Weird network problem - Help needed

Admiral Huddy · 1 Sep 2009 at 09:39

I have a problem with internet connection to my workshop which I can't resolve.

Network connectivity to my workshop is by use of 2 x Netgear Home plugs. One is a single port hub (Router end) and the other is a 4 port hub (workshop end). There are two PCs in the workshop that are always connected. One uses XP and the other Vista. The other two ports are used for incoming PCs and used as and when they are required. This has been my setup for years and never been a problem.

However, a few weeks ago, I couldn't access the internet on either machine even though the Vista, for example, shows internet is established but nothing appears appears in I.E.

When I PING the router, it times-out inconsistantly. . i.e. 0%, 25%, 75% or sometimes 100%.

Being that two PCs are having the same problem and I've changed nothing, it can't be these. I took the 4 port home plug into the main home and plugged my laptop into it and that worked so it can't be the homeplug or the patch cables being used.

I'm very confused as to why this all of a sudden has become a problem as it's been working up to now and I've changed nothing..

Any suggestions?

bledd · 1 Sep 2009 at 09:56

not the answer you're after mate, but is there no way you can run a patch cable out there, instead of using home plugs?

Admiral Huddy · 1 Sep 2009 at 10:00

It's too far mate. It's about 40 odd feet.

Admiral Huddy · 2 Sep 2009 at 10:47

Ok, I tried the laptop in the workshop last night and that doesn't connect either. Re-tried it in the home and that works fine. I'm wondering if someone else in the area has a home plug and I'm not connecting to the right router or somehow, the signal is degrading?

bledd · 2 Sep 2009 at 15:41

cat5e network cable is perfectly fine up to 100 metres, although I'm sure you already know this..

personally, I'd just use cat5e, it's pretty resiliant

Col_M · 2 Sep 2009 at 15:57

Is there a chance that there is some sort of EMI affecting the run of power cable from your house to workshop and "overpowering" the data traveling over it?

Power cable isn't electromagnetically shielded or a twisted pair so could act like 40ft aerial I guess and pick up all sorts of rubbish.

miker1 · 2 Sep 2009 at 20:19

Do you have a second fuse box for the outside and or garage?

It regularly won't work if the box is split

Admiral Huddy · 3 Sep 2009 at 15:20

bledd. said:
cat5e network cable is perfectly fine up to 100 metres, although I'm sure you already know this..

personally, I'd just use cat5e, it's pretty resiliant

Yes, it would just be a pain in the backside to install.. This maybe the only option iIhave left.

Col_M said:
Is there a chance that there is some sort of EMI affecting the run of power cable from your house to workshop and "overpowering" the data traveling over it?

Power cable isn't electromagnetically shielded or a twisted pair so could act like 40ft aerial I guess and pick up all sorts of rubbish.

Possibly, I have no idea of telling. I've been told to get an electrician to test it.. but what would he be testing?.. the 'lecy is fine. We have new neighbours.. maybe they've done something?

miker1 said:
Do you have a second fuse box for the outside and or garage?

It regularly won't work if the box is split

Yes, it is supplied from a second fuse box but it has worked for the last few years. Some packets are arriving but not all of them.

The only thing I can think of, other than interference is that someone else has a Powerline that i'm picking up??