CompTIA Cloud+ Practice Test

What troubleshooting method involves using ping and traceroute as initial tests?

1. Top-down

2. Bottom-up

3. Divide-and-conquer

4. Validation

The correct answer is: Divide-and-conquer

The divide-and-conquer troubleshooting method involves breaking down a problem into smaller segments to identify and isolate the issue. By using tools like ping and traceroute, which are both fundamental network diagnostic utilities, one can check connectivity and the path data takes through the network. Ping helps determine if a device is reachable over the network, while traceroute maps the route packets take to reach a destination, revealing where delays or failures may occur. This initial testing provides critical data that simplifies the problem into manageable components. By isolating the network aspect first, the technician can rule out or identify network-related issues before investigating other layers of the system, effectively narrowing down potential causes of the problem in a structured way. This systematic approach is characteristic of the divide-and-conquer method, making it an effective technique for troubleshooting complex issues.