Hub Troubleshooting
There are various parts of a network that can go wrong. You have to make sure that every part of the network functions correctly including the network adapters, cables, connectors, switches, hubs, routers, etc. Network hardware isn’t the only thing that needs to be setup correctly; there may be software issues as well.
Here we’ll talk just about some hardware aspects of a hub. A hub and a switch have practically the same function. Switches have replaced hubs, so if finding good troubleshooting for a hub is hard, try doing a search for an Ethernet switch- the information can easily be applied to a hub.
The speed of your network operates as fast as your slowest component. For example, if you have a 10/100 Megabit per second (Mbps) hub with an old computer attached to the hub the speed will be limited to 10 Mbps. To increase the network speed consider upgrading to a faster, 100 Mbps, network adapter.
Something else that affects the speed of a network is the length of the network cable. The maximum length is 328 feet for a RJ-45 cable for a 10 or 100 Mbps network. The length of cable needs to be 15 feet or less between two 10/100 Mbps routers.
How your network cables are positioned may also be a problem. Make sure your network cables aren’t coiled or bound together. Electromagnetic fields that often disrupt the data transfer between the two Ethernet ports may be created.
Also pay attention to how your Ethernet cables are routed. Try to avoid placing cables near power outlets, lights, or power supplies. These items may also create electromagnetic interference between the Ethernet ports.
If you’re still having issues check that the connections at the Ethernet ports line up. Pins 1, 2, 3, and 6 need to line up exactly or you may have connectivity issues. For best results use a CAT5 cable.
The maximum number of 10/100 Mbps hubs you can connect together is 2; any more than that and you’ll have to use switches. To connect the two hubs together make sure you use the uplink connector. If there is no uplink port or one is not available then you need to use a crossed over network cable.
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