Network switch question

[Fredrik]

In my work I have experienced that some NICs don't work with some
network switches and I can't figure out why. I am especially having
trouble with computers where the NICs are integrated in the chipset.

Today when I tried to connect two computers via a Dlink DES-1005D
switch, only 5% of the pings got thru. I changed to a 5 years old
10Mbit hub from 3Com and there was no problem.

Both computers had 10/100 network connection capability, one of the
computers was a laptop with built in NIC. When I tried using a third
computer the communication was ok regardless of which switch/hub I
used. I used CAT5 cables that are ok....

I'm puzzled!!! Please help!

Thanks
Fredrik

 

[Mike Mastro]

I don't know that this is the same problem, but I've definitely had problem
with older 10/100 integrated chipsets working with new 10/100 switches. In
those cases I couldn't even get a link unless I forced the NIC to 10 Mb/s
switched. Since the machines were old (circa 1998), I just decided to use
them that way since I was replacing them during the next year or so. I
could have installed a newer NIC in an open PCI slot, but the machines were
only 300Mhz machines, and as I mentioned, I was replacing them anyway.

Good luck with your problem.

Mike