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N10-009 Network Operations Practice Question
Drag and drop the steps to troubleshoot a network connectivity issue using the OSI model into the correct order (top-down approach).
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Check application layer, then transport layer, then network layer, then data link layer, then physical layer.
Top-down troubleshooting starts at the application layer and works down to physical.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Check application layer, then transport layer, then network layer, then data link layer, then physical layer.
Why this is correct
This is the correct order because top-down troubleshooting starts at the application layer and proceeds downward through the OSI model, allowing you to quickly verify that higher-layer functions are working before diving into lower-layer details.
- ✗
Check physical layer, then data link layer, then network layer, then transport layer, then application layer.
Why it's wrong here
This sequence represents a bottom-up troubleshooting approach, starting at the physical layer and ascending through the OSI model. While valid for certain issues like cable breaks or power failures, it is generally inefficient for initial diagnosis of common network problems, as many connectivity issues originate at higher layers and can be resolved without delving into physical infrastructure first. This method can consume excessive time by checking lower-layer components unnecessarily.
- ✗
Check application layer, then network layer, then transport layer, then data link layer, then physical layer.
Why it's wrong here
This troubleshooting sequence incorrectly places the network layer (Layer 3) before the transport layer (Layer 4) when attempting a top-down approach. In the OSI model, the transport layer handles end-to-end communication and port numbers, which logically precedes the network layer's routing and IP addressing functions in a top-down diagnostic flow. Skipping the transport layer to check network layer issues first can lead to misdiagnosis or overlooking higher-level protocol problems.
- ✗
Check application layer, then transport layer, then data link layer, then network layer, then physical layer.
Why it's wrong here
This option incorrectly reverses the order of the data link layer (Layer 2) and the network layer (Layer 3) during a top-down troubleshooting process. After checking the transport layer, the logical progression is to examine network layer routing and IP addressing before descending to the data link layer's MAC addressing and frame handling. This misordered approach can obscure the true source of a problem, as network layer issues would be bypassed before data link layer integrity is verified.
Quick reference
OSI Model Reference
| Layer | Name | PDU | Key Protocols / Devices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Application | Data | HTTP, HTTPS, DNS, SMTP, FTP, SSH |
| 6 | Presentation | Data | TLS / SSL, JPEG, ASCII encoding |
| 5 | Session | Data | NetBIOS, RPC, SIP |
| 4 | Transport | Segment / Datagram | TCP, UDP |
| 3 | Network | Packet | IP, ICMP, OSPF — Routers |
| 2 | Data Link | Frame | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, PPP — Switches, Bridges |
| 1 | Physical | Bits | Cables, NICs, Hubs, Repeaters |
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Network Documentation and Diagrams
Key term
Open Systems Interconnection
The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model is a conceptual framework used to understand how data travels from one computer to another across a network.
Key term
OSI model
The OSI model is a conceptual framework that standardizes the functions of a telecommunication or computing system into seven distinct layers, from physical hardware to application software.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This N10-009 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the N10-009 exam.