Network Problems

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Level 1

68 points

Network Problems

I need some help. I've been having network issues on and off for a while and I can't seem to nail it down or fix it. I have a Netgear C3700 cable modem. It is also a wireless router/access point. I have it setup to provide a wireless network (5GHz & 2.4GHz). I also have a Time Capsule. I have it connected via Ethernet to the cable modem. This was problematic for a long time where my internet connection seemed to periodically hiccup and was occasionally dog slow (on and off). Generally if I disconnected the Time Capsule things were fine all the time, but then I didn't have the ability to backup. Recently I added a network switch between the cable modem and Time Capsule. And I changed the Time Capsule to the bridge mode. Things generally seem to be better. But now when I connect my work laptop (Windows 7) wirelessly or via Ethernet to the network it sees the network by no Internet. After hours of troubleshooting I found that if I disconnected the switch (and everything downstream) the work laptop was able to see the internet (but everything else was broken). I did some quick testing and if the switch is connected by nothing downstream I still have the problem. So there seems to be an interaction between the cable modem and the network switch. Why is this stuff so darn hard. I ought to be able to take everything out of the box and just go with just tweaking of a few settings. I need the switch so I can connect as many things as possible via wired for speed (and some down have wireless option).

MacBook Pro with Retina display, iOS 10.2

Posted on Mar 19, 2017 12:24 PM

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Answer 1

Mar 19, 2017 1:27 PM in response to n1mie

So there seems to be an interaction between the cable modem and the network switch.

That is not really anything to do with your Time Capsule.

Network switches (normal domestic type .. not smart or managed type) should be transparent devices. They can be thought of as adding more ports and nothing more. If yours is faulty then replace it.. or check the ethernet wiring if you are using patch cables replace it.. for in wall wiring get a network or data wiring expert to look.

If you have issues with the setup when the TC is involved we can certainly try and help with that side.

Do need to know the model of the TC.

A few screenshots of the setup also helps no end.

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Answer 2

Bob Timmons

Level 10

188,102 points

Mar 19, 2017 5:34 PM in response to n1mie

Why is this stuff so darn hard.

For every Ethernet connection, there are a total of sixteen tiny small copper contacts that must all line up with each other perfectly.

Have you "tested" the switch to make sure that it is functioning correctly?

If not, here is a suggested procedure for you to follow:

Power off all devices except the Netgear modem/router

Connect your computer directly to one of the LAN <--> ports on the modem/router using an Ethernet cable

Power up the computer and make sure that the wireless is turned off on the computer

Check to see if the computer can get a good Internet connection that way.

If it can, then proceed to the Next Steps below.

If it cannot, then you need to find out why the computer is not connecting correctly. Try another Ethernet cable that you know is working. Try another Ethernet port on the modem/router. You cannot proceed until the computer can get a good Internet connection when it is connected directly to your modem/router.

Next Steps:

Connect the same Ethernet cable from the modem/router that you used to test the computer to the Ethernet switch

Power up the switch

Connect your computer using another short, spare Ethernet cable (that you know is working) to one of the Ethernet ports on the switch and check to make sure that the computer can get a good Internet connect that way

If the computer will connect, proceed to the Next Steps below.

If it cannot get an Internet connection, and you know that the Ethernet cable is working correctly, then you likely have a defective switch. It happens more often than it should. Try another Ethernet cable to make sure that it is not a cable issue.

Next Steps:

Check each of the other Ethernet ports on the switch to make sure that they are all working correctly.

Post back on your progress.

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