What factor should network engineers check to assess the reported delays in authentication and resource access?

To assess the reported delays in authentication and resource access, network engineers should focus on the network performance baseline. A performance baseline provides a standard for normal operation within the network, allowing engineers to identify deviations that may indicate problems such as latency or bottlenecks. By comparing current performance metrics against this established baseline, engineers can pinpoint where delays are occurring, whether in authentication processes or resource access, and address those specific areas more effectively.

The baseline encompasses a variety of performance metrics, such as response times, throughput, and error rates, giving a comprehensive view of the network's health. Without this baseline, it's challenging to determine whether connection delays are out of the ordinary or within acceptable limits. Therefore, using the performance baseline is crucial for troubleshooting and optimizing network operations related to authentication and resource availability.