Moloth - The M-Forums

Claptrap · 3/4/10 8:53 am

We've had a problem at work with our network for a while now that I'm finally annoyed with enough to want to fix.

We've got Seven computers and one networked printer. Every other day or so, our network goes down for no apparent reason. To fix it, I have to move some heavy furniture out of the way to unplug the router (4 ports, all filled) and a switch (8 ports, all filled). I wait a few minutes, plug them back in and check to see if the network is up again. Sometimes its not. Rinse, repeat.

I assume that one (or both) of the two devices is faulty in some way and needs to be replaced. I dont have a great deal of knowledge about networking, so I was hoping for a little guidance from you guys.

My generalized understanding of the devices is that the router is in charge of the network and the switch operates like an extension cord, providing more places for things to plug into. Is that about right?

So, my question is, what should I buy to fix this problem? Do I need to stick with the setup we have now, or is there a simpler way to do it, like getting a router with like 20 ports or something on it?

Moloth · 3/4/10 9:31 am

i would answer, but i dont want Russ to come in after me and make me look dumb.

Claptrap · 3/4/10 9:35 am

Anything would be helpful, as I need to head out to buy this stuff ASAP.

Russ · 3/4/10 10:02 am

I would try and identify the problem first before going out to buy stuff. When you say the network goes down, what does that mean? You just can't get to the Internet, or you lose all connectivity? Can you ping the router or other devices on the network?

Have you tried resetting the switch and router separately and checked to see if that works? Or do you have to reset everything?

Do the devices seem hot? You said you have to move some furniture, is there a chance they're not getting enough airflow?

Last edited by Russ (3/4/10 10:03 am)

Claptrap · 3/4/10 10:18 am

All network connectivity goes down. No internet or access to other computers files/programs. As far as pinging, I don't know how to do that. I can tell you that when it happens, I can't access shared folders or our networked funeral software from any computer other than the one hosting them.

I do have to reset both Router and switch to bring everything back up. From what I can tell, a couple computers are plugged directly into the router. They regain network access and internet when I reset the router, and the rest come back up when I reset the switch.

The devices dont feel hot to me. A teensy bit warm perhaps, but I dont think they're overheating.

Russ · 3/4/10 10:36 am

Hmm, do you have them plugged into a UPS or anything? What are the chances you're experiencing a tiny brownout every other day or so and it's just enough of a power flux to send the router and switch into stupid mode?

Most UPSes have AVR (automatic voltage regulation) to help condition the incoming power.

Claptrap · 3/4/10 10:53 am

From what I can make out from the Wire Hell back there, they're plugged into plain old everyday power strips.

A power irregularity is a definite possibility as this building wasnt really wired to handle this much technology. We've have a bad issue of our big network printer tripping the breaker unless you shut off the lights in the prep, kitchen, and my office when you first turn it on.

And if I recall correctly, this router problem started after we moved the directors office up front. There's 4 computers up there now, plus a photocopier, fax, and numerous lamps. Plus, they're wanting to add another computer up there too. I wonder if we can even power another computer in that office.

Russ · 3/4/10 11:18 am

Very likely it's a power problem then. If all that crap is on the same circuit, you may be overloading it. Maybe you can upgrade the breaker in the panel, but I don't know if that's actually safe or not. I'm no electrician.

See if you can relocate some of that stuff to other circuits to lighten the load a bit, and I would recommend picking up a UPS. An average size one (550 VA or so) is about 40 or 50 bucks at most places and it's a good safeguard for sensitive electronics like computers, routers, etc.

Russ · 3/4/10 11:23 am

BTW you're correct regarding the router and switch. The router bridges your network to your ISP (and ultimately to the Internet) and allows traffic to traverse from one to the next. The switch just allows you to uplink more devices on your network (and uplink the switch to the router) to get more computers to share your Internet connection. So it is a bit like an extension cord.

Claptrap · 3/4/10 12:25 pm

Turns out we had an old UPS/AVR in the building already. I decided it wasnt needed where it was plugged in at (into another UPS connected to the network printer -_-;;; wink and moved it to the router and switch up front. The battery backup appears to be non-functional, but maybe it will still do what I need it to do anyway. Worth a shot at least.

Then I spent the better part of an hour tryign to figure out why one computer wasnt rejoining the network. Turns out I had just barely jostled a cable loose on the router when I was unplugging and replugging everything. Doh.

Russ · 3/4/10 1:12 pm

Sounds good. Even if the battery backup is no good, the power conditioning should help. Chances are you can replace the battery too and it's usually cheaper than buying a whole new UPS. Take it down to Batteries Plus on Gunbarrel behind Chili's, that's where I usually get my replacements.

Russ · 3/8/10 11:19 pm

Network running better now?

Claptrap · 3/9/10 9:12 am

Actually, the network died again Sunday. Having the router and switch on the UPS did make it easier to kill the power to them and reset them though. hmm

Moloth - The M-Forums

#1 3/4/10 8:53 am

Routers, Switches, and Rage

#2 3/4/10 9:31 am

Re: Routers, Switches, and Rage

#3 3/4/10 9:35 am

Re: Routers, Switches, and Rage

#4 3/4/10 10:02 am

Re: Routers, Switches, and Rage

#5 3/4/10 10:18 am

Re: Routers, Switches, and Rage

#6 3/4/10 10:36 am

Re: Routers, Switches, and Rage

#7 3/4/10 10:53 am

Re: Routers, Switches, and Rage

#8 3/4/10 11:18 am

Re: Routers, Switches, and Rage

#9 3/4/10 11:23 am

Re: Routers, Switches, and Rage

#10 3/4/10 12:25 pm

Re: Routers, Switches, and Rage

#11 3/4/10 1:12 pm

Re: Routers, Switches, and Rage

#12 3/8/10 11:19 pm

Re: Routers, Switches, and Rage

#13 3/9/10 9:12 am

Re: Routers, Switches, and Rage

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