Chapter 3: Troubleshooting Planning - Avaya 4000 Series Troubleshooting Instructions

Chapter 3: Troubleshooting planning

There are some things you can do to minimize the need for troubleshooting and to plan for doing it as
effectively as possible.
First, use the Documentation Reference for Avaya Ethernet Routing Switch 4000 Series, NN47205–101
to familiarize yourself with the documentation set, so you know where to get information as you need it.
Second, make sure the system is properly installed and maintained so that it operates as expected.
Third, make sure you gather and keep up to date the site map, logical connections, device configuration
information, and other data that you will require if you have to troubleshoot.
• A site network map identifies where each device is physically located on your site, which helps locate
the users and applications that are affected by a problem. You can use the map to systematically
search each part of your network for problems.
• You must know how your devices are connected logically and physically with virtual local area
networks (VLAN).
• Maintain online and paper copies of your device configuration information. Ensure that all online data
is stored with your site's regular data backup for your site. If your site has no backup system, copy
the information about to a backup medium and store the backup offsite.
• Store passwords in a safe place. A good practice is to keep records of your previous passwords in
case you must restore a device to a previous software version. You need to use the old password
that was valid for that version.
• A good practice is to maintain a device inventory, which lists all devices and relevant information for
your network. Use this inventory to easily see the device types, IP addresses, ports, MAC addresses,
and attached devices.
• If your hubs or switches are not managed, you must keep a list of the MAC addresses that correlate
to the ports on your hubs and switches.
• Maintain a change-control system for all critical systems. Permanently store change-control
records.
• A good practice is to store the details of all key contacts, such as support contacts, support numbers,
engineer details, and telephone and fax numbers. Having this information available during
troubleshooting saves you time.
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