Switch preventing network connectivity?

[Raduque]

OK, so my mom has been complaining about connectivity issues on her computer - pages won't load, chat programs don't connect, etc. The ethernet connection doesn't show any error conditions and the computer pulls an IP fine. She claims that connectivity comes back when she powercycles the switch. I told her it's unpossible for a switch to affect the network like that, and her fix can't possibly work, as the switch isn't causing the issue. She refuses to believe me.

Can the switch affect the computer like this? BTW, it's only her desktop that has the issue. There's two laptops connected to an AP that's hanging off the back of the switch that always work fine.

I also need a recommendation on a new router. I currently have a Belkin wireless G, I disremember which model. I want something that's better then a regular consumer router, but not quite corporate level.

Thanks.

 

[spidey07]

Yes, it can. This smells like a speed/duplex mismatch or driver problem.

So it's not really the switch that is causing the problem, it's a configuration error that is shown by the switch. You can't approach network troubleshooting by process of elimination. The power cycling of the switch just restarts any speed/duplex negotiation and doesn't really get to the root cause of the problem. Make sure the switchport and her NIC are set to autonegotiate speed and duplex, then check to make sure the switchport and her NIC are running 100/full after autonegotiation.

 

[Raduque]

can i log into the switch like I can a router to check settings, or is this all in the windows settings? I know iit shows a full 100 mbps no matter which port is used, and the switchs light for 100 is lit.

Would I have the same type of issues if I put a hub in there instead of the switch?

 

[RebateMonger]

I'm concerned about the design of your network and if this might be introducing problems. Could you please list the components and explain how they are wired?

No, the problem isn't switch vs. hub. No reason to use a hub nowadays (if you can even still buy them). As spidy07 notes, make sure that the NIC on the PC is set to "Automatic" to select speed and duplex settings.

It's possible your NIC has failed. NICs are cheap. Consider buying a PCI NIC and trying that. I've seen built-in NICs give problems like you describe just before they fail completely.

As far as routers, do you need WiFi on it? It sounds like you already have a separate WiFi access point? I've had good luck with the wired "mid-range" NetGear VPN routers. They are not expensive ($60-$80 or so via newegg.com) and seem to be pretty reliable.

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

Can you ping the internet or the other computers?