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CaliLivChick · 06-05-2006, 05:45 PM

There may already be a thread about this, but with the search function not working....

Why does switching ports on a router make a difference as to how things work?

I have a mini network in my apartment. It consists of two desktops (one Mac, one PC) and a Mac laptop, two printers, and a router. The laptop and the inkjet printer works off my wireless AirPort Express hub. I use either one of the Macs for work, and haven't really had any problems.

Last week, we had a thunderstorm, and that day, I had to restart the network a few times (unplug and replug the power to the cable modem, router, and computers, in that order), but only seemed to have problems when I would connect to the VPN that is needed to get on the servers in the main branch of my company. I would stay connected for awhile, then eventually, my internet connection would just fall away. If I didn't get on the VPN, there were no issues, as I was on the web all weekend, but didn't have problems until I went on the VPN Sunday night.

Our IT guy said to switch the ports that things are in, so I switched the laptop with the PC, and the desktop Mac with the laser printer, and so far, so good. I'm just wondering why that would work like that.

06-05-2006, 05:45 PM	#1 (permalink)
CaliLivChick In Transition Location: Sanford, FL (between Daytona and Orlando)	Networking Issue/Question There may already be a thread about this, but with the search function not working.... Why does switching ports on a router make a difference as to how things work? I have a mini network in my apartment. It consists of two desktops (one Mac, one PC) and a Mac laptop, two printers, and a router. The laptop and the inkjet printer works off my wireless AirPort Express hub. I use either one of the Macs for work, and haven't really had any problems. Last week, we had a thunderstorm, and that day, I had to restart the network a few times (unplug and replug the power to the cable modem, router, and computers, in that order), but only seemed to have problems when I would connect to the VPN that is needed to get on the servers in the main branch of my company. I would stay connected for awhile, then eventually, my internet connection would just fall away. If I didn't get on the VPN, there were no issues, as I was on the web all weekend, but didn't have problems until I went on the VPN Sunday night. Our IT guy said to switch the ports that things are in, so I switched the laptop with the PC, and the desktop Mac with the laser printer, and so far, so good. I'm just wondering why that would work like that. __________________ Don't trust anything that can bleed for a week and not die. Oh wait, that's me... nevermind... you can trust me.