Monitor network connection

hrolsons
hrolsons used Ask the Experts™
on
Is there a tool that I can put on each of the 3 computers we have here at work to monitor the connection to the Internet and/or router?  I'm having issues and I'm trying to pin it down to a cord, computer, router or cable modem.

I don't need anything fancy, I envision a daily graph showing when the computer could connect to the internet and when it couldn't.

Any Ideas?
Comment
Watch Question

Do more with

Expert Office
EXPERT OFFICE® is a registered trademark of EXPERTS EXCHANGE®
View Solution Only
Imal UpalakshithaIT System Administrator

Commented:
use this free version software  http://www.paessler.com/prtg
jacobstewart

Commented:
Wireshark will also work.
hrolsons

Author

Commented:
So one of the computers is definatley losing connection many times an hour.  Would you start with testing the cords?
Success in ‘20 With a Profitable Pricing Strategy

Do you wonder if your IT business is truly profitable or if you should raise your prices? Learn how to calculate your overhead burden using our free interactive tool and use it to determine the right price for your IT services. Start calculating Now!

Find out now!
Commented:
cables yes.

Also check to make sure the computer isn't set to disable the nic to conserve power.  If the computer goes to sleep the nic will be disabled causing it to loose connection.
hrolsons

Author

Commented:
I ended up using this:

http://code.google.com/p/internetconnectivitymonitor/

The computer in question had 1300 disconnects in a 24 hour period.  I have an electronic thing that checks cords and the cord is fine.  I switched to wireless and I have no disconnects.

I don't want to go wireless(for various reasons), so now I'm suspecting the Ethernet port.  Am I going about this right and if so, what next?
jacobstewart

Commented:
Did you swap cables?  Both at the patch panel/switch and from the wall to the pc?

Also try another switch port.  These are quick things to test.  You can also purchase a new NIC.  Depending on the age of the computer the card will be pci or pci express.
hrolsons

Author

Commented:
I ended up having less errors when I went wireless on all the machines.  Doesn't make much sense.
nam0a

Commented:
faulty cable or switch, what's the result after replacing them?
hrolsons

Author

Commented:
I don't know what to do with this thread.  I've now switched back to wired and have only had 1 error in 4 days.
HollywoodRay

Commented:
Are you running DNS and DHCH services?  Check to make sure there are no conflicts, where more than one machine has the the same host name or address.

Ray

Do more with

Expert Office
Submit tech questions to Ask the Experts™ at any time to receive solutions, advice, and new ideas from leading industry professionals.

Start 7-Day Free Trial