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Original Message
"Hub Collisions"

Posted by BillC on 06-25-02 at 18:43z
Hi All....I'm B..A..A..A..A..C..K ! <g>

To any of those Network experts out there...I'm running a SMC Model 5304DS 4 port 10base-T/100base-TX dual speed hub with .
2 SMC1233X/SMCR2112TX 10/100 Fast Ethernet LAN Cards.

Never noticed it before, but I'm now getting the 'Collisions' LED illuminated almost continuously when transferring files between the two PCS.

The files appear to copy over without corruption - but I seem to recall somewhere that I should do something about it. Can't remember what, though. Should I ? (Do something about the collisions, I mean <g> )

Or should I just place a piece of tape over the LED ?

Thanks


BillC
Formby, UK

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Table of contents

Messages in this discussion
"RE: Hub Collisions"
Posted by andrewluck on 06-25-02 at 20:45z
Hi Bill

First thing to check is the cables. Those will definitely cause this.

After that, it's possible that one of the network cards has auto-sensed incorrectly. In the card properties, try forcing both to half duplex.

Andrew Luck
18 miles SW EGSH

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"RE: Hub Collisions"
Posted by BillC on 06-26-02 at 19:16z
Hi Andrew..

> First thing to check is the cables. Those will definitely cause this.
> After that, it's possible that one of the network cards has auto-sensed
> incorrectly. In the card properties, try forcing both to half duplex.
>
Thanks Andrew.

I'll let you know how I get on.

Regards
BillC
0.9nm SW EGOW


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"RE: Hub Collisions"
Posted by James on 06-25-02 at 21:10z
Hi Bill,

Welcome back my friend :-)

As Andrew said, check the cable connections etc. Also check that within the card properties they are both set the same. If they are set to Auto then try them in 100 Full Duplex. Come down in stages till it's working OK. You could also check the Port Sockets buy switching the leads over to the unused ones.

Regards,

James (CONman) Anderson


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"RE: Hub Collisions"
Posted by BillC on 06-26-02 at 19:15z
Hi James,

> Welcome back my friend :-) <

Thanks, James ! Nice to be back. I'll bet Ben & his associates will be relieved, after all the earache I've given them in getting this up & running <g>...
>
> As Andrew said, check the cable connections etc. Also check that within
> the card properties they are both set the same. If they are set to Auto
> then try them in 100 Full Duplex. Come down in stages till it's working
> OK. You could also check the Port Sockets buy switching the leads over
> to the unused ones.

Roger that. Now for this non-savvy networker to get stuck in with a few hardware checks.
Incidentally, I took a peek at your setup pics - Wow ! I did try those controls once at Brum, and nearly got a clip around the ear when I touched the keyboard...

Tell me - do you put your 'old' regulation coveralls (I seem to recall that they were navy blue) <g> on when you fly that chopper ? <Mischievous Grin>

Regards

BillC
Formby, UK

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"RE: Hub Collisions"
Posted by James on 06-26-02 at 20:37z
Hi Bill,

The MRVC is a neat bit of control systems :-) I tend not to use the keyboards while in the Heli's :-) Ordered the MCP from Aerosoft Australia to compliment part of my cockpit setup :-) Slowly but surely getting on with my home cockpit.

>> (I seem to recall that they were navy blue) <g> <<

Nope, Green my friend :-) Nice try though...

Regards,

James (CONman) Anderson


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"RE: Hub Collisions"
Posted by BillC on 06-27-02 at 18:40z
Hi James..

Well, I've tried a few tricks to ged rid of these collisions, but nothing appears to make any difference. This is what I've tried:

Two new Cat 5 cables - no change.
Removed the cards from Device Manager. Then re-installed. No change.
Adjusted both cards in Device Manager from Auto Mode/100 half/100 Full. No change.
Changed the two RJ45's to Port 3 and 4 on the hub. LED still illuminated lots.

Tried the same, transferring files between my Laptop (also with WinXP) and this main PC.
Exactly the same results (eh ?)

I suppose the only common denominator is the hub.....
I might try to borrow a spare, see if that makes any difference.

So it looks as if I'm stuck with these collisions. Don't appear to get any corrupted files, though. (Fingers Crossed)

I did take a peek at a few sites - from which I have learned something <g>
Swapping to a switch would prevent them occurring, I gather. Interesting. This is the first time that I have gone into this problem, so I've learned a lot.

I may have access to a switch in the near future, so I'll try that.

On the subject of hardware, I have recently upgraded to two SDM-M81 TFT LCD monitors, using one of them with a DVI cable to a GeForce Ti4600. What a difference. I was a little wary, having read of smearing with fast graphics with some LCD/TFT displays, but no - the images are perfect. The downside is the fixed resolution limit - not being able to advance up to 1600 x 1200 (unless I wish to view a part image). A small price to pay.

I've also gained a considerable amount of desk space <g>

Thanks
Regards


BillC
Formby, UK

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"RE: Hub Collisions"
Posted by James on 06-27-02 at 20:50z
Hi Bill,

Have you tried the cards set to 10/full duplex? If all is OK then I would look at replacing the Hub. I had a similar problem a couple of months back and had to replace the Hub.

Nice one on the monitors and I may look into going down that road later :-)

Regards,

James (CONman) Anderson


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"RE: Hub Collisions"
Posted by andrewluck on 07-01-02 at 19:37z
Hi James

Just back from a weekend in the Lakes & catching up.

>>10/full duplex

I believe you need a switch to run full-duplex. On that subject, I ordered a NetGear 5 port switch for a customer last week. Price was under £40, retail. Amazing.

Andrew Luck
18 miles SW EGSH

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"RE: Hub Collisions"
Posted by James on 07-02-02 at 16:40z
Hi Andrew,

Hope you had a nice time :-)

You can alter the settings on each card at will, no physical switches to flick :-) Go and highlight your card, right click and go to Configure/Advanced and under Value change it to whatever :-)

Regards,

James (CONman) Anderson


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"RE: Hub Collisions"
Posted by andrewluck on 07-03-02 at 19:40z
Great time thanks. Weather wasn't too bright but still got out on some of the lower hills.

>>switch

Sorry, some confusion here. I meant Ethernet switch <g>.

Andrew Luck
18 miles SW EGSH

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"RE: Hub Collisions"
Posted by Ben_Chiu on 06-27-02 at 02:42z
Greetings Bill:

> I'll bet Ben & his associates will be
> relieved, after all the earache I've given them in getting this up &
> running <g>...

Happy to help, Bill. We hope the experience gained will help us bring those still MIA back to FSFORUM.


Ben


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"RE: Hub Collisions"
Posted by BillC on 06-27-02 at 18:39z
Hi Ben..

> Happy to help, Bill. We hope the experience gained will help us bring
> those still MIA back to FSFORUM.

Thanks anyway.

Yes, it would be nice to 'see' all those faces around once more - although I have seen quite a few of the regulars whilst lurking !

Regards

BillC
Formby, UK

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