Tutorial / Cram Notes
The Network Connectivity Test is a tool designed to check the quality of the network connection between a user’s device and the Microsoft 365 services. It can be accessed via the Microsoft 365 Admin Center or by visiting a designated URL provided by Microsoft.
Performing the Network Connectivity Test
- Navigate to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center.
- In the Health section, select Network Connectivity.
- Follow the prompts to perform the test.
The test will evaluate several factors, including:
- Endpoint connectivity from the user’s device to Microsoft’s network edge.
- Network latency, which can affect the quality of calls and meetings on Teams.
- Bandwidth availability to ensure that large meetings and data transfers can take place.
Example
Consider an organization that is preparing to deploy Teams to its employees. Before deployment, the IT department conducts Network Connectivity Tests from various locations within the enterprise. The test results reveal that one remote branch office has higher latency and limited bandwidth. This information allows IT to address the connectivity issue by upgrading network links or implementing network enhancements at the branch office before rolling out Teams.
Microsoft 365 Network Connectivity Dashboard
The Network Connectivity Dashboard in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center gives administrators an ongoing view of network performance and its compatibility with Microsoft 365 services like Teams.
Accessing the Network Connectivity Dashboard
- Sign in to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center.
- Select Health, then click on Network Connectivity.
Here you can see a summary of your organization’s network performance. The dashboard includes:
- Location-Based Assessments: Metrics aggregated by location, providing performance insights across different offices or branches.
- Network Performance Score: A score that rates your overall network connectivity to Microsoft 365 services on a scale from 0 to 100.
- Specific Network Insights: Actionable information about elements affecting connectivity, such as long network routes or misconfigured firewall settings.
Example
Imagine an organization noticing intermittent Teams video conferencing issues. Using the Network Connectivity Dashboard, the IT team identifies that the poor performance correlates with a low Network Performance Score. By diving deeper into the location-based assessments, they find that the affected office has a configured proxy that is unnecessarily routing traffic across the globe. This leads to measures being taken to optimize the network path, thus improving the Teams experience for that location.
Comparative Table
| Feature | Network Connectivity Test | Network Connectivity Dashboard |
|---|---|---|
| Usage | Ad-hoc testing of connections | Continuous monitoring of connectivity |
| Results Overview | Individual test results | Aggregate network performance data |
| Network Assessment Focus | Specific user or device | Multiple locations or entire organization |
| Recommendations | Quick fixes for immediate issues | Insights and long-term recommendations |
| Ease of Access | Can be run by end-users | Typically used by IT administrators |
| Impact on Network Readiness | Identifies immediate issues | Tracks readiness over time |
It’s important to note that both the Network Connectivity Test and Dashboard should be used as complementary tools. By employing both assessments, IT administrators can take a proactive approach in ensuring network readiness before, during, and after the deployment of Microsoft Teams.
These tools empower organizations to preemptively tackle potential networking challenges and streamline the use of Microsoft Teams, directly impacting the overall productivity and collaboration within the workplace. For those aiming to pass the MS-700 exam, understanding how to leverage these tools is fundamental to managing and optimizing Teams effectively.
Practice Test with Explanation
True or False: The Microsoft 365 network connectivity test is a downloadable tool that requires an installation on your local machine to measure network performance.
- (A) True
- (B) False
Answer: B
Explanation: The network connectivity test does not require a download or installation; it is available online and can be run directly from a web browser.
The Microsoft 365 network connectivity test provides which of the following insights? (Select all that apply)
- (A) Endpoint health
- (B) Network performance to Microsoft 365 services
- (C) Round-trip time measurements
- (D) Local weather forecast
Answer: (B) and (C)
Explanation: The test is designed to measure the network performance to Microsoft 365 services and includes round-trip time measurements, among other network performance metrics. It does not provide endpoint health or local weather forecasts.
True or False: Microsoft 365 network connectivity test gives you the ability to monitor real-time traffic.
- (A) True
- (B) False
Answer: B
Explanation: The network connectivity test is not used to monitor real-time traffic but to assess potential network performance issues prior to deploying or when troubleshooting Microsoft 365 services.
What does the Microsoft 365 network connectivity dashboard primarily help with?
- (A) Managing team schedules
- (B) Configuring security settings
- (C) Identifying network connectivity issues
- (D) Monitoring email deliverability
Answer: C
Explanation: The primary function of the Microsoft 365 network connectivity dashboard is to help organizations identify and troubleshoot network connectivity issues affecting Microsoft 365 services.
True or False: Only global administrators can access the Microsoft 365 network connectivity dashboard.
- (A) True
- (B) False
Answer: A
Explanation: As of the knowledge cutoff, only users with the global administrator role can access the Microsoft 365 network connectivity dashboard in the Microsoft 365 admin center.
Which of the following is a requirement to effectively use the network connectivity test for Microsoft 365?
- (A) VPN connection
- (B) Browser compatibility
- (C) A public IP address
- (D) All of these
Answer: B
Explanation: While it is helpful to not have a VPN connection during testing to better represent direct connectivity and having a public IP address provided, the actual requirement is browser compatibility since the tool is web-based.
True or False: The network connectivity test for Microsoft 365 services necessitates the execution of PowerShell scripts.
- (A) True
- (B) False
Answer: B
Explanation: PowerShell scripts are not required for the network connectivity test, which is performed via a web browser.
Which aspect do the test results of the Microsoft 365 network connectivity test NOT directly address?
