Unable to Establish Connection with Switch | Troubleshooting Guide

Troubleshooting Guide: Unable to Establish Connection with Switch

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Question

An administrator is connecting a laptop to administer a switch using an Ethernet cable, which works on a PC to a wall jack.

The switch is functioning, but the administrator is unable to establish a connection with the switch.

Which of the following is MOST likely the issue?

Answers

Explanations

Click on the arrows to vote for the correct answer

A. B. C. D.

B.

The most likely issue in this scenario is that the cable being used is not the correct type.

When connecting a laptop to a switch, a straight-through Ethernet cable is typically used. This type of cable is wired with the same pin configuration on both ends and is used to connect different types of devices, such as a laptop and a switch.

A rollover cable, on the other hand, is a special type of Ethernet cable that is wired in a way that allows the pins on one end to be "rolled over" to the opposite pins on the other end. These cables are typically used to connect similar devices, such as two switches or two routers.

If the administrator is using a rollover cable instead of a straight-through cable, this could explain why they are unable to establish a connection with the switch.

It is less likely that the issue is with the switch or the port itself, as the scenario states that the switch is functioning. However, if the issue persists after trying a straight-through cable, then it may be worth investigating the switch or the port further.