What is the first troubleshooting step for slow network speeds? Learn why checking user bandwidth usage is essential for identifying network congestion and resolving performance issues—key knowledge for Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Networking 100-150 exam success.
Table of Contents
Question
A user complains of slow network speeds. What is the FIRST troubleshooting step?
A. Replace network cables
B. Reboot the router
C. Configure QoS
D. Check the user’s bandwidth usage
E. Change the default gateway
Answer
D. Check the user’s bandwidth usage
Explanation
Identifying which devices or applications are consuming bandwidth helps diagnose slow network speeds.
The first step when a user complains of slow network speeds is to check the user’s bandwidth usage.
Analyzing bandwidth usage helps determine if the slowness is caused by excessive consumption from the user’s device or specific applications, or if the issue is more widespread across the network.
High bandwidth usage from streaming, large downloads, or unauthorized applications can saturate the network, leading to reduced speeds for all users.
Network monitoring tools or device monitoring features (such as SNMP monitoring) can quickly reveal which users or applications are consuming the most bandwidth, allowing for targeted troubleshooting and resolution.
Identifying bandwidth hogs or congestion early streamlines the troubleshooting process, as it distinguishes between user-specific issues and broader network problems.
If high usage is not the cause, subsequent steps can include checking hardware, cables, device health, or ISP issues, but bandwidth analysis is the most immediate and informative starting point.
Checking bandwidth usage is the essential first step to diagnose whether network slowness is due to congestion, heavy application use, or other factors, enabling efficient and targeted troubleshooting.
Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Networking 100-150 certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Networking 100-150 exam and earn Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Networking 100-150 certification.