We have recently moved from an OS X ftp file server to a Windows 2003 workgroup file server. However, since the change, we have been experiencing intermittent network connection loss. Our normal network congfiuration includes 2 Windows 2000, 3 Windows XP, 1 Windows 2003 Sever, 4 MAC OS 9, 2 MAC OS X machines, and 2 HP network printers. After rebooting the Asante 24-port switch (purchased 5 years ago), the Windows machines are able to see each other in the network neighborhood, and the MAC machines are able to communicate through AppleTalk. Both sets of machines connect to the server with no problem. However, after a varying amount of time (5 minutes - 5 hours), all machines will loose their ability to communicate through the network. The can still SEE each other (thought Network Neighborhood and AppleTalk) but they are unable to connect to the server or each other. I have concluded that the problem must be the switch, whose indicators flash constantly for one of the HP printers and flash randomly (yet simultaneously) for many of the connections. This happened oocasionaly on the MAC OS X-based network, now it happens annoyingly often (all day long). Anyone else have any ideas? Replace the switch? Don't use Windows 2003?

"We have recently moved from an OS X ftp file server to a Windows 2003 workgroup file server." That's too bad. But I am not sure Windows can be blamed for this. Especially since the problem happened before on OSX (whole other platform). It is a common problem anyway (on smaller networks). Your switch is a dumb device (well, unless its managed - is it managed?) and only has a limited amount of memory. By dumb I mean that the switch has strict logic and has an intentional lack of functionality (to improve reliability, in theory, and lower price). Also, heat can be a problem with memory (the vital resource of the switch). Ever hear of ECC RAM? Well, home users do not need it because the heat is limited and there is usually a lot of space. But when a switch (or computer, especially in a cluster or or rackmount) gets used a lot, the thermal density (I think that's the right term) becomes fairly high. In other words, things get hot because of lots of use and other equipment nearby (this problem expounds over time). ECC RAM, or correction RAM, is necessary in these environments because errors are far more frequent when components are constantly hot. Your switch probably does not have ECC RAM. Also age decreases efficiency and with a lack of efficiency, a device is more suspectable to error (I think Americans can relate with their recent power outages on the Atlantic side). So your switch may just be old and hot. The increase of this problem over time is also an indication. I would look at a new switch anyway in the near future, purely for the age of the existing one. "The can still SEE each other" Define see. Can they ping each other?

THANKS anonproxy! > Your switch is a dumb device > well, unless its managed > is it managed? The switch is un-managed. I am attempting to download a packet sniffer to do some diagnostics if possible. > Define see. Can they ping each other? No, they cannot ping each other. I assume they show up in Network Neighborhood and AppleTalk because the could initally ping/connect, but after the network goes down, they cannot. Also, who makes 24 port routers? Cisco? Netgear?

"No, they cannot ping each other." Then it does sound like the switch. Most switches you can buy at say, CompUSA or Microcenter, will have this problem. They simply are made for simple loads (and not really constant use or uptime even). "Also, who makes 24 port routers?" A retailer like Microwarehouse is an easy place to start to look and get a scope for prices, makes, etc.. I am not necessarily recommending them (never used them in fact - the name just came to my head), but I remember they have a decent selection from low to highend. I usually start looking at the models in my price range and feature-set, pick a couple, and search the Internet for reviews or problems (in fact with those keywords is fine). Once I find a few I like, I go to a few places like dealtime.com, mysimon, etc. (all the comparison shopping places) and check prices. The maker usually has an upper middle-level price for direct sale, and seller prices seem to fall around that. http://directory.google.com/Top/Computers/Internet/Routers_and_Routing/Vendors/