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Network failure usually has only three causes. The first is that the network appliance (Hub, Switch or Router has failed). The second is that the data cables have either been knocked out or fallen out and the final is that the network connection on a server or workstation has been disabled by a user.

Network Hub / Switch / Router

Most sites set up by Landau Technologies use Netgear switches due to their high network performance and warranty. Although they come in a variety of sizes and shapes, all Netgear products come in a distinctive blue colour.

The first problem that often occurs is that the power supply to the switch has been cut-off. The outlet has been turned off, the power cable pulled loose or has come out entirely. This is easily checked by looking at the lights - or LEDs to be exact. If they are off, then the switch is receiving no power. Restore the power by plugging in the offending power cable or turning on the correct outlet and re-start the servers and workstations.

As with all network devices, power fluctuations may "trip up the switch, rendering it inoperative. This happens in all brands and where possible, it pays to have the 240 volt supply on some form of power protection such as a filter or UPS. When this occurs, simply unplug the power lead and wait one minute. Plug the power lead back in, wait until all the LEDs light up and re-start all servers and workstation.

Network Data Cabling

A single cable pulled out of the back of the server or a workstation can be the cause of many issues. In systems running Windows 2000 or Windows XP, often the "Local Area Connection" icon will display a red cross or even a "balloon" message for you in the "Systems Tray" - the area in the lower right hand side of the screen, near the clock.

If this is the case, you need to trace the networ data cable from the back of the computer, through to the network hub, switch or router. There must be no "air gaps" along any of the path. Or to think of it another way, the data cable is like a water hose. Water goes in one end and comes out the other; there can be no breaks in the hose.

When all is good with the cabling, the icon will change to this:

Network Connection

A common issue on servers and workstations running either Microsoft Windows 2000 or XP is that a user has inadvertently disabled the "Local Area Connection". This means that the machine that has had this disabled can not communicate with any others on the network. 

To check and rectify if this is the case in Windows 2000:

• In turn, single-left-click on "Start" - Settings" - "Network and Dial-up connections" .
• Take a close look at the setting for the "Local Area Connection". If it is "Disabled"
  
  single-right-click on the phrase "Local Area Connection" and then single-left-click on the word "Enable"
• Wait about two minutes and then re-boot the computer and any other workstations that have been affected by this

To check and rectify if this is the case in Windows XP Pro:

• In turn, single-left-click on "Start" - Settings" - "Network connections" - "Local Area Connection".
• This should automatically re-enable the local area connection .