What is an essential step when troubleshooting connectivity issues?

When troubleshooting connectivity issues, checking the physical connections is an essential step because many connectivity problems stem from hardware-related issues, such as loose cables, disconnected devices, or defective ports. Physical connections include ensuring that Ethernet cables are securely plugged into both the device and the network port, verifying that wireless connections are established, and confirming that all necessary equipment is powered on and functioning properly.

By addressing physical connections first, you can eliminate a common source of problems before moving on to more complex issues related to software configurations or settings. If the physical layer is intact, it provides a clearer path for diagnosing higher-level networking issues.