After installing a new network adapter in a Linux server, users report sporadic and sluggish connections to hosted services. Upon inspecting the interface statistics, you notice an abnormally high count of discarded packets. Identifying the probable root cause of this issue is your next step. Which of the following should you investigate first?
Investigate a possible speed mismatch between the server's network adapter and the clients' adapters
Examine the physical cables for signs of damage or wear
Check for duplex mismatch between the network adapter and the corresponding switch configuration
Verify that the network configurations on the server are correctly assigned
A high count of discarded packets is typically indicative of a duplex mismatch issue, where there is a configuration inconsistency between how the installed network adapter and the corresponding switch port manage data transmission. This would result in data collision and packet loss. A speed mismatch can also cause performance problems, but it doesn't typically increase the rate of discarded packets. Damaged cables may lead to packet loss, but this is less likely in a new installation where the adapter settings are a common concern. Incorrectly assigned network configurations could interfere with connectivity but generally do not lead directly to increased packet loss.
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