I have a Workgroup network in my office. Transfering files is very slow between Windows computers. I use static IP addresses with TCP/IP.
To diagnose the problem I have reduced the betwork to 5 components, a Windows 2008 server (2008), an XP SP3 Computer (XP), a Netgear GS105 5 port switch and two network cables. I have disconnected all other cables from the switch, including the connection to the internet.
Both 2008 and XP use the on board ethernet port. I have tried adding a PCI ethernet card to both machines but the network is still slow. I have replaced the Netgear switch, again no imporvement.
Typical performace:
Transfer 3 GB from XP to 2008 took over 60 minutes.
I added a Wins server to 2008 and configured the XP machine under the Advanced tab to use the Wins on 2008. The results were the same.
When I connect XP to 2008 with a cross cable the transfer speeds seem fine, 20 GB in about 25 minutes.
A coworker stopped by and connected his Powerbook to my network by connecting to the Netgear switch. He transfered 25 GB in 35 minutes.
I am at a loss as to how to improve my network performance. Please be specific and simplistic in any recommendations. I am much more comfortable with programming and databases than with networks.
thanks,
pat
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Performance problems are normally caused by a mismatch in the speed/duplex of the network cards negotiating with the switch ports. First thing would be to make sure you update all drivers for all workstations/servers for their network cards. If this doesn't work, then you need to purchase a managed switch so that you can manually set the speed/duplex setting on both the client and switchport and you should notice an exponential speed increase.
The XP network card is set to 100 MB Full duplex. It is an on the motherboard Intel chipset. There is an option to set it to 1000MB autonegotiate. The 2008 Server is set to 100 MB Full duplex. The 2008 server uses an on the motherboard RealTek chipset.
What is a managed switchport and could you give an example (mfg and model number) thanks,
The problem has been resolved. I changed the NIC speed to 1000MB Full Duplex and 1000 MB autonegotiate. The completely changed the file transfer rates. My fastests array in on my XP workstation. After the change, the Read from the 2008 server and writing to the XP workstation for 3 GB was about 2 minutes. I am using Cat 5 wire but the runs are short, < 12 Ft.
Thanks for you suggestions. They led me to test addtional settings.
pat
To answer your question, a managed switchport is a port that you can manually set settings on such as speed/duplex, trunking, spanning-tree, etc. A good example would be a Cisco 2950. It is a very low end model from Cisco, however it is manageable and allows you to configure all of these types of setting on a per port basis without affecting the entire switch.
I'm glad you got it. Please come back and thanks for the opportunity to help you!
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by: turnbulldPosted on 2009-07-29 at 06:53:22ID: 24970169
If I understand the question, you have three cases:
1) Your wokstation (XP) to your server (2008) via Netgear switch - slow transfer speeds (3GB/hour) using built-in or PCI NIC
2) Your workstation (XP) to your server (2008) via direct connection over cross-connect cable - fast transfer (20GB/25 minutes)
3) Another workstation (Buddy) to your server (2008) via Netgear - fast transfer (25GB/35minutes)
I would focus on the interaction between XP and Netgear. Is it possible that your XP workstation is negotiating to a lower speed or half-duplex? You should be able to see this in the ipconfig output on the client.