Issues with network

[Howard]

Workstations (5) are running Windows XP Pro (P4) with fat32 file system. Ram
=512. Network card =1gb, Switch=1gb.
My laptop (which I have configured to operate on the LAN) is running Windows
xp pro, NTFS, ram=512, Card=10/100.
In running one application in which we access a workstation that is being
used as a server (Windows XP Pro, p4, fat32, ram=1gb, network card=1gb), my
laptop would complete a particular task in 3 seconds. With the the
workstations, the same task would take 15-20 seconds.
We also installed a printer server (netgear ps121) with a brother HL2040
printer. At times it prints fine, other times (more than we like) a blank
page is produced. Their is no rhyme or reason to this. I did contact
netgear but they assisted as much as they could but to no avail.
The issue with other applications that go across the network prompted me to
question that the workstations may be the issue.

 

[Jack \(MVP-Networking\).]

Hi
When it comes to Networking equal or similar Hardware, and OS, does not mean
equal Network capacity.
There can be differences in Network related setting. Network cards
capacities, quality of cables, or even how tight RJ-45 plugs fit in each
device.
I can go on and build a bigger list of possible reason for the differences,
personally I would suggest that you should take a network pro to sort this
out for you.
As for Network Printers. Entry Level ad-on Network Servers are problematic
devices. A good Network server cost close, or more then a Network ready
printer. Get yourself a real Network Printer, they are Not that expensive
any more.
Jack (MVP-Networking).

 

[Jim]

Workstations (5) are running Windows XP Pro (P4) with fat32 file system.
Ram
=512. Network card =1gb, Switch=1gb.
My laptop (which I have configured to operate on the LAN) is running
Windows
xp pro, NTFS, ram=512, Card=10/100.
In running one application in which we access a workstation that is being
used as a server (Windows XP Pro, p4, fat32, ram=1gb, network card=1gb),
my
laptop would complete a particular task in 3 seconds. With the the
workstations, the same task would take 15-20 seconds.
We also installed a printer server (netgear ps121) with a brother HL2040
printer. At times it prints fine, other times (more than we like) a blank
page is produced. Their is no rhyme or reason to this. I did contact
netgear but they assisted as much as they could but to no avail.
The issue with other applications that go across the network prompted me
to
question that the workstations may be the issue.

Your problem with blank pages is not caused by the network. My Epson Photo
1280 does this every now and then, and it is a standalone unit.

Jim