Asset Management

Correct Answer: Implement a software asset management tool

A software asset management tool efficiently collects and maintains a complete inventory of installed software. Manually reviewing or relying on employees is less accurate and time-consuming.

Correct Answer: Investigate the unauthorized device, then update the inventory list.

The best approach for the network administrator upon discovering an unauthorized device is to first investigate it, then update the inventory list. This is because unauthorized devices could present security threats or issues around licensing and compliance, and it's important to ascertain their purpose and origins. Hence, option 'Investigate the unauthorized device, then update the inventory list' is the best answer. The other answers are not best practices for the following reasons: simply ignoring the device and continuing with the original list could leave the network vulnerable to security threats. Discarding the device without identification might not address the root problem, as unauthorized devices could still get into the network. Finally, only reporting unauthorized devices to management without further action would not be responsible, as the administrator's role also includes maintaining and updating the inventory list.

Correct Answer: Verify the asset register and update it with the correct serial number.

The best step for the network engineer to take next is to 'Verify the asset register and update it with the correct serial number.' This is the most prudent course of action since it ensures that the asset register accurately reflects the physical assets in place. It is also a way of confirming the identity of the new router to ensure that it is the correct one that was indeed supposed to be installed. The other options are not ideal. 'Assume the asset register is accurate and replace the upgraded router' is not a good approach since it doesn't address the discrepancy, and could potentially result in replacing a perfectly good router. 'Ignore the discrepancy and continue with the audit' is also not advisable because this could lead to inaccurate record keeping. Lastly, 'Update the asset register without verifying the information' is also a bad practice, as it could introduce incorrect information into the register.