SELF-LEARNING HOME TASK (SLHT)

SUBJECT: CSS GRADE LEVEL: 9 QUARTER: 3 WEEK: 4

MELC: Inspect and test the configured computer networks
COMPETENCY CODE: TLE_IACSS9- 12SUCN-IIf-j-36

Network Inspection Procedures

A. READINGS/DISCUSSIONS
Background Information for Learners

Maintaining computer system and network increases efficiency and saves

you from the hassle and expense associated with major repairs. However, it is
essential to understand how to schedule maintenance plans and implement it
accordingly. By learning when maintenance is practical and developing a
scheduling strategy, you can set up maintenance strategies that are beneficial
to your computer system and network.

The following are the procedures on how to maintain computer system and
networks:

1. Create an Equipment Maintenance Schedule

In order to perform the

maintenance of your
computer efficiently, a
maintenance schedule is
made to guide the
personnel in the proper
maintenance procedure.
This will help them
remember the maintenance
task that needs to be done
in order to improve the
functionality of the computer system and networks.
2. Create a Maintenance Checklist
To determine if the maintenance program is implemented according to
what is planned, an assessment must be done. The result of the
assessment will then be recorded and reported to the proper authorities
for immediate action. The assessment is through regular inspections
which assure that the maintenance activities are done on the date and
time they were was planned and that the performance levels adhered to
the defined standard.

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 COMPUTER and NETWORK MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

Performing routine checks like checking your smoke alarms in your home
and making sure your car has been serviced at regular intervals are extremely
important. Equally as important is the routine server and network maintenance
and checks on your information technology systems. Most organizations already
have monitoring in place but periodic maintenance must also take place. So
what’s the difference between monitoring and performing maintenance? Even if
you are constantly monitoring your equipment you might ask yourself, why
should you also do maintenance?.

Monitoring is something you usually do in real time and you will always
continue to do. Maintenance is something that would typically have a checklist
attached to a process and will be done on regular intervals. A maintenance
checklist is something that should always be done to ensure that everything is
checked off and not missed.

Step 1: Anti-virus
Update your anti-virus software and run a scan. How you do
a scan will depend on what program you’re using but most
have very clear instructions right from the start. Unless
you know there’s a problem I recommend doing the
programs’ default scan. You only need a full scan if you
know you’ve got a virus and the default hasn’t found it. I
also recommend plugging in any external hard drives so
they get checked at the same time.
Step 2: Anti-spyware/anti-malware
Most anti-virus programs do a basic spyware check too, but do both to make
sure. There are many options for spyware removal software, Malware Bytes Pro,
Super Antispyware and Spybot: Search and Destroy are recommended. Many
also offer to protect your browser(s) against future incursions which I’d
recommend as it can save you a lot of time and trouble.
Like anti-virus programs how they work will vary but it’s usually easy to see what
you need to do, often you just click a button and let it go.

Step 3: Empty your recycle bin (best done with CCleaner)

Just because you’ve deleted something doesn’t mean it’s

actually gone, if it’s sitting in the recycle bin then

it’s still on your hard drive and still taking up memory. Disc
Cleanup (See Step 4) will empty the recycle bin
automatically, but I like to do it manually just in case
anything important ended up in there by accident.
There should be a recycle bin icon on your desktop, but if
not it’s on the start menu. Just open the folder, check
what’s in there and click ’empty recycle bin’.

Step 4: Disk and Application/Software Cleanup

This is another easy step because it’s built into Windows. You’ll find it by going to
Start>All Programs>Accessories>System Tools. Pick the drive you want to scan

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(your main hard drive(s), any that are just used for data storage won’t have
problems) and let it go.

It finds files that aren’t needed any more and odd bits of data that got left behind.
Stuff like web pages that were archived automatically, temporary files that never
got deleted, old service pack backups and so on. It then presents you with a list
of what it’s found and how much memory each item is taking up. You can pick
and choose which ones to delete but I like to do the whole lot.

Also look in control panel for unwanted or unnecessary programs. Uninstall

anything that has leached on to the system over time such as Internet Browser
toolbars.

Remove any unwanted or unnecessary Internet Browser extensions, plug-ins or

add-ons

Expert level technicians may want to clean up the system registry (do not
attempt this unless you are absolutely sure you know what you are looking for)

Step 5: Defragment
Again this program comes with Windows, it’s in the same place as the Disk
Cleanup tool. It’s a straightforward process; pick a drive, ask for analysis and if it
says it needs defragmenting let it do its thing.

