some changes have occurred. Test if they can breakout to the cloud, the use of remote connection testing tools must be used either free or proprietary according to organization's policy. Finally check of the ISP is up and running or if they have encountered any problems or have applied any updates. Finally log the steps from frost to the final stage of the troubleshooting despite being a success or failure for easy escalation or polishing up.

Like

How would you troubleshoot network connectivity issues across multiple remote sites simultaneously?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Initial Check

2 Ping Test

3 Trace Route

4 Log Analysis

5 Configuration Review

6 Escalate Issue

7 Here’s what else to consider

System Administration

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on System Administration

More relevant reading

How would you troubleshoot network connectivity issues across multiple remote sites simultaneously?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Initial Check

2 Ping Test

3 Trace Route

4 Log Analysis

5 Configuration Review

6 Escalate Issue

7 Here’s what else to consider

System Administration

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills