CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

What is a best practice when troubleshooting network issues involving Access Control Lists (ACLs)?

1. Check the physical connections first

2. Disable all ACLs before starting the troubleshooting

3. Always include an ACL check when troubleshooting

4. Look for software errors in device firmware

The correct answer is: Always include an ACL check when troubleshooting

When troubleshooting network issues that involve Access Control Lists (ACLs), including an ACL check as a standard procedure is crucial because ACLs are one of the primary mechanisms used to control traffic flow in and out of a network. They define which packets are allowed or denied access to specific network services, devices, or segments. If there are issues with connectivity or traffic flow, ACLs could be inadvertently blocking legitimate traffic or not allowing necessary permissions. By incorporating an ACL check into your troubleshooting process, you ensure that you are examining a significant factor that can cause access issues. This entails verifying the rules and conditions specified within the ACLs to see if there are any misconfigurations or omissions that might be impacting network performance or accessibility. Checking physical connections and looking for software errors are valid troubleshooting steps, but they do not directly address the permissions and restrictions that ACLs impose on network traffic. Disabling all ACLs before starting to troubleshoot can create security risks and may lead to unforeseen consequences, as it allows unrestricted access to all traffic, potentially masking the underlying issues associated with the ACL configurations. Therefore, consistently including an ACL assessment is a best practice that helps pinpoint the source of issues related to connectivity and security in a network environment.