If users cannot connect to a server and it is confirmed unreachable, what is the administrator's next step?

When users report that they cannot connect to a server and it is confirmed to be unreachable, the most logical first step for an administrator is to verify that network cables are connected. This is a fundamental troubleshooting step that addresses the most basic hardware connection issue. Checking the physical connection ensures that there are no loose or unplugged cables that could be preventing network communication.

Ensuring the integrity of the physical connection is critical because many connectivity issues can stem from something as simple as a disconnected or damaged network cable. Once the administrator confirms that the cables are properly connected, they can then proceed to investigate more complex issues, such as network configuration or hardware failures.

The other possible steps can be important, but they usually come into play only after verifying that the physical connections are intact. For instance, verifying the configuration of the connected port on the network switch might be necessary if cables are confirmed to be connected, but it is not the first step. Rebooting the server or replacing the network interface card (NIC) may be effective in certain scenarios, but doing so without checking the basic connections can lead to wasted time and effort.