Unable to Transfer Data Over Ethernet

  • Thread starter Thread starter xortan
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Data
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around troubleshooting issues related to data transfer over Ethernet, specifically in the context of a project utilizing Ethernet extenders and custom cabling. Participants explore various technical aspects, including network configurations, cable integrity, and hardware functionality.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a setup involving Ethernet extenders and expresses concerns about their reliability, particularly when multiple IP sensors are connected.
  • Another participant suggests switching the Ethernet to half-duplex mode as a potential solution.
  • A different participant questions the nature of the unreliability of the VDSL extenders, prompting a discussion about possible hardware failures or packet loss.
  • Concerns are raised about the custom cables being used, with speculation that twisted pairs may not be correctly utilized.
  • One participant mentions that they have successfully tested the setup with standard Cat5 cables, indicating a potential issue with the custom cables.
  • Another participant proposes that the network cards in the PCs might be contributing to the problem, questioning whether changing speed settings could affect the protocol used.
  • One participant reports that after creating a loopback cable, they observed lights turning on, but still faced issues with the custom cable setup.
  • Another participant inquires about the type of network cards being used and suggests checking the ARP table and using software tools like Wireshark for further diagnostics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the source of the issues, with no consensus on whether the problem lies with the custom cables, the network cards, or the extenders. Multiple competing views remain regarding the effectiveness of the current setup and potential solutions.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations in their testing, including uncertainties about the integrity of the custom cables and the configuration of the network cards. There is also a lack of clarity on the specific nature of the issues with the VDSL extenders.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals working on networking projects, particularly those involving Ethernet configurations, troubleshooting data transfer issues, or using custom cabling solutions.

xortan
Messages
76
Reaction score
1
Hello everyone,

I am currently working on a project that was using an Ethernet extender which converted the signal to VDSL, sent it over approximately 300 feet of tether, converted it back to Ethernet which then communicated with a couple of IP sensors. The extenders are proving to be unreliable however.

From my understanding, I only require 4 conductors for 10/100BaseT. I am trying to prove this concept before implementing it into the actual design. I have made two cables, which are using pins 1,2,3, and 6 on the RJ45 connectors.

The setup I am trying to test right now is PC --> switch --> PC and trying to ping back and forth. I am unable to get any communication doing this.

I have tried changing the speed settings on both of the PCs network adapters to be 100M.

Any insights into why this isn't working would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
Have you tried switching the Ethernet to half-duplex?
 
are the link lights lighting up? if not try splicing one of your cat 5 cables into a loopback, look on the internet for how.
 
The VDSL extenders are being unreliable in what way? Hardware failing? Dropping packets? other? Whatever that issue is, you should probably determine the root cause before assuming that eliminating them will solve all your issues. (did you scrimp and buy unreliable extenders?)

Have you tried your PC switch PC setup with standard cat5 cables. If that works, then there is something wrong with your cables.

I suspect you are not using twisted pairs. (just guessing) 1 and 2 are twisted, and 3 and 6 are twisted.

UTP ethernet is usable to ~300 feet I think
 
Thank you for the replies.

Yes I have tried switching the Ethernet to 100 Mb half and full duplex - no lights come on on the switch. I will try and splice one of the cables into a loopback and see what happens. I have tried this setup with normal Cat5 cables and everything works fine.

The VDSL extenders are unreliable because every now and then they will drop communication for about 30 seconds - which is a big problem. They were working fine with one IP sensor, but when a second one got added there were a lot of problems with it - I think the data rate is too much for the extenders to manage on a single twisted pair. As far as the price of the extenders, they are pretty cheap (about $100). but since we are still within the range for Ethernet I want to see if I can get it working with 2 pairs, and if it works better, will just re-arrange some conductors in my tether.

I have the software guy working with the two sensors and a switch using Ethernet right now and have not had any complaints right now.

I think the problem may be with the cable also but not sure where the problem is. I have a box of a spool of Cat5 cable - I just cut off a length and spliced ONLY the 4 wires I needed (1,2,3, and 6) I used an ohmmeter to make sure that there is a connection.

I am wondering if the problem is actually with the network cards of the PC? They are both rated for Gigabit. Would changing the speed they transfer change the protocol they use? If so that may explain why I am not seeing anything.
 
So I made a loopback cable and when I plug it into the switch a light will turn on. I re-made the cable and took extra care to make sure that pins 1,2,3,and 6 are the only ones connected but when connecting a PC to the switch no lights will turn on - I'm thinking the problem is with the network card? Any settings I should change besides the speed?

One thing I am seeing when looking at the network connection in the control panel is the LAN will become enabled briefly then go back to saying that the network cable is unplugged
 
Okay so I've managed to get it to a point where I can plug the cables from the PC into the switch and see the lights turn on and start flashing as if they are transferring data. However, I am unable to ping between the two machines.
 
what kind of network cards are you using, it my be a driver or software issue. you can plug more than one nic into your computer and see if you can transfer data between them, what does the arp table on your switch say, there is software like wire shark to examine ip.
 

Similar threads

TCP/IP & Ethernet: How Does Ethernet Fit In?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Transferring data wirelessly between phone and PC
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Set subnet mask to allow connections to two different class c networks
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Back Up Phone Data: Solutions & Tips
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
3K
Using a modem in a LAN to access the Internet
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
4K
Unable to extract messages from stored DBX files
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Help Needed with Tracker Physics Program Measuring Acceleration
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Any experience with ethernet layout on a PCB?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
14K
Converting 3 Logic Levels to 2 Logic Levels for Laser Driving Systems
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Graduate Using quantum-secured communication for data transfering
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K