Chapter 13. Network Problems

It goes without saying that a networking problem can really put a kink in your day. That is why we devote an entire chapter to Linux network troubleshooting. Although this chapter is not intended to teach the fundamentals of networking, a brief overview is justified. Therefore, we begin by explaining the ISO (International Standard Organization) OSI (Open System Interconnect) networking interconnect model. After we cover this subject, we move on to discussing identification of the perceived network problem and isolation of the subsystem involved. We then discuss options for resolution.

Many protocols and network types exist; however, this chapter deals only with troubleshooting the Ethernet Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) standard with the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite. Various models and protocol suites are available; however, the most widely used in homes and offices is the Ethernet TCP/IP model.