Which troubleshooting step should be taken if a device cannot obtain an IP address?

When a device cannot obtain an IP address, the first step in the troubleshooting process is to check physical connections. This involves verifying that all cables are securely connected and undamaged, confirming that the appropriate network interfaces are being used, and ensuring that the device is powered on and operational. A common issue in such scenarios is a loose or faulty cable that prevents successful communication within the network.

Establishing a solid physical connection is fundamental because, without it, the device cannot communicate with the network infrastructure, including routers and DHCP servers that assign IP addresses. Ensuring the physical layer is functioning correctly is essential for further troubleshooting steps, such as checking configurations or testing network devices.

If physical connections are solid, then troubleshooting can proceed to other layers, such as examining software settings, device drivers, or network configurations. However, without confirming that the physical connections are intact, one cannot effectively diagnose or resolve the inability of the device to acquire an IP address.