internet speed powerconnect 2724

Question

We recently upgraded our internet service through Comcast. When my computer is connected directly to the modem, and nothing else is connected to the modem, we get full-speed upload and download as advertised (30 down, 10 up). When the computer is connected to the modem via Ethernet cable through our Powerconnect 2724, the speed is generally greatly reduced, but only intermittently. The powerconnect is not a new device by any means. Questions that arise include:

is the device working correctly?
Do powerconnect switches wear out over time?
Is there a way we should be managing the device?

The switch had been set to 'unmanaged mode' for all these years (warranty expired in 2009, so probably purchased in 2008). I have enabled the 'managed mode' in an effort to access the built-in software, check the firmware, etc. The managed mode light is on, but I have not been able to access the software through my browser using the default IP address (192.168.1.2).

Comcast's answer is that we should upgrade yet again. We don't need the higher speed, but they claim the upgrade would provide more 'bandwidth'. I prefer not to throw money at Comcast if there is a solution that involves managing the switch to handle the current bandwidth.

We have up to 12 devices connected at once, up to 6 connected through the switch via ethernet (computers accessing the internet and each other), and the remaining connected wirelessly to the modem/router (generally phones and a wireless printer).

I'm not a network guy. Any input/insight would be helpful.

arcadea · Answer

Thank you. I'm trying to learn as I go here...

During the testing, multiple computers were plugged into the switch, but I had disconnected the Comcast modem/router, assuming that would be enough. I will try to configure my computer as you mention above and see if it will let me access the switch to update the firmware and check bandwidth. I will disconnect all other computers if necessary (or have them powered off).

You directed me to assign my computer an IP address and use the 192.168.2.1 default gateway. Does it matter what I put for subnet mask and preferred/alternate DNS server?

Assuming I can access the switch, should I enable DHCP so the modem/router will assign it an IP address? (is that even possible?). For what it's worth, Comcast's IP are 10.1.10.x

Thank you.

arcadea · Answer

Thanks again. Last night I was able to access the powerconnect after changing my IP address and default gateway. I had also downloaded the firmware update, but was not able to figure out how Tftp server transfer of data works. I gather that I need special software, which I downloaded from tftpd32.jounin.net. I tried to follow the instructions, both included with the firmware download and with the ftpt software, but was not successful in 'downloading' or transferring the firmware from my computer to the powerconnect. In the tftp software settings, I checked on 'Bind TFTP to this address' and tried all addresses that were available. I also assumed that the folder I select in the 'Base Directory' is the folder that contains the firmware. On the powerconnect side, I tried entering the same numbers in 'TFTP Server Address' that follows 'Bind TFTP to this address' on the tftp 'server' software, and copied/pasted the firmware file name from the downloaded folder. I assumed the powerconnect would recognize the entered server address, find the TFTP software on my computer, and, recognizing the firmware file name, then download and install the firmware. Is that how it is supposed to work? It said it could not connect to the TFTP server each time I tried. I Is there an easier way? Drag and drop would be nice! The ability to browse for the firmware on my computer from the powerconnect without needing separate software would seem reasonable. Not sure why Dell has to make this so difficult. Please let me know if there is a better, more intuitive (user friendly) tftp software and/or instructions available so I can at least get the firmware updated.

Other than that, I looked into the 'iperf' to test bandwidth and other potential problems. As you can imagine, if I'm having trouble transferring the firmware, I'm sure as @$*% having trouble getting my head around 'iperf'. It looks like a good diagnostic tool on the surface, but way over my head in practice. Do I need to set up the iperf software on multiple devices to conduct the test? Can I just test the bandwidth with only my computer connected to the powerconnect? Other than the article you included, is there another article or resource that could help me better grasp the concept and function of 'iperf'?

Thanks again,

TomLew · Answer

I had a similar issue to this post where the speeds I am getting directly from comcast are 300Mbps, whereas when I get my harwired speeds through my PowerConnect 2724 I am slowed to about 80Mbps. I have confirmed that all of my wiring is Cat5e so I shouldn't have the slowing of speeds as could be the case with Cat5. I am wondering if the PowerConnect is simply too old and won't allow speeds higher than 100 Mbps. Any help would be great.

Thanks,

Tom

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internet speed powerconnect 2724

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