Step 6: Configure your startup

This is a bit more complicated, but extremely useful. First, you need to open the
Run program. Type ‘msconfig’ and click OK. When it opens go into the ‘Startup’
tab. This is a list of everything that runs automatically when you switch your
computer on. If you’re not sure what something is, it’s best left alone but there
should be some familiar names there too like iTunes or MSN.

Ask yourself if these really need to be running in the background each and every
time you switch the computer on and uncheck any that don’t make the cut. Then
click apply, then OK. Next time you start up your computer those programs won’t
start with it. You can still open them manually and they’ll work exactly the same
way, but they won’t be hogging resources when you’re not using them.

Step 7: Check Windows Updates, Update plugins and basic applications

Check Microsoft Updates, including weekly scheduled updates as well as the
latest Service Packs.

Some of the applications to look for to update:

✓ Browsers – Google Chrome, Safari, Opera and Firefox

✓ Messaging – Skype, Windows Live Messenger,

✓ on – 7-Zup, PeaZIP, WinRAR

Step 8: Check file backup plan and create system recovery disks if applicable

Make sure to have a file backup plan and create system recovery disks if available.
System images are always a good idea as well.

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Step 9: Clean and dust internal computer parts and fan (check fans and
computer temp.)

Network Maintenance Tasks

Network maintenance tasks are those tasks which network administrators

perform on a day-to-day basis, allowing for the upkeep of the network. Some of
the more common network maintenance tasks include, but are not limited to, the
following general activities:

1. Installing, replacing or upgrading both hardware and software

2. Monitoring, tuning and optimizing the network
3. Documenting the network and maintaining network documentation

4. Securing the network from both internal and external threats

5. Planning for network upgrades, expansions, or enhancements

6. Scheduling backups and restoring services or the network from backups

7. Ensuring compliance with legal regulations and corporate policies

8. Troubleshooting problem reports

9. Maintaining and updating device configurations

Installing, replacing or upgrading both hardware and software

Hardware and software installation, replacement and upgrades are very common
network maintenance tasks. In a Cisco internetwork, this may include replacing
older or failed hardware, such as switch line cards and supervisor modules in
Catalyst 4500 and 6500 series switches, for example, as well as upgrading the
Cisco IOS images to current revision or patch levels for routers and switches
alike.

Monitoring, tuning and optimizing the network

One of the core facilitators of an effective network maintenance solution or

strategy is proactive monitoring. Proactive monitoring allows potential problems
to be detected and remedied before they cause an outage or affect operation.
Event logging and network monitoring can be used to proactively react to
network or system alerts and be used to do the following:

1. Verify the performance of the network and all internetwork devices in the
network

2. Baseline the performance of the network itself

3. Understand the amount of direction and traffic flows in the network

4. Identify and troubleshoot potential network issues

Documenting the network and maintaining network documentation

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While most network engineers consider documentation a rather mundane and
even lowly task, it is important to understand that documentation is a critical
component of network maintenance as well as troubleshooting and support. It is
important to understand that different organizations have different standards for
acceptable levels of documentation. There are several guidelines or
recommendations that you should follow when documenting the network:

1. Determine the scope of responsibility

2. Understanding the objective
3. Maintain documentation consistency
4. Make sure that the documentation is easily accessible
5. Maintain the documentation

The first guideline is ensuring that you understand your scope of responsibility.
That is, it is important to understand what it is that you are responsible for. For
example, you may be working in an organization that has a voice, security,
storage and network team all under the Information Technology (IT) department
umbrella. Rather than attempting to create documentation for all the teams, you
should make sure you should only document those networks and devices that
are within your administrative responsibility.

It is important to understand what the documentation will be used for. A common

mistake that is made by network engineers is either including too little or too
much information within the documentation. Take time to fully understand what
the document you are creating will be used for and take into consideration the
audience the document is targeted to and what information would be useful or
excessive for that particular group. Over-documentation makes documented
information hard to understand. On the other hand under-documentation makes
network support and troubleshooting difficult to perform.

Consistency when creating network documentation is a key component that

should be adhered to as much as possible. In most organizations, design and
documentation templates are available for reference when creating new
documentation. Maintaining consistency increases the usability of those
documents and makes them easier to understand for everyone else.

