Weird connection problem

[Marco]

I'm trying to hookup a windows 98 computer to our network but it never gets
an ip from it's current location. However if I move it to my desk and
connect it to the network cable in my office then the connection works fine
.. Seems like a network cable problem, right? Well, here is the weird part.
If I connect a laptop to the problem cable the connection works fine. If I
plug in a windows xp box to it then it tells me that the cable isn't plugged
in. The only difference between the laptop and the desktop computers is
that the network card on the laptop is only 10M instead of 100M. It's also
not full duplex. I tried to change the settings in the desktop computers to
only use 10M but it still doesn't pickup the connection. Is this really
just a cable problem or could there be something else going on here? Also
if it is a cable problem could someone be specific on what is wrong with it
(maybe some loose wires?). Thanks.

 

[Guest]

Hi, Marco -

My guess is something on the network *other than the PC* doesn't support 10M
half-duplex. I'd look at any switches or hubs on the network that are
different from the connection in your office.

hope this helps -

 

[Chuck]

I'm trying to hookup a windows 98 computer to our network but it never gets
an ip from it's current location. However if I move it to my desk and
connect it to the network cable in my office then the connection works fine
. Seems like a network cable problem, right? Well, here is the weird part.
If I connect a laptop to the problem cable the connection works fine. If I
plug in a windows xp box to it then it tells me that the cable isn't plugged
in. The only difference between the laptop and the desktop computers is
that the network card on the laptop is only 10M instead of 100M. It's also
not full duplex. I tried to change the settings in the desktop computers to
only use 10M but it still doesn't pickup the connection. Is this really
just a cable problem or could there be something else going on here? Also
if it is a cable problem could someone be specific on what is wrong with it
(maybe some loose wires?). Thanks.

Marco,

I've seen this effect with broken or miswired cables. Have the cable tested.
It could be a case of miswired cable ends, where the ends can be repaired. Or
if there is a break in the cable, repair may not be so simple. But let the
cabling engineers diagnose it.

Cheers,
Chuck
Paranoia comes from experience - and is not necessarily a bad thing.