Check Speed and Duplex Settings | Legacy Computer Connectivity Troubleshooting | CompTIA Network+ Exam

The engineering department wants to bring a legacy computer online to test a failed component.

When patching the device into the switch, there are no link lights or connectivity.

The legacy computer can ping its loopback address successfully.

Another device can connect to that same port without issues.

Which of the following should the network technician check NEXT? (Choose two.)

A.

Speed setting on the switch

B.

Duplex requirements

C.

Firmware version

D.

Protocols the legacy computer supports

E.

Network card drivers

F.

VLAN settings.

CE.

Based on the scenario provided, the legacy computer can ping its loopback address successfully but cannot establish a connection with the switch. Another device can connect to that same port without issues. Therefore, the network technician should check the following two options next:

B. Duplex requirements: Duplex settings refer to how data is transmitted between two devices over the network. In Ethernet networking, duplex settings can be either half-duplex or full-duplex. If the duplex setting on the legacy computer and switch do not match, it can lead to connectivity issues. A mismatch in duplex settings can cause collisions and result in poor network performance or connectivity issues. Therefore, the technician should check the duplex setting on the switch and the legacy computer to ensure they match.

E. Network card drivers: Network card drivers play a critical role in enabling network communication. Outdated, missing, or corrupted network card drivers can cause connectivity issues, which may prevent the legacy computer from connecting to the network. Therefore, the technician should check the network card drivers on the legacy computer and ensure they are up to date and functioning correctly.

A. Speed setting on the switch: The speed setting on the switch may also cause connectivity issues. If the speed setting on the switch is different from the legacy computer's network card speed, the two devices may not communicate. However, in the given scenario, it is unlikely to be the cause of the problem as another device can connect to the same port without issues.

C. Firmware version: Firmware is a type of software that is embedded in the hardware of network devices. An outdated or corrupted firmware version can cause network connectivity issues. However, in the given scenario, it is unlikely to be the cause of the problem as the issue is isolated to the legacy computer.

D. Protocols the legacy computer supports: The protocols that the legacy computer supports may impact its ability to connect to the network. However, in the given scenario, it is unlikely to be the cause of the problem as the legacy computer can ping its loopback address successfully.

F. VLAN settings: VLANs are used to segregate network traffic to improve security and network performance. If the VLAN settings on the switch are not configured correctly, it can cause connectivity issues. However, in the given scenario, it is unlikely to be the cause of the problem as another device can connect to the same port without issues.