Windows host cannot establish Ethernet link to Arch Router

HyperBaton · 2010-03-29 13:01:09

This is a weird problem.

I have a Windows host about 20 meters away from my Arch Router, the Ethernet cable goes into the wall, with wall sockets, so it's a total of 3 cables (1 in wall, 1 @ router, 1 @ host). I've tested the Ethernet cables with a LAN tester, they are all fine. When I connect the host to a Linksys router using the same cables, an IP address is obtained and the link is up and running.

But when I connect the host to my Arch Router (an Arch computer with some network cards), no ethernet link at all is detected. No lights on the ethernet card of the host, and ethtool on the router reports the link being down. I have connected my laptop to this ethernet card of the router and it works just fine, I get an IP and I can surf the web etc.

I really have no clue why this other host cannot establish a link. Does anyone have a clue what the problem might be?

pyther · 2010-03-29 19:12:24

Are you using a cross-over cable or a straight through cable?

HyperBaton · 2010-03-29 21:01:59

The cables used to plug in the network cards are both regular patch cables, straight. The one in the wall, I don't know, I don't feel like ripping out the wall sockets to check that. But isn't that obsolete these days anyway? I thought all network cards auto negotiated to wire themselves correctly, whether the cable is straight or cross.

pyther · 2010-03-29 21:22:19

The one in the wall is likely a straight through.

It depends if the network card supports auto-mdix. Many new switches do, but I'm not to sure about network cards. I'm guessing the card on the xp box nor the card on the server doesn't support auto-mdix.

Ultraman · 2010-03-29 23:47:44

pyther is right. Check for Auto-MDIX support on your network cards.
What network cards are you using?

Rule of thumb:
Auto-MDIX is a requirement in the Gigabit Ethernet specification, so proper Gigabit capable cards will work 99% of the time whatever cable you use.
Fast Ethernet (100mbit) and below does not have Auto-MDIX in it's specification, so those 9 out of 10 of those cards will not perform it! When connecting these directly to another network card, use a cross-cable.

Also make sure the network cards are in working order. I assume the ArchRouter PC's network runs fine when you connect that to your Linksys router?

HyperBaton · 2010-03-30 12:29:36

Network cards are Fast Ethernet cards, one is a Dlink DFE 530 something something and the other is a 3Com 3c905C-TX. Everyhting is fine when connected to a switch, but connected to the netword card of the server it's a no go. Both cards are thoroughly tested, both are fine.

I guess I need to try to find a cross cable then. Haven't got one lying around I'm afraid. There is no way to do this using software?

Last edited by HyperBaton (2010-03-30 12:30:10)

Arch Linux

#1 2010-03-29 13:01:09

Windows host cannot establish Ethernet link to Arch Router

#2 2010-03-29 19:12:24

Re: Windows host cannot establish Ethernet link to Arch Router

#3 2010-03-29 21:01:59

Re: Windows host cannot establish Ethernet link to Arch Router

#4 2010-03-29 21:22:19

Re: Windows host cannot establish Ethernet link to Arch Router

#5 2010-03-29 23:47:44

Re: Windows host cannot establish Ethernet link to Arch Router

#6 2010-03-30 12:29:36

Re: Windows host cannot establish Ethernet link to Arch Router

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