Network switch performance issues
 

VM have just installed a new VM Hitron modem with 5 static IPs feeding an existing network consisting of a Linksys LRT214 router which in turn feeds two network switches: (1) D-Link Easysmart DES 1100-16 (2) Netgear JFS524E This lot is all in a comms rack together with patch panels feeding about 30 network sockets.

If I connect directly to a spare port on the router I can get 300 Mbit/sec download 20 Mbit/sec upload, but if I connect directly to either of the two switches, or anywhere else on the network I get only 15 Mbit/sec download, 20 Mbit/sec upload.

Anyone have any idea what is going on here? The network is relatively lightly loaded - typically only 3 or 4 users at a time. I expected to get a big performance boost when VM upgraded the service. If just one of the switches was affected than I would upgrade it but both are affected in apparently the same way.

Re: Network switch performance issues
 

Do you have a dumb gigabit switch you could try on the router, rather than a managed gigabit switch? or in fact, any other gigabit switch? just to see if it's the two you are using (some config setting on them perhaps)

Re: Network switch performance issues
 

Good idea crowarth thanks.

I have ordered a cheapo little switch from ebay to try it.

Re: Network switch performance issues
 

New mini-switch works fine: 360 Mbit/sec down, 20 Mbit/sec up. So both existing switches must have something wrong with them.

Re: Network switch performance issues
 

Your issues may be down to;

• shady uplink cabling
• broadcast storm and the switches are not set to protect
• Dodgy port on the router

Re: Network switch performance issues
 

Looks like both are strictly 10/100, though the throughput is significantly lower than the 100 limit.
Not sure if you could use a port group to improve the uplink on the D-Link.

If you shop around for refurbished. Gigabit switches can be amazingly cheap - the final side cable length might preclude reaching Gigabit, but at least the uplink would be capable of the maximum throughput - otherwise the 300Mbit is wasted and you may as well have a 100Mbit service

Also, if server traffic is crossing the switch - router - switch path, that will consume a lot of performance

Re: Network switch performance issues
 

Until you can get a long term fix in place (ie new gigabit switches)

I would check the port config on the uplink port between the switch and the router the D-Link Easysmart DES 1100-16 is a managed switch. I suspect you will have a speed/duplex mismatch. If possible set the switchport speed to auto and duplex to auto too. You can also try hard setting speed to 100 and duplex to full.