- (A) Network delays
- (B) Bandwidth issues
- (C) Application performance
- (D) Hardware malfunctions
Answer: D
Explanation: The test results primarily focus on network-related issues, such as delays and bandwidth problems, and are not designed to diagnose hardware malfunctions.
True or False: The network connectivity score provided by the Microsoft 365 network connectivity dashboard is based on a scale from 0 to
- (A) True
- (B) False
Answer: B
Explanation: The network connectivity score is on a scale from 0 to 100, where higher scores indicate better connectivity.
What additional feature does the Microsoft 365 network connectivity dashboard offer?
- (A) Recommendations for improving connectivity
- (B) Direct customer support hotline
- (C) Real-time bandwidth throttling
- (D) Network topology mapping
Answer: A
Explanation: The Microsoft 365 network connectivity dashboard provides recommendations for improving connectivity issues that are identified, aiding administrators in enhancing the user experience with Microsoft 365 services.
True or False: The Microsoft 365 network connectivity test can be used to estimate the impact of network connectivity on Microsoft Teams call quality.
- (A) True
- (B) False
Answer: A
Explanation: The network connectivity test is useful in getting insights on network performance that can impact the quality of Microsoft Teams calls, among other Microsoft 365 services.
Where can Microsoft 365 administrators locate the network connectivity dashboard?
- (A) Microsoft Teams admin center
- (B) Microsoft 365 admin center
- (C) Azure portal
- (D) Office 365 Security & Compliance Center
Answer: B
Explanation: The network connectivity dashboard is available within the Microsoft 365 admin center, providing administrators with a centralized location to assess and manage network connectivity for Microsoft 365 services.
Interview Questions
What is the Microsoft 365 Network Connectivity Test, and what does it do?
The Microsoft 365 Network Connectivity Test is a Windows tool that helps assess network connectivity to Microsoft 365 services.
How do I install the Microsoft 365 Network Connectivity Test?
To install the Microsoft 365 Network Connectivity Test, you’ll need to download the installer from the Microsoft download center and run it on a Windows computer that is connected to the network.
What services does the Microsoft 365 Network Connectivity Test test connectivity to?
The Microsoft 365 Network Connectivity Test tests connectivity to Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, and Teams.
What is the Microsoft 365 Network Connectivity Dashboard?
The Microsoft 365 Network Connectivity Dashboard is a web-based tool that provides detailed insights into network connectivity to Microsoft 365 services.
How do I access the Microsoft 365 Network Connectivity Dashboard?
To access the Microsoft 365 Network Connectivity Dashboard, you’ll need to sign in to the Microsoft 365 admin center and navigate to the Network Connectivity Dashboard.
What types of information are displayed in the Microsoft 365 Network Connectivity Dashboard?
The Microsoft 365 Network Connectivity Dashboard provides detailed information about network connectivity to Microsoft 365 services, including latency, packet loss, and round-trip time.
How can I interpret the results of the Microsoft 365 Network Connectivity Test?
The results of the Microsoft 365 Network Connectivity Test will be displayed in a report, which will indicate whether connectivity to Microsoft 365 services is functioning correctly or whether there are any issues that need to be addressed.
How can I use the Microsoft 365 Network Connectivity Dashboard to troubleshoot network issues?
You can use the detailed information provided by the Microsoft 365 Network Connectivity Dashboard to identify and troubleshoot network issues that may be affecting Microsoft 365 service performance.
What other tools are available for assessing network readiness for Microsoft 365?
Other tools available for assessing network readiness for Microsoft 365 include the Office 365 Network Onboarding Tool, which assesses network readiness for Skype for Business and Teams, and the Microsoft Teams Network Assessment Tool, which assesses network readiness for Teams.
How can I use network assessment tools to optimize network performance for Microsoft 365 services?
By using network assessment tools to assess network readiness for Microsoft 365 services, you can identify and address any network issues that may be affecting service performance. This can help to optimize network performance and ensure that Microsoft 365 services are functioning at their best.
What is the Office 365 Network Onboarding Tool?
The Office 365 Network Onboarding Tool is a Windows tool that helps assess network readiness for Skype for Business and Teams.
How do I install the Office 365 Network Onboarding Tool?
To install the Office 365 Network Onboarding Tool, you’ll need to download the installer from the Microsoft download center and run it on a Windows computer that is connected to the network.
What services does the Office 365 Network Onboarding Tool test connectivity to?
The Office 365 Network Onboarding Tool tests connectivity to Skype for Business and Teams.
How can I use the results of the Office 365 Network Onboarding Tool to optimize network performance for Skype for Business and Teams?
By using the results of the Office 365 Network Onboarding Tool, you can identify and address any network issues that may be affecting Skype for Business and Teams performance. This can help to optimize network performance and ensure that Skype for Business and Teams are functioning at their best.
What is the Microsoft Teams Network Assessment Tool?
The Microsoft Teams Network Assessment Tool is a Windows tool that helps assess network readiness for Teams.
I’ve just tested the Microsoft 365 network connectivity tool and it gave me some insightful data about our current network performance.
Thanks for this useful blog post!
Does the network connectivity dashboard help with specific Microsoft Teams troubleshooting?
Is it only for enterprise-scale networks, or can SMBs benefit too?
We’ve been struggling with call drops. This tool seems promising!
I encountered some issues while running the test. Any tips?
The dashboard is a bit confusing at first glance. Does anyone have a guide?
For us, the biggest value was identifying misconfigured network devices.