Forum Discussion
How to test ethernet switch?
Hi
I hooked up a simple Netgear switch to allow me to run lines to each of my optic boxes and to wifi boosters. When I turned it all on my whole system when down - no wifi, no tv - nothing - wife not happy 😉 - but when I disconnected the switch all came back on - thankfully.
I tested the ethernet lines with a handheld gizmo that you hook to each end and watch the lights. Can I use this to test if the signal is running through the switch? It doesn't.
Thanks for the help
17 Replies
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- FuzzyLogic
Community Power User
What port and router are you connecting the switch to?
This may be useful:
https://www.telus.com/en/ab/support/article/internet-light-is-off-actiontec-t3200m
Thank
I had the switch connected to the router. I'll try connecting the router line and then the others one at a time. I was using port #1 for the router.
Should I be seeing a solid green light as I hook up each line? Will it matter if there is anything connected at the other end of the line?
If the switch is Ok - any idea why my first attempt sent everything into chaos? At that time the lights on the switch were blinking like crazy.
- Nighthawk
Strange. I have multiple switches in my home network, including a Netgear GS208. I've never had any issues with mine. Connecting it to port 1 on the Actiontec is fine. Normally if the device you are plugging in to the switch has power, the green lights usually should light up - solid or flickering. Flickering shows there is activity on the network/connection. If nothing is plugged into the other end of the ethernet cable, there will be no light on the switch.
As xray mentioned, try plugging one device at a time into the switch to see which could be the problem.
Just for clarity, do you have fibre? If so, did you connect the ONT to the switch or is it running from your modem to the switch then out?
I don't have a computer that has an ethernet port to test that way.
What model is the Netgear switch?
Get a USB Ethernet dongle for your laptops. They are cheap and it comes in handy. I use it when I need to download OS updates or need reliable video calls.
The testing device you descibe sounds like a cable tester. Do not connect it to your network. It's meant to test cables in isolation. Use it to verify each cable is good.
Its a NETGEAR 8 Port Unmanaged Switch (GS208).
I was hoping that the signal that the cable tester puts out would be able to test the switch too - guess not.
I'll get an adapter so I can test it with my laptop - until then though is there another way to test it?
Thanks
