Response to Derek Mercer
Networking is sometimes faced by different issues, for instance, during our regular operation as an electrical technician at a manufacturing department, which primarily engages in the production of business aircraft, we encountered an issue associated with the wiring system. Usually, during our production process in the manufacture of business aircraft, we engage in the process of testing aircraft to ensure the machine is working efficiently and effectively as expected. Moreover, we ensure that customers specification is configured as directed as well as adhering to the engineers’ specification concerning the aircraft (Dordal, 2020). In this case, the issue was associated with the wiring system. Usually, when we encounter such a problem, my team and I try solving the matter as soon as possible to ensure the safety of our clients using the aircraft. Therefore, after figuring out the issue, we moved in by isolated the wire with the problem and fixed it within the shortest time possible.
Furthermore, if this case involved issues related to Ethernet, we would not be in a position to resolve the issue since it would be difficult to access the specified network which we are attempting to address. Matters that are linked with a poor configuration in the software are forwarded to the concerned engineers who would later proceed in solving the case. Personally, the majority of the networking challenges occur in what is called the physical layer, which is usually the first layer of the OSI model. Besides, the reason being that the first layer of the OSI model is responsible for most of the activities. For instance, provision of physical connectivity in a network such as fiber cables, wall jacks, telephone cables, and Ethernet cables, among others. As per Dorsal (2020), the physical layer is responsible for sending bits from one computer to another, and usually, when there is an issue with a network, most probably it is due to cut, broken, or not plugged in fiber cable, Ethernet among others.
Issues related to wiring could be avoided through the proper installation of wiring in the aircraft. Moreover, adequate bend radii, enough slack in wiring extension, and retracting of the fuselage can resolve issues with wiring. Ensuring that all cables and connectors have effective electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection, as well as any other type of security, will eliminate wiring challenges (Dordal, 2020). Failure of systems and signals to function appropriately results in a case where the network is expanded.
Response to Ariel Vargas
Working as an airframe mechanic on aircraft requires us to log into our network as well as ALIS, which is a maintenance software. ALIS software is design to have a log of all the aircraft as well as every work order available on each plane (Dordal, 2020). We utilize work orders to enable various mechanics to work on open orders and latter log in all the maintenance performed on each aircraft. However, we are faced with the issue of low internet connection with our computers and ALIS software being down in some cases. I was once faced with an issue with, weak internet connection, and I usually solve the problem by troubleshooting through checking the Ethernet cable to ensure it is not damaged and is correctly connected to the right port after that. I check on the other computers to ensure they are connected to the internet and are operating correctly. After finalizing on checking on the internet connectivity, I call the IT expert in charge to take care of the issue.
In most cases, I realized that the connecting cable has been damaged or lose on one of the ends. However, when ALIS is down, we do not have any option to do but call the maintenance admin who will then take care of the issue. Moreover, I believe that most of the problems occur in the physical layer of the OSL model since it is responsible for most of the activities that take place in the network. Most of the time, issues of poor connection are a result of loose cables or low systems that affect easy and smooth access to the software as well as the internet. Having a proper configuration will play a vital role in solving the issue of the physical layer of the OSL model (Dordal, 2020). Typically, in our shops, computers are located far from the ports making it more prone to cable damage and disconnections resulting in poor connectivity to the Ethernet. The practical and efficient configuration is the best solution for low internet connections and losses to the cables. Network expansion would result in signal loss and ALIS software not operating correctly.