FS116 Switch dropping packets

[htownsam]

I have been having issues where my unmanaged switch seems to be dropping packets. Many times when I try to access websites on my computers i will get the error "err empty response". If i flush dns it seems to temporarily fix. The switch is connected to a comcast modem. I talked to comcast and they said that I should have no issue connecting to these websites. Do i need to buy a new switch? Is it possible that its something else? The only 2 components between the computers and the comcast cable are the switch and the comcast router. 

Thanks,

Sam

[antinode · Accepted solution]

> [...] the Comcast router. [...] The cable modem [...]

   Still wondering if those are one gizmo or two.

> [...] The cable modem is the standard modem issued by comcast
> business. [...]

   An actual maker and model number for these devices would be more
informative than "the standard".

> [...] what is the diferrence between the model that I have and a
> gigabit switch [...]

   Gigabit (1000MHz) is faster than "Fast" (100MHz).  With 75Mb/s
service from your ISP, you might not notice any difference in
communication with the outside world, but, if the various devices on
your LAN talk to each other, and if their interfaces and cables support
gigabit operation, then intra-LAN communication could be faster with a
faster switch.

> [...] and also can you recommend a model?

   Not really.  Netgear seems to have a GS116v2 which might be similar
(except faster), but I haven't done any serious shopping for such things
recently, so I know nothing.  (I'd avoid any old junk which has a fan.)

https://www.netgear.com/images/datasheet/switches/GS105v5_GS108v4_GS116v2.pdf

[antinode]

> [...] on my computers [...]

   Which are ...?  Connected how, to what?

> [...] The switch is connected to a comcast modem. [...]

   What, exactly, is your (unspecified) "a comcast modem"?  Cable
quality?

> [...] The only 2 components between the computers and the comcast
> cable are the switch and the comcast router.

   No cables?

   Is your (unspecified) "the comcast router" related to your
(unspecified) "a comcast modem"?  What, exactly, is all this stuff?
What, exactly, is connected to what, exactly?  (Hint: If a device has
multiple Ethernet ports, then "connected to device" is not enough
detail.)

> [...] Is it possible that its something else?

   Many things are possible.  If you remove/replace the switch, do the
problems persist or vanish?  That would be a clue.

> Model: JFS116|16 PORT 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet Switch

   Note that there are forums for switches:

      https://community.netgear.com/t5/x/ct-p/business-switches

   Unless your other equipment is old, and "Fast" Ethernet is not a
bottleneck, a gigabit switch might be a reasonable investment.

[htownsam]

5 computers, a tv and a few other devices all connected directly to the switch via network cable which is connected directly to the Comcast router. I pay for 75mb down with comcast business and it works fine. The cable modem is the standard modem issued by comcast business. 

"Unless your other equipment is old, and "Fast" Ethernet is not a
bottleneck, a gigabit switch might be a reasonable investment."

Sorry for the stupid question but what is the diferrence between the model that I have and a gigabit switch and also can you recommend a model?

Thanks,

Sam

[antinode · Accepted solution]

> [...] the Comcast router. [...] The cable modem [...]

   Still wondering if those are one gizmo or two.

> [...] The cable modem is the standard modem issued by comcast
> business. [...]

   An actual maker and model number for these devices would be more
informative than "the standard".

> [...] what is the diferrence between the model that I have and a
> gigabit switch [...]

   Gigabit (1000MHz) is faster than "Fast" (100MHz).  With 75Mb/s
service from your ISP, you might not notice any difference in
communication with the outside world, but, if the various devices on
your LAN talk to each other, and if their interfaces and cables support
gigabit operation, then intra-LAN communication could be faster with a
faster switch.

> [...] and also can you recommend a model?

   Not really.  Netgear seems to have a GS116v2 which might be similar
(except faster), but I haven't done any serious shopping for such things
recently, so I know nothing.  (I'd avoid any old junk which has a fan.)

https://www.netgear.com/images/datasheet/switches/GS105v5_GS108v4_GS116v2.pdf