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Thread ID: 27680	2002-11-28 07:52:00	Network upgrade from 10 to 100mbps	ianmcdonald (658)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
102139	2002-11-28 07:52:00	Until a few days ago I was operating a small 5 computer network in which each computer had a 10/100mbps card, with a cheap 10mbps hub. The appropriate icon in the tray indicated that the connection was indeed 10mbs. Because I often open large (typically 10 - 100 mbyte) graphic files from one computer that are actually stored on another, there was a bit of a delay while the file came across the network. So I figured that if I upgraded the hub from 10mbs to 100mbs, things would go much quicker. So I bought a new hub. All relevant computers showed the connection to now be 100mbps and not 10mbs. BUT network traffic is now noticeably SLOWER. Applications that shared files across the network that used to take maybe 5-10 seconds to start now take 20-30 seconds. The 10-fold increase in speed that I expected with large files just hasn't happened. The relevant computers are running Win 2k and Win Xp, ranging in speed from 350Mhz to 1.3Ghz. Have I missed something somewhere? So far I've paid a couple of hundred bucks and gone backwards. Anybody got any solutions..?	ianmcdonald (658)
102140	2002-11-28 08:09:00	I would take a look at your cabling: if it isn't up to spec, it may work fine at 10Mbps but cause lots of errors at 100Mbps. One of the common problems is the incorrect use of pairs in the cable. On an RJ45 connector, on pair should terminate on the centre (pins 4+5), another pair should 'straddle' the first pair (connected on pins 3+6), and the other two pairs should occupy pins 1+2, and pins 7+8. If the pairs have been terminated as 1+2, 3+4, 5+6, 7+8 the cable will work at 10Mbps but fail dismally at 100mbps.	wuppo (41)
102141	2002-11-28 17:29:00	My home made cables are indeed wired "1+2, 3+4, 5+6, 7+8". It never occurred to me that this could have any influence whatsoever. I'll try re-wiring them over the weeknd and see what difference that makes.	ianmcdonald (658)
102142	2002-11-28 23:08:00	>So far I've paid a couple of hundred bucks and gone backwards. couple of hundred bucks for a 100mbps hub? :O	SKT174 (1319)
102143	2002-11-29 00:51:00	It should make an immense difference :D Be careful ... the pairs should not be untwisted for more than 1/2" , or twisted tighter. The pairs which must be right are those on pins 1&2 and 3&6.	Graham L (2)
102144	2002-11-29 01:48:00	Yeah, it made a HUGE difference. I rewired things and the difference was astounding. I have untwisted them for more than 1/2" (About 2") which seems to be ok, but now I'll see if I can retwist them...	ianmcdonald (658)
102145	2002-11-29 01:52:00	I can get a 5 port 10/100MBPS SWITCH - Not hub - SWITCH for onlt $65 + GST - It was somewhere on Pricespy I think..	Chilling_Silence (9)
102146	2002-11-29 03:32:00	> I can get a 5 port 10/100MBPS SWITCH - Not hub - > SWITCH for onlt $65 + GST - It was somewhere on > Pricespy I think.. I had a look on Pricespy too - though admittedly not for very long. The best I could find was about $60 US with shipping within the US anywhere from $US2.99 to $US14.95, which makes it about $NZ125 - $160, with no mention of shipping overseas. Oh, and it's more than a 10 minute drive from home if I want to go to the shop to save on the shipping. Personal shopping would add another $NZ2,500-$3,000 or so. I actually paid about $NZ148 for a 5 port switch, not the $200.00 I said earlier (exaggerated for greater effect) at "The Big Byte" in Palmerston North. I think it's called that because it's what they take out of your wallet when you buy something in a rush without a lot of careful comparison shopping first...	ianmcdonald (658)
102147	2002-11-29 03:50:00	If they work as they are... leave them alone ... just remember for next time :D The next upgrade might be to 12GB/s .. that will be very fussy about its cables. ;-)	Graham L (2)
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