Which troubleshooting step checks OSI layers after problem identification?

N10-008 By islever Editorial Last updated

Short answer

A Establish a theory.

Question

Which of the following steps of the troubleshooting methodology would most likely include checking through each level of the OSI model after the problem has been identified?
  1. Establish a theory. Correct Answer
  2. Implement the solution.
  3. Create a plan of action.
  4. Verify functionality

Key Takeaways

The exam tests your knowledge of the CompTIA troubleshooting step order; the trap is confusing the later 'verify functionality' step with the diagnostic layer-by-layer analysis performed when forming a theory.

Learn which troubleshooting methodology step most likely involves checking OSI model layers after problem identification. Community consensus favors 'Establish a theory' for the CompTIA N10-008 exam, with key reasoning about the standard troubleshooting order.

Common mistake: Choosing D, 'Verify functionality,' because verifying full system functionality can use the OSI model, but that step occurs after implementing a solution, not right after problem identification.

Expert Analysis

Why the Answer Is Correct

A is correct because the second step of the CompTIA troubleshooting methodology is to establish a theory of probable cause. After identifying the problem, technicians often walk through the OSI model layer by layer to form a hypothesis. Commenter [2] correctly explains that this step is all about forming a hypothesis to pinpoint root cause.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

B (Implement) and C (Plan of action) come later in the process, after the cause is determined. D (Verify functionality) is step 6, where you confirm the solution worked — it may involve checking layers, but not for diagnosis. Commenter [3] notes that while verifying also goes through OSI, it isn't the step directly after problem identification, making A the better answer.

Community Comment Notes

Votes are split 76 for A and 24 for D. Most commenters who chose A emphasize the sequence: identify problem → establish theory → test theory → plan → implement → verify. Commenter [1] notes that the OSI model detail is extraneous; just knowing step 2 is 'establish a theory' is enough. A few, like commenter [5], argue for D, but they overlook the 'after problem identified' phrasing.

Exam Strategy

Memorize the seven-step CompTIA troubleshooting methodology in order. On exam day, look for time markers like 'after the problem has been identified' — they point to the very next step, not a later one.

Community Votes

A
76%
D
24%

76% of anonymous learners picked answer A. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.

Discussion 10 contributions

Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors.

From public community threads 10

  1. dblue 👍 4 Answered A
    Step 2 is establish a theory. Step 1 is identify the problem. The OSI model bit is extraneous detail
  2. Nil_Rab 👍 3
    D. Verify functionality. Once a problem has been identified and a potential solution implemented, the next step is to verify that the solution has resolved the issue and that the affected system or network is functioning correctly. This often involves checking through each level of the OSI model to ensure that all layers of the network stack are functioning as expected and that there are no lingering issues or dependencies affecting overall functionality. Therefore, verifying functionality typically includes checking through each level of the OSI model to ensure proper operation.
  3. jagoichi 👍 3 Answered A
    Network troubleshooting is a repeatable process, which means that you can break it down into clear steps that anyone can follow. Identify the Problem. ... Develop a Theory. ... Test the Theory. ... Plan of Action. ... Implement the Solution. ... Verify System Functionality. ... Document the Issue.
  4. huradazimi 👍 3 Answered A
    Establish a theory is the step where checking through each level of the OSI model most likely occurs after identifying the problem. It's all about forming a hypothesis to pinpoint the root cause.
  5. bdemps98 👍 3 Answered A
    After, but you'd also go through the OSI model in Verifying Functionality which is also after but not directly after.
Show 5 more comments
  1. jagoichi 👍 1
    Answer is A: Network troubleshooting is a repeatable process, which means that you can break it down into clear steps that anyone can follow. Identify the Problem. ... Develop a Theory. ... Test the Theory. ... Plan of Action. ... Implement the Solution. ... Verify System Functionality. ... Document the Issue.
  2. vannydabest 👍 1 Answered D
    D. If you check through each layer then you are verifying the functionality of each device at each layer.
  3. agfencer 👍 2 Answered D
    D. Verify Functionality
  4. 88d4601 👍 2
    The answer is A
  5. 378b79e 👍 1
    Establish a theory of cause.

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