No matter how great the documentation that is created is, it helps no one if the
documentation cannot be accessed by those that may need it to support
troubleshooting or support functions. Where possible, documentation should be
stored in a location that is readily and easily accessible to all those that may use
it, such as on a secure network location or share. In some cases, depending on
the organization, it may be necessary for documentation to be stored in a
secured, offsite location for disaster recovery and business continuity purposes.

And finally, once the documentation has been created, it is important to ensure
that it is always maintained and up-to-date. Network diagrams from years ago
may contain misleading and incorrect information that may hamper
troubleshooting information. Network documentation should be considered living
documentation that changes at the same rate as the network. Following the
completion of each network project, existing documentation should be updated to
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reflect the changes that were made to the network.

Although there are no standards that determine what information should and
should not be included in network documentation, most organizations and
businesses have their own standards for what should be included in the network
documentation. It is important to adhere to these standards and guidelines when
creating documentation. From a best practice’s perspective, network
documentation should include the following information at a minimum:

1. Information about the interconnects between devices for LAN and WAN
connections

2. IP addressing and VLAN information

3. A physical topology diagram of the network
4. A logical topology diagram of the network
5. An inventory of all internetwork devices, components and modules

6. A revision control section detailing changes to the topology

7. Configuration information
8. Any original or additional design documentation and notes
9. Data or traffic flow patterns

Securing the network from both internal and external threats

Network security is an integral component of network operation and

maintenance. It is also very important that consideration be given to both
internal and external threats. While most organizations have a dedicated
security team, monitoring and a structured maintenance approach can also be
used to discover vulnerabilities or potential security threats which can then
allow for the appropriate action to be taken before an incident occurs.

Planning for network upgrades, expansions, or enhancements

Using network monitoring, you can identify potential issues before they arise as
well as plan for possible network upgrades or expansions, i.e. capacity
planning, based on the identified potential issues. Effective planning can be
used to define the maintenance tasks required on the network and then
prioritize those tasks and the order in which they will be implemented.

Scheduling backups and restoring services or the network from backups

Backups are a routine maintenance task that is usually given a very low
priority. However, it is important to understand the important of backups –
especially when attempting to recover from a serious or critical failure of the
network. Backups should therefore be considered a core common network
maintenance task, and should be allocated a high priority. It is important to
ensure that backups of core network components and devices are scheduled,
monitored and verified at all times. Having up-

to-date backups of core devices can assist in the faster recovery of the network
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 or individual network components following hardware or software failures, or
even data (configuration) loss.

Ensuring compliance with legal regulations and corporate policies

A structured network maintenance methodology also ensures that the network

is compliant with both legal obligations as well as corporate policies.
Regulatory policies, which are mandatory enforcements of compliance with
industry regulations and laws, will differ for businesses. Regardless of the
industry and the requirements, it is important to ensure the business is
following the industry standards as regulated by the law. Unlike legal
regulations, corporate policies will vary on a business-by-business basis;
however, it is still important to ensure that the network adheres to these
policies and can provide the required functions.

Troubleshooting problem reports

Troubleshooting problem reports is core network maintenance function. While

troubleshooting methodologies are described in detail later in this guide,
troubleshooting is simplified by a structure network maintenance approach,
which includes documentation, backups, and some form of proactive
monitoring system.

Maintaining and updating device configurations

Configuration changes are common because of the day-to-day moves,

additions, or changes (MACs) within organizations. Device configurations may
also change due to scheduled maintenance tasks and planned changes to the
network. For this reason, maintain and updating device configurations is
considered a core network management function. Each time configurations on
devices change, they should not only be documented, but should be saved
both on the device and to an alternate backup location, e.g. an FTP or TFTP
server (if one is available).

3. Testing the configured Network

You’ve set up all your network switches, plugged in all the cables, and
configured all your computers. One task remains before you can declare your
network finished: You must verify that the network works as expected.

Here are a few simple tests you can conduct to make sure your network is
functional.

1. Check the physical connections.

Check that the Link light — the little red or green light next to the RJ-45
port — is lit on every computer. You must check this light both on the
computer itself and on the switch or router the computer is plugged
into. If this light is not on, you have a connection problem — most likely
a bad cable.

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 2. Verify that you can log on.

When you’re sure the physical connections are good, you should attempt
to log on to each of your network computers using a valid domain user
account.

3. Check the network configuration.

Click the Start button, type cmd and press Enter. Then, enter the command
ipconfig /all and press Enter.

