[KLUG Members] switches vs. hubs

[bill]

Rusty Yonkers wrote:

> Have you tried to assign a static IP address on a workstation on the
> second switch to see if the workstation can see the rest of the
> network?  

On the first replaced switch, I could move a connection for a single box 
from switch two to switch one and then both could work fine.  Returning 
to the original setup wouldn't work, so the switch was replaced.  On the 
second second switch (i.e. switch number two, now replaced) that didn't 
work.  Neither did assigning static IP addresses.  As mentioned before, 
swapping the entire switch 2 out with a hub worked instantly, so I'm 
convinced it's not cabling, computer configuration, etc.

> There is nothing in a switch that should be blocking DHCP. 
> The only thing I can think of is if you have spanning tree running
> and the port is in blocking mode (it is a real streach).  

Translate "spanning tree" and "blocking mode" please

> I would
> first verify hardware connectivity using the switch without DHCP. 

Tried that, sigh, doesn't work on this replaced switch.

> Since DHCP is broadcast traffic the switch should simply flood the
> request.
> 
> One other thing.... is it possible you have a vlan conflict (assuming
> you are running a switch with vlans)?

A vlan?