A server administrator is deploying a new server in a rack. After configuring a static IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway, the administrator verifies the settings using the ipconfig command, and they appear correct. However, the server is unable to ping the default gateway. The administrator observes that the link light on the server's network port is not lit. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step to troubleshoot this issue?
Verify the VLAN assignment on the switch port.
Run the tracert command to the default gateway to identify the point of failure.
Reinstall the network interface card driver on the server.
Replace the network patch cable with one that is known to be good.
The correct answer is to replace the network patch cable with one that is known to be good. The key symptom is the unlit link light on the network interface card (NIC), which indicates a problem at the Physical Layer (Layer 1) of the OSI model. The most common causes for a lack of a physical link are a faulty or disconnected cable, a bad port on the server or switch, or an administratively disabled switch port. The most efficient first step is to test the most likely and easiest-to-fix component, which is the patch cable. Using a known-good cable quickly confirms or eliminates the cable as the source of the problem.
Running tracert is incorrect because it is a Network Layer (Layer 3) tool that traces the path to a destination. It requires a functional physical link to operate and will fail without one, providing no useful information in this scenario.
Reinstalling the NIC driver is incorrect because drivers operate at a higher level than the physical link negotiation. While a driver issue can cause connectivity problems, it is unlikely to prevent the link light from illuminating if the physical connection is sound.
Verifying the VLAN assignment is incorrect because VLANs operate at the Data Link Layer (Layer 2). A VLAN mismatch would typically still allow a physical link to be established (the link light would be on), but it would prevent proper network communication.
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What does the link light indicate on a network interface card (NIC)?
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What is the OSI model and how does Layer 1 (Physical Layer) relate to troubleshooting network issues?
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Why would replacing the patch cable be the first step in troubleshooting connectivity issues?