Workstation connectivity
troubleshooter
Using this tool
This Visio flowchart will assist you in troubleshooting your workstation network connectivity problems. It
covers wired and wireless connectivity, network configuration, security, and application configuration
topics.
Use this flowchart with Microsoft Visio 2000 or later and start on page 1 in the top-left corner near the
green arrow. The flowchart is organized as follows:

Page 1—Starting point, basic topic decisions

Page 2—Wireless connectivity topics

Page 3—Wired connectivity topics

Page 4—Network configuration topics

Page 5—Security and application troubleshooting topics
Starting on page 1, identify your problem category or go through all categories to identify your problem, if
you aren't sure where it fits. You can print the flowchart on 8.5-x-11 paper or use it onscreen. An
advantage to onscreen use is that the tool includes inline hyperlinks, denoted by pentagon-shaped
objects, as shown below.
These links will refer to starting point (Page 1) or to another page for configuration topics related to the
situation at hand.
Page 1
Copyright ©2004 CNET Networks, Inc. All rights reserved.
To see more downloads and get your free TechRepublic membership, please visit
http://techrepublic.com.com/2001-6240-0.html.
Topic-related alternatives
Within the flowchart, certain processes or decisions have alternative options where a different
process/question may lead to a solution. These situations are noted by the red dotted line and the text
ALTERNATE CONFIGURATION, as shown below.
These options can also assist you if you aren't sure about the process or question at hand.
Populate with basic information
The flowchart starts with basic information from the workstation, allowing you to identify a problem
category that can help you troubleshoot connectivity issues. Be sure to modify the document and add
basic information for your computing environment. This will assist the troubleshooter (IT staff or end user)
in diagnosing the problem in a more specific manner. For example, consider the following:

On page 4, add an FQDN as part of the ping test on your network, such as ping acme.com, where
this is your internal domain.

On page 5, add your most popular network applications and frequent issues, as well as the
assistance procedure (if different applications have different support mechanisms).

On page 2, add your WLAN’s SSID to specify what the browsing tools should find.
Dig in!
Share this document with your colleagues and tweak it to fit your infrastructure by adding pages for
relevant technologies in use in your systems. Of course, it can't solve every workstation connectivity topic
that will arise, as everyone’s connectivity is unique. Therefore, it may be convenient to modify the
document and provide a custom version to users as a first-line of troubleshooting before seeking help,
especially for smaller offices without a local IT staff.
Page 2
Copyright ©2004 CNET Networks, Inc. All rights reserved.
To see more downloads and get your free TechRepublic membership, please visit
http://techrepublic.com.com/2001-6240-0.html.
TechRepublic
The collective voice of IT professionals
We want to hear from you
We designed this tool to help make your job a little easier. Your satisfaction is important to us, so please take
a minute to send us your feedback.
TechRepublic engages IT professionals in the ultimate peer-to-peer experience, providing actionable
information, tools, and services to help members get their jobs done. Use these site features to help
resolve job issues that keep you up at night.
Free e-newsletters
Keep up to date on any aspect of the IT industry with our e-newsletters—from daily software tips to hot
trends—delivered right to your e-mail inbox.
Free downloads
We've created resources to make your job easier, including ready-to-use forms, templates, checklists,
tools, executables, and white papers.
Free articles
Get the answers to the problems you face on the job every day. Our articles, quizzes, tips, and
"charticles" are written to keep you up to speed on today's technologies.
TechRepublic's books and tool kits
Find the latest books, CDs, and charts on today's critical IT topics, including PC troubleshooting, VPN,
TCP/IP, Windows client and server, Cisco, and more.
Discussion Center
Communicate with your peers. Open a discussion thread on any content, or jump into preselected topics:
career, technology, management, and miscellaneous.
Try our premium subscription product, TechProGuild, free for 30 days
Our online IT community provides proven, real-world solutions and the latest articles, resources, and
discussions affecting frontline IT pros. Get access to over 250 full-text IT books, our Tech Tips Library,
exclusive downloads; in-depth articles on networks and systems, PC troubleshooting, Cisco
infrastructure, help desk and support, and more!
Copyright ©2004 CNET Networks, Inc. All rights reserved.
To see more downloads and get your free TechRepublic membership, please visit http://techrepublic.com.com.
Page 3
Copyright ©2004 CNET Networks, Inc. All rights reserved.
To see more downloads and get your free TechRepublic membership, please visit
http://techrepublic.com.com/2001-6240-0.html.