What troubleshooting method is used when a technician asks a user to enter the IP address of a web server to check connectivity?

The correct choice is the divide and conquer method. This troubleshooting technique involves isolating components of a network and systematically checking their functionality to identify the source of a problem. When a technician asks a user to enter the IP address of a web server to check connectivity, they are essentially dividing the process into smaller parts.

By focusing on a specific element—connectivity to a particular web server—the technician can quickly determine if the issue lies with the user's device, the network connection, the web server itself, or any other component in the path. This method enables an efficient approach to troubleshooting by narrowing down the potential causes of a problem rather than attempting to assess the entire network at once, which could be time-consuming and less effective.

In contrast, the other options represent different approaches that do not align with the scenario described. The loopback test typically involves checking the local device's network stack to ensure that the device can communicate with itself, which does not confirm connectivity to an external web server. The top-down approach starts from the application layer downwards, which may not be the most efficient method for this scenario. The bottom-up approach, on the other hand, begins at the physical layer and moves upward, which may also be more time-consuming in this