IT Employment

Ask something
Discussion Locked

Hub for internet access.

0 helpful
3 replies

by robleese

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.
I inherited a small network to distribute T-1 internet access (recently changed to wireless), and it has never worked properly. The internet feed goes into two Cisco 2610 devices, and out to 32 different PC's. Some PC's can connect to the internetall day every day, some can connect only during times when nobody else is on the network, some cannot connect at all. Does this look familiar to anyone? What other info do I need to supply?

3 replies

by pg3phillip

What is on the inside (closest to your LAN nodes) of your 2610's. You could only have a possiblity of a total of 8 Ethernet ports on 2 2610's. Is this a switched network architecture?

by robleese

First, let me explain my ignorance: I am a building maintenance technitian slowly migrating toward network installation and maintenance. I have been thru a Network+ class, but that doesn't say much. I didn't install or configure these devices, yetI am constantly asked "why can't I get the fast internet in my office?" The best I can do is find a good message board and hope for the best.

by ebob

1 - You should post this discussion in "Tech Q&A" rather than in "Discussions" where you might get more detailed replies.

2 - You'll need to document the setup more thoroughly. Here's what I'll bet you have:
your T1 comes in to a CSU/DSU (looks like an industrial strength modem), or is plugged directly into one of your 2610s. If a CSU/DSU, then there is a funky cable going up to one of your 2610s. So what is your 2nd 2610 plugged into, on the WAN side? A 2nd T1? Could be, as it would provide redundancy. Then your two 2610s are plugged into one or more hubs or switches (which look like hubs, but are smarter). Then all of your PCs and maybe your printers are also plugged into the hubs/switches. Do both routers plug into the same hub/switch, or does one router support one group of people and the other router support a different group?

OK, so why the problems? This is really the "issue".

Could be TCP/IP configuration on specific PCs (especially if certain PCs never have Internetaccess).

Could be some "traffic shaping" on your routers.

If your routers support different groups of users, does one group work OK while the other group has all of the problems? Then compare the configs on the 2 routers. And if they do not share the same WAN link (the T1 to the Internet provider) have the suspect link checked out by your provider.

I see that you "inherited" this network admin position recently. If this is realy important to your users, then they should be willing to pay a bit to get some expertise in to help you temporarily. Find out (perhaps from the accountants) who installed this setup. It may be your Internet provider. Either of these groups should be able to send somebody over for a day to at least get you pointed in the right direction.

This discussion is closed to new replies.