Can't access a network device.... Its more interesting than it sounds.

I have a projector on my network which has LAN connectivity for the purpose of emailing error messages (ie. lamp due to be changed).

The connection path is as follows:

Using cat5e, I've connected the projector to a 5-Port Linksys SD205 where there are other devices connected. The SD205 is connected to a 24-Port Zyxel via cat5e which is where all network devices meet.

The projector is properly configured with IP information.

I am unable to ping the projector through the network. The port to which it is connected gets a brief, intermittent flash. If I connect the projector directly to the Zyxel switch, I can ping it and access it via IE.

Bad switch, right? I thought the same so I swapped it out with a 8-Port Linksys EZXS88W but still get the same results.

Perhaps it is a quirk with Linksys, so I swap out the switch with a 3com and still the same results.

Why would this device connect when directly connected to the ZyXEL but not when going through the Linksys SD205? What does the intermittent flashing light on the Linksys SD205 mean?

Suggestions?

All cables were tested when terminated and are working.

When I couple the line from the projector to the 5 port with the line going from the 5 port to the main rack, I can see/access the projector without any problem.

The sd205 is a switch which doesn't require ip information.

All devices are on the same subnet.

Whats the model of the ZyXEL 24-Port Switch? Is it managed?

If you connect to the smaller switch directly can you ping the projector ok? - If not, double check the cable connecting the projector to the small switch as suggested by kegobeer (awesome username btw)

Whats the IP of the projector? Is it outside the scope of DHCP?


Dave

Dave Atkin said:

Whats the model of the ZyXEL 24-Port Switch? Is it managed?

If you connect to the smaller switch directly can you ping the projector ok? - If not, double check the cable connecting the projector to the small switch as suggested by kegobeer (awesome username btw)

Whats the IP of the projector? Is it outside the scope of DHCP?


Dave

All cables are fine. I use a static IPs for devices on the network; there is no DHCP. The switch is a GS2200-24:

ZyXEL Enterprise LAN Switches / GS2200-24

Dave Atkin said:

Whats the model of the ZyXEL 24-Port Switch? Is it managed?

If you connect to the smaller switch directly can you ping the projector ok? - If not, double check the cable connecting the projector to the small switch as suggested by kegobeer (awesome username btw)

Whats the IP of the projector? Is it outside the scope of DHCP?


Dave

When the projector is connected to the small 5 port switch, the indicator light gives brief, intermittent flashes. Under this circumstance, I'd wouldn't expect to be able to connect when plugged into the small switch with a laptop.

It sounds like a cabling problem between the small switch and the projector. If you cant connect on the local small switch but can directly on the main switch then it does suggest the cable.

The GS2200 is a managed switch. Have you configured it or left it with a blank configuration?


Dave

Bad NIC... problem was intermittent. This explains why it worked sometimes and didn't other times.

Mfg. replaced NIC. Works perfectly.

Thank you to all who helped!

Well done for resolving (Y)

Dave