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Network problems

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by mcleod_andre

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G'day y'all. I have a network of 16 desktops, all running xp pro. I went to work this morning and found that i couldn't connect to the internet. I use a dsl modem and a network switch to provide net access to all computers. the modem indicates that everything is connected, but i still cannot access the net. Everything was fine when i last left it on wednesday. I notice that the ethernet light on the dsl modem comes on and off periodically. could this mean that my network switch is failing? If that's not it, i would greatly appreciate suggestions as to what might be happening.
Thanks much, and God bless y'all

20 replies

by larryd4

Before you chalk up the whole thing to the switch try replacing the cable.

But another question is this a Cable/DSL Firewalled Switch?

by mcleod_andre

not sure if its firewalled, but its an NWAY 24 port 10/100mbps switch

by larryd4

Then whats the DSL device is it a Router or just a DSL cable modem?

And was this config ever working?

by snuffy09

Unplug the power to the modem, then unplug the power on your switch.

Plug the modem back in, and wait for a connection, then plug the switch back in.

Good luck

by technogeek-1995

I thought you need a router to split the connection and assign IP addresses, not a switch. A switch can't assign IP's so it can't be used in this situation. You need a router...right?

(from what I understand)

by thumbsup2

... some are actually routers themselves, some even with firewalls, but doling out IP addresses through the switch.

by older mycroft

'Doling' - I though it was only ever used by Scottish people! :D ;)

by technogeek-1995

I thought that might be the case, but wasn't sure. But I've never seen a router and a modem together (is that something "Foreign"...no offense)

by sgt_shultz

a light on a dsl router that comes on and off periodically sounds like a router that won't 'train' up. I'd check my phone line and check my account to make sure something didn't happen to my service on the provider side...

by mcleod_andre

My service is ok. I have a fax machine connected to my phone line as well, and that was working fine. The internet light on the modem was steady green, so that definitely ruled out the service provider.

PS: what exactly do you mean by "train up?"

by mcleod_andre

Its a dsl modem. Everything was working fine until this morning. I'm thinking the switch may be on its way out.

The modem is a SpeedTouch 516(i) Multi-User ADSL Gateway. It turns out its actually firewalled.

by thumbsup2

... plug one computer, maybe a laptop that's handy, directly into the modem and see if you have an internet connection. If you do, you know it's either the switch or the cables. Got a tester? ;) If not, you could use the cable that you used to connect the laptop directly to the modem, and got a good connection with it, and start testing ports on the switch, one at a time. If it has even just one bad port, it's probably time to replace it. But, if you get a good connection, then test with the patch cable that normally goes into that port. Still get a connection?

by mcleod_andre

i did that, and initially got no connection. but, i reset the switch and the modem, and got a connection. I think for certain, there are about 3 bad ports on the switch.
before i forget, is it possible to use more than one switch on the multiuser modem?
I have a 16 port cnet switch as well,(found it cast away in the store room at work.) i ended up switching over the network to that switch. It's working ok so far, but i'm short a few ports on the cnet(from 24ports on NWay, to 16ports with the cnet switch.) This is why i wanted to know if i could use two switches on the one modem, so i could have all my machines connected until i replace the NWay switch.

by thumbsup2

You've never seen a router and a modem together? Where have you been? The South Pole? Heck, I think they've got them there too! I've got both sitting right here next to me at home (Oregon)! And, the router has wireless too! So, I can walk around with my laptop if I want! Can't be too foreign! You've never heard of it? Heck, even those of us in the back hills have them! I'm sure Indiana has them too! ;)

And, just in case you mistakenly typed 'router' meaning to type 'switch', at work we have an older business class DSL modem issued by the ISP (which reminds me, I need to replace that!) with a 24 port switch connected to it. The modem doles out the IP's for the small network as well as handles the firewall. The switch just does the switchin'. :)

by mcleod_andre

The latter part of your post kinda sounds exactly like the setup i have at work-"an older business class DSL modem issued by the ISP with a 24 port switch connected to it."
This is the same one giving the "network problems"
?-when resetting the network switch & modem, does it matter which one you unplug first, and which one you reconnect before the other?

by thumbsup2

Actually, you can unplug in either order. Personally, I unplug the switch, then unplug the modem.

It's turning them back on in proper sequence that does make a difference. Plug the modem back in first and let it go through its boot cycle. When you see the internet connection lit steady and the ready light (if it has one), THEN plug in the switch.

If you have a router and dsl modem, you do it exactly the same.

by thumbsup2

Although, recently it seems like most of the time I'm doling out money to my kids! But, it's a word I've used all of my life. :D

by thumbsup2

How many ports are on the modem? If you've got another place to plug in another switch, sure it will work. Of course, you can always uplink from one switch to the next temporarily. But, everyone on the second switch will be routed through that one cable, slowing them down (water through the pipe sort of thing). You could put printers on that second one though.

Be careful of the old dinosaurs you find in the storeroom. I once found one and tested it to see if it still worked, which it did. However, it was an old 10 speed. Slowed everything to a crawl, but it worked! ;)

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