Back to Network Monitoring

Baseline Establishment

5 minutes 5 Questions

Baseline Establishment is the process of setting a standard or reference point for network performance and functionality. By establishing a baseline, network administrators can more efficiently detect and address deviations or anomalies from normal operating conditions. This monitoring practice involves collecting data on key performance metrics, including latency, throughput, and error rates, over a sufficient period of time to accurately assess typical network performance. Baseline Establishment not only helps in identifying potential problems but also provides a means for measuring the impact of changes to the network and evaluating the success of implemented solutions.

Guide: Baseline Establishment in CompTIA Network

What is Baseline Establishment: In network monitoring, the Baseline Establishment is a process where the normal operation of a network is defined. It includes parameters like network speed, error rates, and uptime.

Why it is important: Establishing a baseline is essential as it provides a reference point to compare future performance. This helps in identifying network issues and planning for network improvements.

How it works: The baseline is established by measuring and documenting the performance metrics of the network under normal conditions. These metrics are then used as a standard to evaluate the network's current and future performance.

Exam Tips - Answering Questions on Baseline Establishment:
- Understand the importance of a baseline in network performance evaluation.
- Know what type of data is typically included in a baseline.
- Be able to explain how the baseline is used in monitoring network performance.
- Familiarize yourself with different tools and techniques for establishing a baseline.
- Practise interpreting baseline data in different scenarios.
Remember, when answering exam questions, focus on the core concept i.e., defining normal network performance for future comparison, and application in problem-solving.

Test mode:
Start practice test
CompTIA Network+ - Network Monitoring Example Questions

Test your knowledge of Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3)

Question 1

You have to perform a network assessment for a client. Which type of data should be collected when establishing a baseline?

Correct Answer: Performance, utilization, and availability metrics

During a network assessment, it's important to establish baseline data which are usually performance-related, and will include metrics related to how the network is currently performing. So the most accurate type of data to collect would be performance, utilization, and availability metrics. This gives an overall picture of where things sit and thus provides a basis for any further changes or upgrades. Server software updates and patches, while important, are not crucial in establishing a baseline for network performance. Additionally, the latest network security threats are more aligned with a security assessment, not a network performance baseline. Lastly, asset inventory data is also important but it doesn't tell you how well the network is performing, hence does not help in establishing a baseline.

Question 2

A network administrator receives a report of sudden slowdowns in the network. Why is network baseline crucial to analyze this problem?

Correct Answer: It allows for identifying deviations from normal performance

A network baseline is crucial to analyzing sudden network slowdowns precisely because it allows for identifying deviations from normal performance. This essentially refers to comparing the current network performance with the established standard or normal behavior. If there's a decrease in performance, it can signal an issue like a network slowdown. The other answers are incorrect as they do not directly relate to the question. Uptime statistics are essential for monitoring overall network reliability, but they do not necessarily help address sudden network slowdowns. Bandwidth estimation is vital for capacity planning, but not directly relevant to sudden network issues. Lastly, while ensuring routing protocols are functioning correctly is an important network operation, it does not specifically explain the importance of a network baseline in analyzing sudden network slowdowns.

Question 3

You are comparing an Ethernet network vs. a Fiber network to determine what type of network to recommend. What kind of baseline data should you collect?

Correct Answer: Throughput, latency, and error rates

When comparing different types of networks, such as Ethernet and Fiber, baseline data to consider includes throughput, latency, and error rates. These parameters help determine the overall performance of the networks being compared. Throughput measures the amount of data that can be transferred over the network in a given amount of time, latency is the time it takes for data to travel from one point to another on the network, and error rates indicate the reliability of the network. Security vulnerabilities and firmware versions of network devices, while important in network management, don’t assist in a direct comparison of network types. Power consumption differences can also be a factor but it is secondary as it does not directly relate to network performance.

image/svg+xml
Go Premium

CompTIA Network+ Preparation Package (2024)

  • 1804 Superior-grade CompTIA Network+ practice questions.
  • Accelerated Mastery: Deep dive into critical topics to fast-track your mastery.
  • Unlock Effortless CompTIA Network+ preparation: 5 full exams.
  • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed: Full refund with no questions if unsatisfied.
  • Bonus: If you upgrade now you get upgraded access to all courses
  • Risk-Free Decision: Start with a 7-day free trial - get premium features at no cost!
More Baseline Establishment questions
4 questions (total)
Start 4 question test