Network Gone Sour

[Rob]

A few months ago I had a happy solid LAN working, for the most part,
flawlessly. Four Macs running OS9, one running 8.6, one running OS 8
and one PC running Windows XP. All 7 were using Filemaker Pro, served
from the OS8 machine through FMPro Server.

Our internet connection came through a Comtrend DSL modem. The modem
was plugged into an XSense MIH-130 router which fed three Macs directly
and a Linksys 8 port switcher.

Internet and Filemaker worked flawlessly.

Suddenly, under new management, four PCs using Windows XP were
installed. All hell has broken loose.

Here's where I think the problem is, but I need some guidance. One port
from the Linksys switcher feeds another router in our downstairs
offices. This used to lead to one machine running some form of Windows.
It worked fine.

Now, this connection leads to a CompUSA generic switcher which feeds
one PC and another CompUSA generic switcher which feeds another PC
which acts as a server for a FoxPro database.

In other words, it goes router to switcher to PC to switcher to PC.

The modem is working fine but we now have intermittent internet
outages. While the LAN continues to work fine, it takes several modem
resets to get internet access working on all the computers.

What should I be looking for? I'm convinced that the PCs are the things
screwing this up, but I don't know where to start looking. Any advice
is welcome and encouraged.

Thanks,
rob

[Bruce Williams]

Check that one of the added PCs, especially the one that is between two
switches is not trying to be a DHCP server. In fact, best not to have a
two legged PC at all, have the two switches connected together and both
downstairs PCs plugged into one switch.

--
Bruce.