Looking for a switch...

[Hiro]

...that will be able to transmit data over a cable that is about 150 feet long. So far, Netgear, Linksys, and 3Com have all failed.

However, I have found that Kingston works but they stopped making Networking supplies. :(

Anyone have any other ideas for an 8Port Switch that will transmit that long?

[TommyBoomfiger]

thats strange, there shouldnt be any problems with any for that distance. i have a linksys 4 port (i think, i dont have it in front of me) switch with one computer on a 3ft cable, one on a 50 ft and one on a 200 ft cable and all of them perform pretty much exactly the same. hope you get one that works.

[spigidygak]

I think something is wrong with your cable you're using. 150 feet isn't that great of a distance for cat5 cable.

[Jeffbx]

Originally posted by spigidygak
I think something is wrong with your cable you're using. 150 feet isn't that great of a distance for cat5 cable.

CAT5 ethernet is rated to run (under optimal conditions) up to 100 meters. If you're having problems with 150 feet and you've tried several different switches, then spigity is probably right - you have a crap cable. Could also be interference - are you running it past any electrical sources (power cords) or worse, and electrical motors or flourescent light fixtures? All of these things will kill a connection.

If there's no obvious sources of interference near by, I would suggest getting some decent cable - CAT5e or CAT6 should do the trick. Belden makes excellent cable - you can pick it up at http://www.warehouse.com

[TommyBoomfiger]

or you can make your own, if you are going to be using a lot, it may be cheaper in the long run, try home depot. i got a few hundred feet of cat5e a few months ago for around .10 a foot

[Jenny]

I don't usually post in Hardware, since I know jack about it, (hehehe) but we have 175 feet of cat5 running from our SMC router to the comp. in the bedroom and we haven't had any problem with it. I think we bought that cable from warehouse.com's magazine, so I'd go that route first. (via online or whatever.) So basically, was just backing what they are telling ya. :D

[Hiro]

Heres the situation

Same Cable
Same Configuration in Windows
Same Hardware
Linksys Switch doesn't transmit
Kingston Does

Rinse, repeat.

Netgear Switch doesn't transmit
Kingston Does

Ringe, repeat.

3Com Switch doesn't transmit
Kingston Does.


All of this using the EXACT same cable made by myself. Didn't change anything in Windows, didn't change out NIC's, everything is the EXACT same.

And to make it more confusing, im using ground runs while doing this just so I can test. We are trying to find a good one that will work for our company.

[attgig]

Originally posted by Corsec
Same Cable
Same Configuration in Windows
Same Hardware
Linksys Switch doesn't transmit
Kingston Does

Rinse, repeat.

Netgear Switch doesn't transmit
Kingston Does

Ringe, repeat.

3Com Switch doesn't transmit
Kingston Does.


hmmm, sounds like you should try a Kingston switch :P
ebay?

[Hiro]

The thing is, we are phasing out the Kingston hardware because they are no longer supporting / selling Network Equipment.

[spigidygak]

I said it once and I'm gonna say it again. 150 feet is NOTHING for cat5. There is something wrong with your cable. Get a new cable or redo the ends.

[billxp]

How long can the cables be in an ethernet and a fast ethernet setup?

With ethernet, the maximum length of a cable from a hub to a computer is 100 meters (or about 300 feet). With fast ethernet, the single cable length is the same. Also, fast ethernet topology rules require a maximum of two hubs on a segment and the maximum end-to-end distance between workstations to be 205 meters. Thus is you have a computer connected to a hub and then that hub linked to another hub and then finally the second hub connected to a computer, the total run of cable can not exceed that 205 meters without a switch that can expand that limit. Keep in mind that for both ethernet and fast ethernet, you should be using a type of cable called category 5. This is essentially a standard for the network cables and relates to how many "twists" of the cable for a certain length. Regular ethernet can make do on a lesser quality standard (category 3 is common), but when you upgrade to fast ethernet (and you know you will someday) you'll be out of luck unless you switch all your cables to category 5. Save the trouble and install only category 5 today.

Quoted from http://www.homepcnetwork.com/faq1f.htm#Q6b

[rajatQ2]

how about trying to cut the cable in the middle, redo the ends, and stick in a repeater (mini-hub). Its a hub, a non-intelligent device, that will just give your signal a boost. They are cheap and easy. Might solve your problem, might not.

Also check for problem spots that might be messing with your computer, such as high voltage sources, flourescent lights and light ballasts, refridgerators, other motors.

Good luck

[Speedfreak]

I have heard that Kingston supports crappy CAT5 cable. :rolleyes:

[Jeffbx]

Originally posted by Corsec
We are trying to find a good one that will work for our company.

Ahh - for your COMPANY! You should have said that up front. Don't screw around with the cheap stuff - get a Cisco switch. Look at the 2900 series. Also, if it's a cable you made, re-crimp the ends and hook it up to a cable tester to verify the connections. Don't use one of the cheap $30 ones - get yourself a Fluke or a Microtest & actually test the cable.

http://www2.warehouse.com/product.asp?pf%5Fid=DTS1353&cat=pc
http://www2.warehouse.com/product.asp?pf%5Fid=DTS1439&cat=pc

Of course, if your company is buying Linksys and Kingston network equipment, I'm guessing they won't spring for a cable tester, huh?

[Hiro]

Let me re-phrase that Jeffbx...we are trying to find one for our CHEAP ASS company.

anyway, its probably just ****ty cable...we'll see. gonna play around with it today.

[Jeffbx]

Originally posted by Corsec
Let me re-phrase that Jeffbx...we are trying to find one for our CHEAP ASS company.

anyway, its probably just ****ty cable...we'll see. gonna play around with it today.

I feel for you man - I've been there, and it's amazing how much money a cheap company will waste by trying not to spend any money. Sheesh!

[Hiro]

Originally posted by Jeffbx
it's amazing how much money a cheap company will waste by trying not to spend any money. Sheesh!


So true, so true.

[Jenny]

Hope it gets fixed pretty easily. :)

Oh, and hey, Corsec, check your email & IRC, dammit! LOL

[Hiro]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the help and I will continue to work on seeing what the hell is goin on here. :P

[Speedfreak]

What is the company, BTW?

[Hiro]

http://www.schuylab.com/

LIS (Laboratory Information Systems) Company. I am in Ops (Operations and Repair).

Basically I go out and install the hardware, run the network, and interface the lab instruments for any new clients and i also repair problems for any existing clients.

Company has been around for 10 years and we have 417 Clients all over the country.