Troubleshooting Hubs and Switches

Most issues with unmanaged hubs and switches are caused by connectivity problems. If you can see some computers on the network, the hub or switch itself is probably operating properly.

These instructions are for all hubs and switches, but NETGEAR managed switches are more complex and will use additional troubleshooting.

Any step may restore connectivity, so consider testing when you have fixed anything in the process.

• Check that the hub or switch is plugged in and power light is lit.
• Check whether link lights are lit solid on hub or switch ports connected to other devices. If a port light is blinking, change ports or reconnect the cable.
• If some computers on your network are connected, then check the network settings on computers that do not. (That is, troubleshoot that computer's connectivity.)
• Change the speed of the network adapter card to 10 Mbs (if the card and your network support it).
• If a link light is still blinking, reset the hub or switch.
• Replace cables with known good cables.
• Connect two computers together with a crossover cable, (removing the hub or switch) and see if data will pass between them.
• Check your model's Support product page to see whether there is a software or firmware upgrade.

Customer Support uses similar troubleshooting, if you contact them, tell them the results you learned from following these steps.

N100274.asp Dec. 2, 2003