Which sequence represents the standard problem-solving model used for network issues?

• A. Identify problem, establish a theory, test theory, plan and implement fix, verify, document.
• B. Identify problem, plan and implement fix, establish a theory, test theory, verify, document.
• C. Gather symptoms, identify problem, implement fix, verify, document.
• D. Define problem, gather data, implement solution, verify, document.

Answer: (A)

A structured troubleshooting approach starts by identifying the problem, then forming a theory about probable causes, testing that theory, planning and implementing a fix, verifying the result, and finally documenting what was done. This order matters because you confirm what you think is causing the issue before making changes, which reduces unnecessary or wrong fixes and helps prevent introducing new problems. By testing the theory, you build evidence that the chosen solution actually targets the real cause. After implementing the fix, you verify that the network services are back to normal and that no new issues appeared. Documentation captures what was found and what was done so future issues can be resolved faster and consistently. Other sequences either skip the theory stage, jump to fixes without verification, or omit the final documentation, which can lead to guessing, incomplete resolution, or repeated problems.