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Strange network dropping out problem

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by prcgroup

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Hi - We have a weird problem -

We have about 35 users on one floor, the ethernet ports on the wall lead back to a patch bay (on the same floor) each cable leads to another patch bay about 30 metres away - each port is then directly connected to a switch.

The weird thing is that some of the connects drop out occassionally - and changing the patch cable sorts it out.

Could this be a static build up or something similar - if so how do we avoid it.

Thanks for any advice!!

P.s. we have about 80 users on another floor that are not affected.

6 replies

by Former member

To do a test get hold of another Ethernet switch and test it with this. It will be better to get someone that does this type of work to do a test and repair for you and quick because the next time that it happens you all could be locked out of the server. (tea time) :) :)

Please post back if you have any more problems or questions.

by prcgroup

Thanks for your reply - it is not the ethernet switch though - when it happens I have taken the switch out of the equation and used a Continuity tester. And like I say some cables fail and some work - makes no sense

by rob miners

Look at the power saving of the network cards on the workstations and make sure that it is disabled.

You can use Device Manager to change the power management settings for a network adapter. To disable this setting in Device Manager, expand Network Adapters, right-click the adapter, click Properties, click the Power Management tab, and then clear the Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power check box.

http://www.ezlan.net/example/powersave.jpg

by glen

I would suggest it is highly unlikely to be a static build up, the static voltages required to physically break a connection in a patch cord (as you stated by the continuity tests), would be massive and leave some fairly serious tell tale signs!
Is it the same ports on the patch panel causing trouble?
or is it the same port(s) in the switch causing trouble?
I have seen many instances where admins try and keep patch cables nice and tidy by routing patch cords through cable management systems and inevitably end up putting such tight bends and kinks in the cord you can see the stress marks in the outer sheath! Afterall why use a .5m patch cable when you've got a 10m one lying around?
EMI can/will cause links to drop and magically reappear, any new electrical cables/appliances been put in place recently (by appliances, i'm not talking toasters, more like 3 phase equipment, microwaves etc.)
Do not rule out the switch either, next time it happens, unplug from the port on the switch and plug it in to a different port on the switch, see if a link appears, could also be the NIC, had one like that today actually, link went dead on the switch but the activity light on the NIC was going mental, unpluged, swore like a sailor, plugged it back in for giggles and away it went, failed 2 hours later, replaced the NIC and had no more problems!
Does the problem happen at a particular time of day?
Lot's of questions, but that's how you get lots of answers!

by prcgroup

Thanks for your help :

It seems to be the same port(s)on the patch panel - the reason I say this is because we had a similar problem on some of the ports when we were using the old system (that involved no switch (index system) we now have a VOIP system on a Cisco switch)

The cables are unkinked.

EMI : Yeh the problem started after a great big fat electrical cable was installed - after going down into the switch room it run pretty close at some point to the bunch of ethernet cable !! and then parrallel for a few meter but more than 6 " away so...I reckon you might have a point.

Thanks

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