Problem with LAN connection- need network monitor software

[SysAdmin05]

Hello,
We've been having problems with a group of computers disconnecting from the LAN sporadically. We'd like to find some freeware to install on a single PC which will monitor and log the LAN connection kicking off and on.

Can anyone suggest something which is fairly user friendly?
Thank you.

 

[dippncope]

Wireshark might help you. Used to be called Ethereal)

http://www.wireshark.org/

 

[Sympology]

You could use NetXMS. Install the agent onto pc (pretty easy) and then install the app on a central pc / server (will need MySQL or other database) and then just fire of the pings.
May be what your after, maybe not

Most people spend their time on the "urgent" rather than on the "important."

 

[drummelhart]

ditto on wireshark

 

[SysAdmin05]

Thank you for your suggestions. I've downloaded Wireshark and am testing it on my PC. Wireshark looks like it could be a very helpful tool!

Thanks again.

 

[gbaughma]

It's amazing how, over the years, I have found poorly wired cables in businesses.

Cat5e cables should follow the TIA/EIA-568-B wiring standard.

Anything else is just asking for trouble.

I'll bet that if you looked, you'd find that either all the cables on those workstations are wired wrong, or if there is an uplink to another switch, that that cable is wired wrong.

An easy way to tell is to look at the cable itself. This is especially true when cables aren't punched down into a wiring block in the wiring closet, instead it's just a piece of Cat-5 cable with ends crimped on at each end.

The specification is:
Orange-white
Orange
Green-white
Blue
Blue-white
Green
Brown-white
Brown

If you look at the end of the cable, clip side down, and that is not the wire order, then you have found a problem. Perhaps not the ENTIRE problem, but it's definitely a problem.


Just my 2¢

"What the captain doesn't realize is that we've secretly replaced his Dilithium Crystals with new Folger's Crystals."

--Greg

http://parallel.tzo.com

 

[Sympology]

For a diagram of above

http://www.firewall.cx/

Networking > cabling

Most people spend their time on the "urgent" rather than on the "important."

 

[gbaughma]

Ooooh... WireShark can be installed on a U3 device.



Just my 2¢

"What the captain doesn't realize is that we've secretly replaced his Dilithium Crystals with new Folger's Crystals."

--Greg

http://parallel.tzo.com