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Forum Discussion

williwow's avatar
williwow
Aspirant
Apr 04, 2016
Solved

Additional switch breaks network performance/connectivity

Hi Community and Experts!
 
I have a strange problem: adding an additional switch breaks (totally) network performance.
 
This is my setup:

* central FTTH router (DHCP server) - connection to the internet
is connected to:
* 8-port unmanaged GB switch from Netgear (my central switch)
connected to that are:
1. HP microserver (running linux/SMB) (GBit-LAN)
2. linux sat receiver (enigma2-box) (GBit-LAN)

This configuration works since the beginning very well. Transfer rates are close to theoretical maximum. On the sat receiver you can do multiple parallel HD-recordings or do an HD-recording and watch another movie in HD (no problem).
To add an additional device (Raspberry Pi running KODI) next to the receiver (Living room) I wanted to add a small 5-Port GBit switch. My first (cheap) device showed the problems I am currently posting. So I replaced this by my trusted brand (Netgear :-) i.e. a GS105 but the problems persist: even when only the dreambox is connected to the 5-port switch (so to speak in _thru_ mode) speed slows extremely down and viewing any recordings from the NAS on the sat receiver does not work any more (distortions). All LED indicate GB-speed. Removing the switch removes also the problems. Strange is that the raspi with KODI when also connected does not show any problems (100 MBit).
 
So the line of devices not working is:
 
HP microserver --> Netgear 8-Port switch --(wired connection with two plugs/patchpanel in house)--> GS105 --> dreambox-sat-receiver
(everything supporting GBit)
 
Removing the GS105 and everything is fine,
 
The symptoms on the dreambox are similar to a very low network performance (recordings long delays, pauses, directory listings take minutes to build up). I first had a look at the SMB-box and optimized samba (so without the GS105 everything is running better than before :-) ) but inserting the switch causes the problems described.

Any help appreciated
 
thanks!
williwow
 
 
Troubleshooting
  • DaneA's avatar
    DaneA
    Apr 12, 2016

    Hi williwow,

     

    I think having a packet capture using Wireshark would help isolate the problem as to why the problem happens only when the GS105v5 is connected but not on the GS108v3.  I suggest that you install Wireshark on your PC(s)/laptop(s) to capture packets.  Kindly download Wireshark from this link.  You may use this link as reference guide on how to use Wireshark.
     
    For the captured packets to be analyzed, kindly open an online case with NETGEAR Support regarding this problem.  Then, attach the captured packets from Wireshark via the online case you have opened for it to be forwarded to the engineering team and be analyzed.
     
     
    Regards,  
     
    DaneA
    NETGEAR Community Team

7 Replies

  • DaneA's avatar
    DaneA
    NETGEAR Employee Retired
    Apr 04, 2016

    Hi williwow,

     

    Welcome to the community! :)

     

    Let us try to isolate the problem.  Kindly answer the questions below:

     

    a. What is the model of the 8-port unmanaged Gigabit NETGEAR switch you used as your central switch?

    b. What version is your GS105 switch?

    c. Have you tried to reboot the GS105 switch switch while its still connected to the patch panel then check if same problem occurs?

    d. Kindly try to swap the  8-port unmanaged Gigabit NETGEAR switch you use as your central switch with the GS105 switch.  Use the GS105 switch as your central switch. Then, connect the 8-port unmanaged Gigabit NETGEAR switch to the patch panel then check if same problem occurs.  Does same problem occur after swapping the switches? 

     

    I look forward to your response.

     

     

    Regards,

     

    DaneA

    NETGEAR Community Team

    • williwow's avatar
      williwow
      Aspirant
      Apr 05, 2016

      Hi DaneA

       

      thanks for the suggestions. I will check for the model and do the tests you proposed (exchanging the central 8-port switch ist difficult as all ports are wired, but I have another identical in my home-office which I will use for replacing the 5-port device).

       

      Thanks again and I will follow up with the results and details (it will take maybe 1-2 working days).

       

      Williwow

      • williwow's avatar
        williwow
        Aspirant
        Apr 08, 2016

        Hi DaneA,

         

        I made some investigations as suggested and results are:

        * 8-port-switch is GS108v3

        * 5-port-switch is GS105v5

         

        Transfer tests:

        * on both switches I obtain a file transfer speed close to 100 MByte

         

        Problem analysis:

        * replacing the problematic GS105 with the GS108 works, so the line of devices_working_ is:

        HP microserver --> GS108  --(wired connection with two plugs/patchpanel in house)--> GS108 --> dreambox-sat-receiver WORKS!

        * re-substituting the second GS108 (same cables being used) with the GS105 shows again the problems described (not working)

         

        Current workaround is to use the GS105 in my home office (but I am out of ports on this - and hoping there will be no future problems)) and use the GS108 for my dreambox (just 2 ports used thus wasting 6 ports!).

         

        Do you have any suggestions? I don't think the GS105 is broken, but the GS108 does the trick?

         

        thanks!

         

        Williwow

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