Strange network slowdown ...

Jed Shields · 5 Feb 2009 at 16:00

Hi guys,

I have three PCs (Jed PC, Bec PC, SERVER) in my computer room, all with gigabit connections, cat 6 cable going in to a gigabit switch.

Recently things have taken a strange turn.

When I copy from Jed PC to Server I'm getting around 10KB/s.

When I copy from Jed PC to Bec PC I'm getting around 10MB/s.

When I copy from Bec PC to Server I'm getting around 10MB/s.

Any idea why it's so slow from Jed PC to Server, when it's fine from Jed PC to Bec PC and also fine from Bec PC to Server???

EDIT - also tested:

When I copy from Server to Jed PC I'm getting around 10MB/s.

It seems like the issue is one way from Jed PC to Server, not the other way though ...

theheyes · 5 Feb 2009 at 17:44

What operating systems they all running?

Jed Shields · 5 Feb 2009 at 17:50

Ahhh yeah:

Jed PC Vista Home Premium 64bit
Bec PC Vista Ultimate
Server Windows Home Server

All with the latest service packs and updates. It's only recently started playing up - it was fine before.

theheyes · 5 Feb 2009 at 20:02

Are Jed and the server running any firewall software?

Skidilliplop · 6 Feb 2009 at 12:19

Check the error counters on the NICs. If it's only happening one way you could have dodgy termination on a pair in the cable. though this should affect all connections in that direction.

for gigabit 10MB/s is rather slow. What spec is this server?

Usually slow speeds are a result of duplex mismatch, but again should be the same both ways.

Jed Shields · 6 Feb 2009 at 22:37

Thanks guys. I'll check the wires in the morning. Personally, I've been having some strange drop-outs recently and I'm leaning towards the problem being the switch ... I'll do some testing in the morning.

Server is an Athlon 4600, 2Gb RAM - shouldn't be an issue ... what speeds should i be seeing on a gigabit network?

PistolPete · 6 Feb 2009 at 23:43

I get 80Mb/s from my server to HTPC, yet I get 3MB/s going back the other way!!
Server is running 3 WD Green 1TB drives in RAID5, the HTPC is running 1 WD Green 1TB in RAID0 mode.

Jed Shields · 18 Feb 2009 at 12:46

Still having trouble guys. I've changed the switch and cables and I'm still getting the problem. However, if I reset my network card through Control Panel then I then get a decent 50Mbs. This doesn't last too long though and reverts back to 30Kbs, certainly within a few hours. Again, if I reset the card then the speed goes back up. Any ideas???

PistolPete · 19 Feb 2009 at 12:34

Faulty NIC? Is it onboard? Have you tried a PCI card?

Jed Shields · 19 Feb 2009 at 13:48

That was my thinking ... I think I'm using onboard, but I do have a spare 1Gb card floating about ....

PistolPete · 20 Feb 2009 at 11:54

I'd drop a good quality PCI card in and see if that help - if you can't find your card I'll happily chuck an Intel Pro1000 GT adaptor in the post for you.

Skidilliplop · 20 Feb 2009 at 15:22

PistolPete said:
I get 80Mb/s from my server to HTPC, yet I get 3MB/s going back the other way!!
Server is running 3 WD Green 1TB drives in RAID5, the HTPC is running 1 WD Green 1TB in RAID0 mode.

Single drive RAID0 O.o that's a new one on me.

It's looking like the NIC though the fact it works for a while then degrades is most odd.
Have you completely re-installed the drivers?