4. This command will spit out numerous lines of information. The line
you’re looking for should resemble this:
IPv4 Address. . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.125(Preferred)

If this part of the output does not show a valid IP address, you need to
check that your IP configuration is set correctly and that your DHCP
server is working.

5. Verify that the computers can ping each other.

Another basic test you should perform is to use the ping command from a
command prompt to make sure that the computers on your network can
contact one another.

Notes: Do several ping tests. First, make sure that TCP/IP is up and running by
having the computer try to ping itself. Open a command prompt and type ping
localhost. The output from this command will indicate whether or not the ping was
successful.

Next, try to ping your servers by name. For example, if your file server is
named FileServer01, use the command ping FileServer01.

4. Identify Network Problems.

When you suddenly cannot connect to the Internet, any of several things could
be wrong. Use this checklist to find and solve common Internet connection
problems.

1. Unplugged Network Cable

Unplugged or loose network cables are one of the most common reasons
why you might suddenly find yourself unable to connect to the Internet.
That's a problem on wireless networks, but on most laptops the
wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) radio can be inadvertently shut off instead. On
home networks, it's also possible that someone unplugged the router.

Action: Ensure your wired or wireless network hardware is

switched on and plugged in.

2. Website Temporarily Offline

What may seem to be a network problem connecting to the Internet is
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 sometimes simply a Web site (or whatever server is on the other end of
the connection) being temporarily offline.

Action: Before assuming your Internet connection is faulty, try visiting several
popular Web sites rather than just one.

3. IP Address Conflicts
If your computer and another on the network both have the same IP
address, the conflict between them will prevent either from working
properly online. Figure 140. Error Messages 200

Action: To resolve an IP conflict, follow these instructions to release and renew

your IP address. If your network uses static IP addresses, manually change your
IP to a different number.

4. Computer Firewall Malfunctions

Firewall software running on most computers is intended to prevent
unwanted network traffic from disrupting its operation. Unfortunately,
these software firewalls can malfunction and start blocking valid
Internet traffic. When two software firewalls, such as Windows Firewall
plus a third-party product, are installed on the same computer,
contention between the two can also incorrectly block traffic.

Action: If you have recently installed or upgraded software firewalls on your

computer, temporarily disable them to determine whether it may be the cause of
Internet connection problems.

5. Outside Wireless Signal Range

The performance of Wi-Fi network connections depends on distance
between the device and the wireless access point. The farther away a
Wi-Fi device is, the slower the local connection generally runs, until it
breaks altogether. Wireless signal interference in the area can also limit
the effective range of a Wi-Fi connection. Whenever you are unable to
reach the access point, you also cannot connect to the Internet,
obviously.

Action: Use one of the options written below to measure the strength of your
wireless signal and try these ideas to expand the range of your Wi-Fi. Ideally,
you should place the router at a height in some central location and away from
other cordless devices. Make sure that the router is not placed near something
metallic (like an almirah or window grills) as that will weaken the wireless
signals. Avoid mirrors as they can reflect the wireless signals away from the
desired direction. Wireless routers generally ship with omni-directional antennas
but you can replace them with more powerful uni-directional antennas and that
will keep the signal from getting broadcast in all directions.

6. Wireless Network Configuration

Wi-Fi networks with encryption options like WPA or WEP turned on
require computers to use matching security keys when connecting. If
someone changes the encryption keys or password on the access point,
devices that worked before will suddenly be unable to establish sessions
and Internet connections. Likewise (though less likely), if the access
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 point settings are changed to require using a specific Wi-Fi channel
number, some computers may be unable to discover it.

Action: Confirm that the Wi-Fi channel number and encryption keys on your
router have not recently changed (check with the network administrator if
necessary). When using a hotspot, follow the provider's instructors for signing in
carefully.

7. Broadband Router or Access Point Malfunctions

Home networks that use broadband routers are easier to manage than
those without one, but technical glitches with the router can also
prevent computers from connecting to the Internet. Router failures are
caused by overheating, excessive traffic, or simply a faulty unit. Typical
symptoms of a flaky router include computers on the network not being
able to obtain IP addresses, or the router console not responding to
requests.

Action: Check the router's lights and console if possible, to ensure it is running
and responding properly. Troubleshoot and reset the router if necessary. Change
the old router if necessary.

