Which two parts are essential in the first step of the CompTIA Network+ troubleshooting methodology?

Identifying symptoms and gathering information represent the essential first step in the CompTIA Network+ troubleshooting methodology because they establish the foundation for effective troubleshooting. Diagnosing a problem accurately relies heavily on understanding what issues are present and collecting relevant data about the network's performance and behavior.

This initial phase involves recognizing any specific symptoms reported by users or detected by monitoring tools. Gathering information from logs, network performance statistics, and user feedback is crucial, as it helps technicians paint a clearer picture of the situation at hand. This context enables a more focused and strategic approach to troubleshooting by allowing for the formulation of hypotheses regarding the network issues.

The other options focus on aspects of the troubleshooting process that come later, such as implementing solutions or confirming results, but without the critical step of accurately identifying symptoms and gathering information, those subsequent actions would not be as effective or well-informed. Having solid foundational knowledge gained in the initial step directly influences the success of later steps in the troubleshooting process.