NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.

Forum Discussion

KROMINATOR's avatar
KROMINATOR
Aspirant
Jan 18, 2024

Need help with new 5 port switch

I bought a Net Gear 5 port switch so I can get internet to all four of my tvs......I have an ethernet cable running from my router in the basement to the switch in our bedroom......From there I have run four ethernet cables to each room in the house to be connected to the txs......I tested the cable from the router to switch and it passed.......I tested the cables from the switch to the tvs and they have passed......When I connect everything and power up the switch, I can not connect to the internet........So I unplug the switch and test the ethernet cables connected from the basement to the switch and then on to the tvs and it fails the test stating a short.......Does the switch have to be powered up for the cables to pass a test?......The tester warns against testing with power to the ethernet cables........I am getting very frustrated and Best Buy will not even talk to me on the phone.......Any suggestions on how I can get the tvs to recognize the ethernet.......Any help would be greatly appreciated......Thank you

18 Replies

  • schumaku's avatar
    schumaku
    Guru - Experienced User

    KROMINATOR wrote:

    I bought a Net Gear 5 port switch so I can get internet to all four of my tvs......I have an ethernet cable running from my router in the basement to the switch in our bedroom......From there I have run four ethernet cables to each room in the house to be connected to the txs......I tested the cable from the router to switch and it passed.......I tested the cables from the switch to the tvs and they have passed......When I connect everything and power up the switch, I can not connect to the internet........

    Let's start with the very basics. Where is the switch connected to? In case this is a pure Cable Modem or a building-operated Internet access port (not a router for connecting multiple devices to a network), most ISP only allow one device and assign on IP address only. This is the typical problem leading to the situation that only one device (TV here) can connect to the Internet. Solution is adding a basic router, which does the NAT (Network Address Translation) and sometimes has a wireless access point built-in to give you the option for connecting e.g. your mobile to the same network.

     

    Great you have invested in a cable tester for testing the installation, this indeed often helps finding the basic layer one cabling issues.

     

    KROMINATOR wrote:

    I bought a Net Gear 5 port switch so I can get internet to all four of my tvs......I have an ethernet cable running from my router in the basement to the switch in our bedroom......From there I have run four ethernet cables to each room in the house to be connected to the txs......I tested the cable from the router to switch and it passed.......I tested the cables from the switch to the tvs and they have passed......When I connect everything and power up the switch, I can not connect to the internet........

     

    So I unplug the switch and test the ethernet cables connected from the basement to the switch and then on to the tvs and it fails the test stating a short.......Does the switch have to be powered up for the cables to pass a test?......The tester warns against testing with power to the ethernet cables........


    Most testers come with two devices, a test head, and a remote plug. For testing, both ends must be unplugged from switch and TV. Both the remote plug and the test head must be connected to the same cable to do a proper test.

     

    The warning is correct: Never connect and active just the test unit to a cable connected on the other end to a switch, a router, a computer, ...  No useful result can be taken from the measurement. The reason that the tester show a short circuit is in the way Ethernet works: Each cable pair is terminated on a tiny transformer, similar to the design of a classic (non-switching design) low voltage adapter for chargers or electronics power supplies.  

     

    • KROMINATOR's avatar
      KROMINATOR
      Aspirant

      We just had fiber optics installed and I believe they use a combination modem/router.....I ran an ethernet cable from that device to a net gear gs105  switch located in the bedroom......I ran an ethernet cable from the switch to a TV......The switch and the modem/router are communicating and all lights on that port are on......

      no lights are showing on the port to the TV  and I can not connect to internet.....I tested all cables by unplugging the ends and connecting the remote on one side of cable and the tester on the other.......Cables all passed......The switch is brand new as well but is there an easy way to test it......I also tried installing a downloaded update that the TV recommended but that did not work......I really appreciate your reply because I am at a loss here.....Thank you.

      • schumaku's avatar
        schumaku
        Guru - Experienced User

        Sounds reasonable, good infrastructure testing 8-)

         


        KROMINATOR wrote:

        We just had fiber optics installed and I believe they use a combination modem/router


        Tell us more about this CPE, the ISP, ... in absence of a crystal ball please.

  • BrianL's avatar
    BrianL
    NETGEAR Moderator

    Hi KROMINATOR,

     

    Have you tried what schumaku suggested? I hope you can share more details so we can help sort this out for you.

     

     

    Kind regards,

    • KROMINATOR's avatar
      KROMINATOR
      Aspirant

      Hello Briant

            If you need any more info please ask and I will gladly answer anything I can.....I appreciate your concern and your reply......Thank you

NETGEAR Academy

Boost your skills with the Netgear Academy - Get trained, certified and stay ahead with the latest Netgear technology! 

Join Us!

ProSupport for Business

Comprehensive support plans for maximum network uptime and business peace of mind.

 

Learn More