this post was submitted on 15 Nov 2023
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Switch (and entire LAN side of the network) totally unresponsive (alien.top)
submitted 10 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
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I got a network switch that is showing zero activity across about a dozen ports, the most important of which is the feed from the router from upstairs. This happened out of nowhere and I don't think it's the switch unless the backup I tried is also bad. I also tested the cable leading from the router and it passes the continuity test at the very least. Even if that line was dead, wouldn't the switch show at least SOME activity as devices try to access each other? I'm no IT master, but peer to peer still happens in a network, doesn't it? Anyway, it's been a few days of trying to fix this myself, so I finally turn to reddit. Any ideas, lads?

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago

Check that the RJ45 is seated correctly in the port on the router. I mention this, cause this is the "are you freaken kiddding me?" Scenario, that you could spend hours troubleshooting.

Next, plug a computer/laptop into that port. Verify it's working. Then? Test the cable run by the switch. Make sure you can get connection at the switch side.

If all that passes, all these tests, just assume your router hates your taste in switches.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

You don't have link-lights showing in that photo.

Unplug all of the cables from the switch, and power-cycle the switch.

Then, try plugging just ONE of the cables into the switch, and see if any of the link lights come on -- being sure to note that they may take a second or two before they light up.

No joy? Unplug that cable, and try another one.

If none of your cables end up turning on your link lights, then your switch is most likely dead.

Try the other switch, and see if you get the same results.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago (3 children)

I did this with no dice, then tried again on my backup switch and it seems to be working. Don't know why it wasn't working before, but you may have pushed me into the direction of discovering my switch was in fact, dead. Guess I'll be buying a new one lol

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

I've had decent performance with Zyxel switches. I have 3 at home, and one in the office. The GS1100-24E can be found on Amazon for about $65.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago

Refurb always scares me, even tho 90% of the time it's just returned in an open box

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago (2 children)

From my experience, switches are the most likely part of your network to die a sudden death, especially after a reboot or power outage.

Check if there's warranty on it.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

I haven’t had a single switch die since getting Ethernet surge protection between the modem-router combo and my switches.

I haven’t bought a UPS in a while but last time I did it had Ethernet protection but only supported 10/100. You may have to get a standalone data surge protector to get gigabit speeds.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

I work at an MSP so we oversee a lot of network devices.

Switches die proportionally more often compared to other network equipment.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago

I know it’s anecdotal but I used to have to replace my router or router/AP combo every 12-18 months.

The first router on the Ethernet protection ran for two years and was replaced because I wanted 11g

All the routers since then have lasted at least 7 years.

Maybe it’s snake oil, maybe not, but it seems to work for me.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago

Unlikely a warranty, and I don't care anyway, just getting a new Netgear one

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago

Is this in your attic? Some places get intolerably hot/cold in attics, leads to a lot of dead electronics.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

These probably won’t help but saying them outloud anyways. Maybe the next person has an issue that these will help.

Is there a reset button? Looks like an unmanaged switch, so probably not. Sometimes devices have a recovery mode.

What type of power cord? if it has a transformer, maybe you got the wrong one. It happens. If underpowered, a device can light up but not operate.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago

No reset button and it's 120vAC in on a kettlebell cable

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Unplug everything from it. Plug two good cables with two good devices in and see if it works. Then start plugging everything in one at a time.

Could be possible MSTP is enabled and there is a loop. Not sure if that’s a managed switch or not.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

It's not managed, and the network isn't so fucked that there's a loop. It just happened randomly one day and I'm the only one who manages cables in the house.

Switch is just fried, got a new one on the way

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Network doesn’t have to be “so fucked” for there to be a loop. It’s an incredibly easy mistake to make.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago

It's just that there's only one switch really. There's definitely wires I forgot where they go, but in this case I don't think it's a loop simply because nothing changed when it went out.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

As cheap as this type of switch is, just replace it. It's dead Jim.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago

Yeah just unfortunate I gotta spend an unplanned $85

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Have you tried turning it off and turning it back on? The switch itself could be locked up

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago

Lol definitely the first thing I tried, thanks tho.