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| 1.1 |  | Network Baselining |
| 1.1.7 |  | Identifying thresholds |

Efficient troubleshooting requires the setting of thresholds that reflect different levels of warning. Arriving at the appropriate thresholds for each of the network policies requires a baseline analysis.

Initially, most network administrators consult the network device documentation or vendor technical support for a set of recommended or default thresholds. Generally, the answer received is It depends the thresholds vary according to individual networks.

Unfortunately, the nature of distributed networking forces the process of identifying or predicting a fault to be somewhat of an art form. Vendors who develop performance and fault tools may provide a set of defaults. Generally these default settings must be fine tuned to meet the needs of individual networks.

The baseline analysis provides the data to study performance and fault patterns over a period of time. From this data, the appropriate thresholds can be determined, as it applies to network policies.