This episode explains how misconfigured network interface cards (NICs) and VLAN settings can disrupt server connectivity. We cover issues such as incorrect VLAN tagging, mismatched speed and duplex settings, and disabled interfaces. The discussion includes how multi-NIC configurations require careful planning for load balancing, redundancy, or VLAN segmentation.

Practical examples include diagnosing a server that cannot reach its intended subnet due to missing VLAN tags or correcting a mismatch between switch and NIC configurations. Troubleshooting steps involve reviewing NIC settings, verifying VLAN assignments, and coordinating with network teams to ensure proper switch port configurations. Understanding these tactics ensures candidates can restore network access quickly and reliably. Produced by BareMetalCyber.com, where you’ll find more cyber prepcasts, books, and information to strengthen your certification path.

This episode focuses on diagnosing network connectivity failures by examining IP assignment, name resolution, and routing paths. We explain how DHCP misconfigurations can lead to incorrect or missing IP addresses, how DNS issues prevent hostname resolution, and how routing problems can block communication between subnets or external networks.

We provide real-world and exam-relevant scenarios, such as a server unable to connect to the internet due to an incorrect gateway, or a client unable to access a service because of a missing DNS record. Troubleshooting includes using ping, traceroute, nslookup, and route commands to isolate the cause and restore connectivity. Mastering these techniques ensures candidates can resolve network issues efficiently in both test and production environments. Produced by BareMetalCyber.com, where you’ll find more cyber prepcasts, books, and information to strengthen your certification path.

This episode covers how incorrect configurations and missing dependencies can prevent services from starting or functioning correctly. We discuss common causes, such as incorrect file paths, insufficient permissions, or disabled services. Identifying these issues often requires checking configuration files, logs, and service dependencies.

Practical and exam examples include resolving a database service that won’t start due to a missing data directory or restoring a web service after a misconfigured port assignment. Troubleshooting steps include validating configuration syntax, restoring missing files, and ensuring all required services are running. Understanding these failures equips candidates to restore operations quickly and avoid repeat incidents. Produced by BareMetalCyber.com, where you’ll find more cyber prepcasts, books, and information to strengthen your certification path.