Basic Network Troubleshooting Steps

1. Identify the Problem 
   - Gather information about the network's current state using troubleshooting tools.
   - Attempt to replicate the problem on a test setup.
   - Speak with users to understand their experiences.
   - Identify symptoms of the outage, like loss of connection or slow performance.
   - Check for recent changes, such as new hardware, users, or software updates.
   - Clearly define individual issues to avoid confusion.

2. Develop a Theory
   - Formulate a theory regarding the causes of the network issue, considering both simple and complex explanations.

3. Test the Theory 
   - Use available tools to test your theory. If disproven, revisit your previous steps to develop a new theory.

4. Plan of Action
   - Create a plan to address the problem, whether it’s a simple fix or a more complicated solution.

5. Implement the Solution 
   - Carry out the plan, whether independently or with assistance from others.

6. Verify System Functionality
   - After implementation, test the network to confirm the issue is resolved and watch for any new problems.

7. Document the Issue
  
- Record each stage of the troubleshooting process for future reference
and to assist others who might encounter the same issue, potentially
reducing downtime.