analsying network problems

[Fredo Vincentis]

Can anybody advise me of any software I could use to analyse a slow network
connection on my LAN?

I have got three machines connected with each other via a router. Two of
them with the same platform (W2K), the same network cards, same setup and
the same cables. Then a third being a Macintosh.

Of the two PCs, one machine works fine and fast to talk to the Mac, the
other one is extremely slow to connect either to the Mac or the second PC. I
have tried everything: exchanged NICs, changed cables, changed PCI slots,...
nothing worked.

So perhaps network analysis software can help me?

 

[Sergey Y.]

Look in this
Network Connections> Advanced > Advanced settings
Check Bindings and compare settings two PC.

 

[Herb Martin]

Can anybody advise me of any software I could use to analyse a slow
network

connection on my LAN?

On Win2000 SERVER (or with SMS which you likely don't have) you can use
the built-in NetMon (with some limitations)

On any Win2000 systems you can get some network information by using
Performance Monitor (SysMon snap-in).

You can (search the Internet &) download the free WinDump, Ethereal,
or Packetizer.

I have got three machines connected with each other via a router. Two of
them with the same platform (W2K), the same network cards, same setup and
the same cables. Then a third being a Macintosh.

Consider replacing the cables if you have unexplained SLOW network.

Of the two PCs, one machine works fine and fast to talk to the Mac, the
other one is extremely slow to connect either to the Mac or the second PC. I
have tried everything: exchanged NICs, changed cables, changed PCI slots,...
nothing worked.

So perhaps network analysis software can help me?

Perhaps but probably not. Chances are you have a name resolution or cable
problem.

You say, "slow to connect"? Is it normal after that connect? This is
almost
always a NAME resolution problem.

What sort of connection are you making? How are you resolving names?

 

[Chuck]

Can anybody advise me of any software I could use to analyse a slow network
connection on my LAN?

I have got three machines connected with each other via a router. Two of
them with the same platform (W2K), the same network cards, same setup and
the same cables. Then a third being a Macintosh.

Of the two PCs, one machine works fine and fast to talk to the Mac, the
other one is extremely slow to connect either to the Mac or the second PC. I
have tried everything: exchanged NICs, changed cables, changed PCI slots,...
nothing worked.

So perhaps network analysis software can help me?

If you're convinced the problem is caused by the network, Ethereal at
http://www.ethereal.com is a good start.

But consider some other causes also. I'd start with a malware check.
Spybot S&D and HijackThis are both free. You can get help at
SpywareInfo Forums:
http://forums.spywareinfo.com/index.php?showtopic=5187

Also, how about a pc health check? Try PCPitStop, which will check
numerous items in your system that could result in poor network
performance:
http://www.pcpitstop.com/default.asp

Cheers,

Chuck
I hate spam - PLEASE get rid of the spam before emailing me!
Paranoia comes from experience - and is not necessarily a bad thing.

 

[Fredo Vincentis]

You say, "slow to connect"? Is it normal after that connect? This is
almost
always a NAME resolution problem.

Sorry, I meant it is always slow. In fact, if I go to Network Connections it
sees the other computers very quickly. But if I click on any files or
folders of the other computer, it takes ages just to highlight them. Then I
try to copy a file from the other computer and it takes about 3 Minutes for
a 5MB file.

So seeing the other computer in the Network is no problem. But copying
files, reading files, writing to files, etc is all extremely slow.

 

[Herb Martin]

Sorry, I meant it is always slow. In fact, if I go to Network Connections
it

sees the other computers very quickly. But if I click on any files or

Network Connection makes NO connection initially so this can still be
a name resolution issue if connection to specific machines is slow.

folders of the other computer, it takes ages just to highlight them. Then I
try to copy a file from the other computer and it takes about 3 Minutes for
a 5MB file.

Slow file transfer does NOT imply name resolution problems usually -- it
might
involve a BAD network or especially a BAD DROP CABLE.

Check/replace your cables -- they are cheap and cause problems far more than
most people realize.

So seeing the other computer in the Network is no problem. But copying
files, reading files, writing to files, etc is all extremely slow.

"Seeing" is about Browsers, not connections usually.

 

[Fredo Vincentis]

Connections

Network Connection makes NO connection initially so this can still be
a name resolution issue if connection to specific machines is slow.
Then

Slow file transfer does NOT imply name resolution problems usually -- it
might
involve a BAD network or especially a BAD DROP CABLE.

But I used the exact same cable with an older machine (Win98) just a week
ago. I have also tried another cable that I have got (though it is the same
brand as the one currently used).

 

[Herb Martin]

But I used the exact same cable with an older machine (Win98) just a week

ago. I have also tried another cable that I have got (though it is the same
brand as the one currently used).

Then put a network monitor on the line and figure out WHAT it is doing.

NetMon (WinNT 4.0 Server+), SMS NetMon, or Free Ethereal or WinDump.

Cabling, bad NICs (less likely), or bad hubs are still a strong possibility
if it is
slow AFTER the name resolution.

Also consider using PerfMon\SysMon to determine where the machines are
spending
their time (CPU, Disk, Net, etc.)