I have a Linksys 10/100 switch, but I'm having trouble attaching it to my network. I'm trying to connect the switch to my wireless router, but when I tried, I got no connection. The router and switch are in different rooms, connected by Cat5 that I installed. I was afraid that the cable was unrealiable, so I recrimped the RJ-45 connectors. It did something as the link light now sort of blinks, but the connection still does not work. I replaced the switch with a 10 Mb hub and it works. When I connect a computer in place of the switch, it also works (at 100 Mb/s). Then, I tried replacing the router with a computer and connect it to the switch in the other room. This also worked properly. The latter setup do not use the uplink port of the switch. So I was thinking that the problem is with the switch (perhaps the uplink port). I then tried moving the switch into the same room as the router and used a different Cat 5 cable. That setup also worked properly (so the problem seems to definately have to do with my cabling). There is another minor issue with the switch. When I connect/disconnect ports on the switch, sometimes, all of the link lights start flashing (not in the manner signifying activity) and all the connections in the network go down for a couple seconds. This problem does not really bother me, but I'm thinking that it could suggest that there is something wrong with the switch. The switch is a 5 port Linksys model (EZXS55W). Could the problem also be related to the switch? Perhaps it is requires a higher quality cable to work (the Cat 5 is around 40 ft long and has a few somewhat sharp turns in it)? Or could the issue be with the router (I don't have another 100 Mb/s switch to test it with)?

Hi Well, your problem sounds like pretty complicated. As it goes to me, you have two choices: First, change the cable, get a new cable, 12-13 meters of CAT5 usually have no problem except when iti is broken or damaged. There is another possibility that your cable is UTP and you are crossing it near a florecet light or power cord or something similar that generates noise for the cable. Second choice you have is to change the switch you have. WHen I was reading your question, I did not like your switch, I mean, initially it induced to me that your switch is problematic. So try replacing it with a new switch. feel free to contact me if you have any further questions, cheers! Alireza

Hi again, By the way! Does your switch have any UPLINK/NORMAL Switch? if so, check to see if you have selected the correct state (UPLINK). cheers!! Alireza