Prepare your tools before you need them. During an outage, you do not have time to find or learn new tools.
Software toolkit:
- Terminal emulator with session logging
- Packet capture tools (Wireshark, tcpdump)
- SSH client with saved connections
Physical toolkit:
- Console cables for different devices
- Loopback plugs for testing ports
- Cable tester
- Laptop with dual NICs
Documentation toolkit:
- Network diagrams accessible offline
- IP address assignments
- Device credentials (secured)
- Vendor support contacts
Test your toolkit periodically. Dead batteries and expired credentials waste time during emergencies.