CompTIA Network+ (N10-008) — Question 684

A user cannot connect to the network, although others in the office are unaffected. The network technician sees that the link lights on the NIC are not on. The technician needs to check which switchport the user is connected to, but the cabling is not labeled. Which of the following is the best way for the technician to find where the computer is connected?

Answer options

• A. Look up the computer's IP address in the switch ARP table.
• B. Use a cable tester to trace the cable.
• C. Look up the computer's MAC address in the switch CAM table.
• D. Use a tone generator to trace the cable.

Correct answer: D

Explanation

Using a tone generator is the most effective method for tracing the cable to determine where the computer is connected. Other options, such as checking the ARP or CAM tables, will not help in identifying the physical connection due to the lack of link lights indicating connectivity. A cable tester may confirm the integrity of the cable but does not directly indicate the specific switchport.