[CLUE-Tech] Funky network problem...

[Match Grun]

Hi Guys,

I eventually figured out where the problem lies.

Whilst setting up the computer, it was always connected to an ethernet
switch by at least 25 feet of cable. Networking worked fine. So when
everything was setup, I moved the computer on the shelf next to the
switch, connecting to the same port with a 3 foot cable.

	hort cable run = GOOD

Network does not work. In fact networking refused to work with 5 foot
and 7 foot cables. Both 14 foot and 25 foot cables work fine
(full duplex too). Go figure.

	Ethernet switch is better than ethernet hub.

Lets try again. When I connect the computer with any cable to the
hub, it works. However, not full duplex. Now that is what I call
really screwball.

FYI, the computer had two Linksys LNE100 cards. I decided to ditch
both cards.

I now run with an SMC 1244 10/100 Mbs on the internal interface and
an old 3Com Etherlnk III 10 Mbs on the external side. Connections
to the ethernet switch by short cables. Everything now works fine.

Match

> 
> --- match at dimensional.com wrote:
> > > When you take it back to room #1 (with hub+cable) does the issue
> > > dissappear?
> > 
> > Yes.
> > 
> > Could it be a problem with power, power supply, overloading? Would
> > upgrading the power supply help?
> > 
> > Could it caused by the metal shelving that the computers are
> > standing on?... Other computer on shelf is fine.
> > 
> > Match
> > 
> > > --- Match Grun <match at dimensional.com> wrote:
> > >> I have just rebuilt a Linux box. Connect up to my network in room #1.
> > >> Everything works fine.
> > >> 
> > >> Move the computer to room #2. Packets get dropped, ping takes
> > forever.
> > >> NIC card lights go on and off continually. Computer totally
> > unreliable
> > >> using network connection.
> > >> 
> > >> I have even tried switching over to same physical cable and hub port
> > >> as used for room #1. Same problem.
> > >> 
> > >> Any ideas?
> > 
> Is 'the rest' of the computer acting up?  If you shutdown networking (I
> know it's a firewall, I'm talking about a test...) does the rest of the
> computer functions perform as advertised?  If so then I don't think it is
> PS related or the metal shelving.
> 
> I have no stellar insights just a bunch of things I would start doing in
> your shoes, (I'm sure you're probably doing some already).
> * Drink heavily :^)
> * You say this is a firewall - by chance is this the only room you can
> bring up BOTH nics in?  Perhaps you have a hardware conflict that is
> unrealized elsewhere...
> * Speaking of which, the other computers in room #1:  all one type of
> network card (ie all can do 100T?); are the computers in the room #2
> analagous?  I've seen (granted rarely, and special circs) a network
> interface get VERY funky when it's plugged into a 10/100 hub with a 100T
> capable machine and a 10T ONLY machine on the same hub box - very strange.
>  Try booting the pocessed machine with select boxes in the room off...
> 
> Good luck match - hope you've got plenty of your favorite beside you!
>