One way network problem

Jed Shields · 30 Aug 2011 at 19:25

Hi guys,

I'm having trouble with my server. I can access everything using my Sonos and XBMC. I can copy from my PC to the server okay. Using LogMeIn I can copy a file from my server over to my PC. However, I cannot read directly from the server eg open a file using my PC. I have no trouble reading and writing to other PC's on the network. All are connected via a 1Gb switch.

I've downloaded a free program called LAN Speed Test with the following results. I've tried a 10Mb and a 100Mb file option:

My PC to my Wife's PC Write 300Mbps

My PC to my Wife's PC Read 280Mbps

My PC to my Server Write 300Mbps

My PC to my Server Read 10Mb file 300Mbps, 100Mb file ... takes a while then comes back with 0.

Any ideas?

PistolPete · 30 Aug 2011 at 21:23

My first guess would be a duff network cable from PC to switch.

One of the conductors / pairs maybe bad - try another.

Jed Shields · 30 Aug 2011 at 22:00

The networks been running fine for a couple of years. I guess the cable could have failed. I'll have a play tomorrow.

TNGL · 30 Aug 2011 at 22:18

What about Wife's PC to Server Read?

Jed Shields · 31 Aug 2011 at 08:33

Tingle said:
What about Wife's PC to Server Read?

Just checked: It works okay on the LAN Speed Test for a file up to 500Mb, then it fails.

I've just tried copying a large file ie >1Gb from the server using my wife's PC and it comes up "There is a problem accessing \\Server\Music ....Make sure you are connected to the network and try again."

However, a 30Mb file transferred fine. My PC can't copy the 30Mb file, but manages a 9Kb file okay.

It seems like a file size issue. Any ideas?

TNGL · 31 Aug 2011 at 11:27

Hmm... Jumbo Frames? Bit of a stab in the dark though.

Jed Shields · 31 Aug 2011 at 12:36

Turn them on or off?

TNGL · 31 Aug 2011 at 12:42

Jed Shields said:
Turn them on or off?

Enable them.

Jed Shields · 31 Aug 2011 at 13:08

It was already enabled. I've tried turning them off and on and there's no change.

TNGL · 31 Aug 2011 at 13:11

Hmm. Where did you make the changes? On the client or server? Or both?

Jed Shields · 31 Aug 2011 at 14:05

On the server via LogMeIn on my PC.

bremen1874 · 31 Aug 2011 at 14:22

I had a look at the LAN Speed Test software you’re using. In its default mode it creates a test file on the remote machine, so it’s measuring the drive speed as much as it's measuring the network speed. This would explain the low transfer rates you’re recording between all of the machines.

They also offer a download for the server end that allows you to test the network speed without having to create test files as a part of the process. I’d suggest that you try it and see if you still have the same problem. If the problem goes away you could have a disk related problem.