Network Troubleshooting Tools

Correct Answer: Time-domain reflectometer (TDR)

The best tool to determine the location of problems causing intermittent connectivity on a network is a Time-domain reflectometer (TDR). TDRs are used to find faults in metallic cables (e.g., twisted pair wire or coaxial cable). They work by transmitting a signal into the cable and then listening for reflections of that signal. If there's a break or other imperfections in the cable, the signal will reflect back, and by measuring the time it took for the reflection, the TDR can accurately pin-point the location of the fault. The other tools mentioned here have different uses: A Protocol Analyzer is used for decoding and analyzing protocol packets; A Spectrum Analyzer is used to visualize and measure the amplitude versus frequency for signals in the frequency domain, they do not determine the location of a physical fault in a network cable; A Throughput tester checks the performance of a network, not specific physical faults.

Correct Answer: Network analyzer

The Network analyzer is the best tool for identifying traffic patterns and taking necessary actions, as it can monitor network traffic and can help identify causes for slow network performance. On the other hand, a Cable tester is used to verify the electrical connections in a signal cable or other wired assembly, but it doesn’t analyze traffic patterns. A Toner probe is a tool used to identify individual pairs of wires in a bundle or other types of conducting wires and cables, not for analyzing traffic patterns. And a Multimeter is used to measure electrical properties like voltage, current, or resistance across an electronic component, not for analyzing network traffic.

Correct Answer: Packet capture tool

The best tool for analyzing the quality of Voice over IP (VoIP) calls is a packet capture tool. VoIP calls are transmitted over the network using data packets. A packet capture tool enables the technician to capture these data packets for analysis. This can reveal information about the call quality, such as latency, jitter, and packet loss - all factors that can affect VoIP call quality A cable tester is used to ascertain the integrity of network cables, such as whether they are broken or incorrectly wired. It would not provide any information about VoIP call quality A multimeter is a tool that measures electrical properties, such as voltage, current, and resistance. It would not be useful for analysing the quality of VoIP calls A spectrum analyzer is used to measure characteristics of signal frequencies. While it could be useful in troubleshooting network issues affecting VoIP call quality, it is less appropriate than a packet capture tool, which can directly capture and analyse the data packets carrying VoIP calls.