8. Blocked By Your Service Provider

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can choose to block access from your
account if you fail to make payment or otherwise violate the provider's
Terms of Service. Especially when using paid hotspots that charge by
the hour or day, sometimes people forget to keep their subscription
updated. Other common reasons an ISP might block your account
include exceeding bandwidth caps, sending spam e

mail, and downloading illegal or inappropriate content.

Action: Contact your ISP if you suspect your account has been
blocked. 9. Computer Glitches

Computers suffer from technical glitches or malfunctions. Although

relatively uncommon nowadays, a computer's network adapter
hardware might suddenly fail due to overheating or age. Failures in the
operating system software that control the adapter, on the other hand,
can occur frequently especially with computers that are heavily used.
Viruses and worms also may disable or block a computer's network
interfaces from functioning properly. If using a laptop or other mobile
device, transporting it from one location to another can corrupt the state
of its network.

Action: Check the computer and remove any malware that you will find. On
Windows computers, try resetting the network connection. Reboot the computer if
necessary. 10. Network Downtime
Those using satellite Internet service may notice they cannot connect to
the Internet during periods of very bad weather. Providers in dense
urban areas (including cellular Internet carriers) sometimes are unable
to support 203 peaks in network traffic that causes sporadic outages for
some customers. Finally, those who subscribe to newer or more complex
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 forms of Internet services (such as fixed wireless broadband) may
experience more downtime than others as providers encounter more
issues with relatively less mature equipment.

Action - If all else fails, contact your Internet provider to verify whether they are
experiencing an outage. Some providers also give advice on troubleshooting
problems connecting to their network.

B. Exercise
Write an essay about the importance of network inspection procedure. Relate your
statements to the most treasured skills you acquired in the lesson. Give also your
own title for the essay (minimum of 400 words).

Rubrics

Contents Excellent Good Needs

(5) (4) improvement

(3)

Spelling Almost all words spelled correctly

Capitalization Begins all sentences but one with uppercase

letters.

Punctuation Correct ending punctuation in every sentence

but one.

Grammar Simple sentences are grammatically correct.

Handwriting Legible. Good spacing and alignment.

C. ASSESSMENT

Direction: True or False. Read the statement below carefully. Write T if

you think the statement is right and F if you think the statement is False.
1. Updating antivirus software must be done when the computer
suggests you to do so.
2. Equipment maintenance schedule helps personnel remember the
maintenance task that needs to be done in order to improve the
functionality of the computer system and networks.
3. To determine if the maintenance program is implemented
according to what is planned, an assessment must be done.
4. Assessment is considered as a critical component of network
maintenance as well as troubleshooting and support.
5. Device configurations changes due to scheduled maintenance tasks
and planned changes to the network.
6. Proactive monitoring allows potential problems to be detected and
remedied before they cause an outage or affect operation.
7. Monitoring and a structured maintenance approach can be used to

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 discover vulnerabilities or potential security threats.
8. Regulatory policies, which are mandatory enforcements of compliance
with industry regulations and laws, will doesn’t differ at all for businesses.
9. Backups are a routine maintenance task that is usually given a very high
priority.
10. Documentation is one key critical component on computer inspection
and maintenance, it is but important to ensure that is always maintained and
keep up-to-date.

References:
Harlet Grace Basiao-Pondo
TLE/TVL CSS Grade 12, Activity Sheet No. 6, First Edition, 2020
COMPUTER SYSTEM SERVICING NC II ACTIVITY SHEET
Network Inspection

Accompanying DepEd Textbook and Educational Sites (With Possible Materials for experiments/activities)
Piano, Jean B. (2017). CBLM on Computer Systems Servicing NC II. Nalsian-Tomling Malasiqui Pangasinan.

K to 12 Technology and Livelihood Education Grade 10 e-chs-lm-module 4 Lujero, Rosalie P. et Al, 2014, CHS Learners Material.

https://computertutors.net/our-services/computer-maintenance-checklist/, Retrieved on November 24, 2020, 8:14 AM

http://www.gochronicle.net/support/help/computer_and_network_maintenance_checklist.htm, Retrieved on November 24, 2020,

8:18 AM

https://www.howtonetwork.org/tshoot/module-1/network-maintenance-tasks/, Retrieved on November 24, 2020, 8:54 AM

https://supertechman.com.au/server-and-network-maintenance-checklist/ , Retrieved on November 24, 2020, 9:24 AM

Prepared by:
EDA FLOR M. ARRABIS
Subject Teacher

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