5 port switch, 1 port not working

Forums › LAN (ethernet/Wifi/routers/Bluetooth) › 5 port switch, 1 port not working

CutCutCut

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#144087 7-May-2014 10:45

I got a second hand ethernet switch off trademe, and have discovered that one port doesn't seem to work. I have tried various cables and switching devices that connect to that port with no joy. What's the likelihood that I can fix it? I would have thought either the whole thing worked or didn't work. Any suggestions welcome.

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#1038179 7-May-2014 10:47

*Might* be a solder joint that needs redoing, but might not too... personally, Id either use it as a 4 port or bin it and get a new one.
$20 for a 10/100 new or $57 for gigabit 5 port

XPD / Gavin

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#1038180 7-May-2014 10:49

If it's just one port it's probably a physical fault, and I wouldn't imagine it's worthwhile fixing for the sake of a $40 replacement.

CutCutCut

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#1038181 7-May-2014 10:52

Yes could be solder joint, I can't see any obvious damage on the outside. I might pull it apart when I get a chance just to see.

CutCutCut

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#1038182 7-May-2014 10:53

xpd: *Might* be a solder joint that needs redoing, but might not too... personally, Id either use it as a 4 port or bin it and get a new one.
$20 for a 10/100 new or $57 for gigabit 5 port

And why is gigabit so much more expensive? Is it a lot more costly to reproduce?

Dynamic

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#1038185 7-May-2014 10:56

Double-check that port is not marked differently - upload, or crossover, or MDIX or something like that.

There is a small possibility that one port is a dedicated uplink port designed to connect that network switch to another network switch only. Not common these days, but I have seen it in earlier models. Try connecting that port to another network switch if you can (unplug everything else from this switch temporarily).

A crossover cable would work almost certainly around that limitation if this is the cause.

“Don't believe anything you read on the net. Except this. Well, including this, I suppose.” Douglas Adams

Dynamic

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#1038186 7-May-2014 10:57

CutCutCut:
xpd: *Might* be a solder joint that needs redoing, but might not too... personally, Id either use it as a 4 port or bin it and get a new one.
$20 for a 10/100 new or $57 for gigabit 5 port

And why is gigabit so much more expensive? Is it a lot more costly to reproduce?

For the same reason faster cars are more expensive.

“Don't believe anything you read on the net. Except this. Well, including this, I suppose.” Douglas Adams

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robjg63

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#1038187 7-May-2014 10:57

Check when you look into the port that one of the little gold wires isnt bent or missing.
They can break sometimes - wouldnt think that would be easily fixed.

Nothing is impossible for the man who doesn't have to do it himself - A. H. Weiler

CutCutCut

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#1038188 7-May-2014 10:58

Dynamic: Double-check that port is not marked differently - upload, or crossover, or MDIX or something like that.

There is a small possibility that one port is a dedicated uplink port designed to connect that network switch to another network switch only. Not common these days, but I have seen it in earlier models. Try connecting that port to another network switch if you can (unplug everything else from this switch temporarily).

A crossover cable would work almost certainly around that limitation if this is the cause.

I'll have a look when I get home, I don't recall seeing any special markings as such, it's port 3, right in the middle.

Dynamic

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#1038189 7-May-2014 11:00

CutCutCut:
Dynamic: Double-check that port is not marked differently - upload, or crossover, or MDIX or something like that.

There is a small possibility that one port is a dedicated uplink port designed to connect that network switch to another network switch only. Not common these days, but I have seen it in earlier models. Try connecting that port to another network switch if you can (unplug everything else from this switch temporarily).

A crossover cable would work almost certainly around that limitation if this is the cause.

I'll have a look when I get home, I don't recall seeing any special markings as such, it's port 3, right in the middle.

That definitely won't be the cause of the issue then. An uplink port is always at one end, and I should have mentioned that.

“Don't believe anything you read on the net. Except this. Well, including this, I suppose.” Douglas Adams

xpd

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#1038199 7-May-2014 11:24

CutCutCut:
xpd: *Might* be a solder joint that needs redoing, but might not too... personally, Id either use it as a 4 port or bin it and get a new one.
$20 for a 10/100 new or $57 for gigabit 5 port

And why is gigabit so much more expensive? Is it a lot more costly to reproduce?

Speed = money. :)

But obviously no point if you dont have any gigabit network cards in your systems...unless you want to future proof. But most systems in the past 5 years come with gigabit onboard.

XPD / Gavin

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#1038254 7-May-2014 12:01

xpd: *Might* be a solder joint that needs redoing, but might not too... personally, Id either use it as a 4 port or bin it and get a new one.
$20 for a 10/100 new or $57 for gigabit 5 port

playtech have TP-Link 5-port gigabit switches for $35 inc GST. Bought one this week

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ubergeeknz

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#1038256 7-May-2014 12:02

Still cheaper to crack it open and take a squiz. If nothing is broken in the port it probably is just a dry joint.

linw

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#1038339 7-May-2014 13:31

shk292:
xpd: *Might* be a solder joint that needs redoing, but might not too... personally, Id either use it as a 4 port or bin it and get a new one.
$20 for a 10/100 new or $57 for gigabit 5 port

playtech have TP-Link 5-port gigabit switches for $35 inc GST. Bought one this week

They're insanely cheap, for sure. I now feel ripped off - mine cost $37 a few weeks ago from Ascent!!

CutCutCut

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#1038345 7-May-2014 13:39

Are all brands fairly equal? Is there any advantage in buying TP Link over D Link or Edimax etc?

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#1038352 7-May-2014 13:53

TP Link switches have 2 year warranties im pretty sure and i compared one side by side with a cisco at my house, Both 8 ports and of same specs, TPLink was half the price and performed just as good. The Cisco died a few months back the and TP Link is still going hard. I would assume a 5 port switch would actually be a 4 port with 1 WAN port or port for a CP to manage it. but that would usually be a serial cable.

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