Switch confusion

[nell1]

Situation;

Have been thrown in the deep end and am looking after a network of 22 desktops, 1 server. All desktops are running either win 98, 2000 or xp. Server is running NT 4.0

The network is connected via a miriad of switches. I am learning fast and am figuring out how all these components communicate and function, however what is really throwing me at the moment is walking into the server room and trying to figure out the paths of all the cables in the switches/patch bay. I can track cables running from computers in the office to certain ports in the switch, then I lose them to other switches directly below and am confused as to why and where they go.

Can anyone offer any good sources (sites etc) to look up that would give me an insight into what is going on.

Any help would be gratefully received!

Nell1

 

[Accessdabbler]

The proper wiring setup is to run wire from the wall outlet in the office, through the ceiling and into the Computer room. These wires plug into a "patch panel". Next, a wire (called patch cords) runs from the patch panel to the switch or hub. The patch cords are usually short (a couple metres or less).

The purpose of this is so that you never have to move the wires in the ceiling since if you break it by moving it, it is very hard to replace it. Thus, only the patch cords should be unplugged and moved.

A proper installation will put a code on each outlet in each office. This code should match up the the code on the patch panel. In this way, you don't need to trace the wire to the office.

The end of the patch cord that runs to the switch should have the same code on the switch and patch panel. However, in practice, this is not strictly followed. Because you can move patch cables easily, many people are too lazy to change the code on the switch. Since you only have 22 computers, on a rainy day, trace out each patch cable and make sure all the codes match up.

 

[jimbopalmer]

Consider getting a 24 port switch, thoughput will be better than 5 8 port switches, and the wires will be less jumbled.

if you must keep a group of switches, try to organize it so the server and all other (minor) switches plug into one master switch, and the end users all plug into the minor switches. The worst plan is a A plugs into B plugs into C plugs into D plugs into E scanario, where a given packet can have to traverse every switch I tried to remain child-like, all I acheived was childish.

 

[LoopyLoo]

How many switches are you talking about? For 22 nodes I wouldn't expect more than a couple unless someone connected them all up with 4 port switches.

I agree with Jimbopalmer - get a 24 port switch.

 

[nell1]

Thanks for the replies... the fog is lifting. Going on site to have a good root around and see if things make a little more sense now.

Thanks again for you help... invaluable!

Will let you know how I get on!

Nell1

 

[Grenage]

Or larger perhaps when the time comes. We recently changed the network and invsted in one of the HP switches. It has module bays so you can add 24ports at a time as and when you need then, or fibre/gigabyte modules without the bottleneck of crossover cables.