Troubleshooting
Cabling Problems
Improper cabling is the primary cause of most network problems, particularly for
•Flat telephone extension cables, or Category 3 wires, are not the same as Category 5
•There is a wiring problem if the Link/Act LED does not illuminate when the
•If a workstation (workstation A) does not function while workstations con- nected to other ports on the CenturySwitch operate normally, remove an RJ- 45 plug from a functioning port with a functioning workstation (workstation B) and insert it into the suspect port. If workstation B still works, the prob- lem may be in workstation A or in the wiring. However, if workstation B does not work, the CenturySwitch may have a defective port. Even if you suspect a defective port, continue testing. Improperly wired workstations may appear functional, especially if they are located near the switch. Some- times a port connected to an improperly wired workstation functions mar- ginally while another port does not work at all.
•Once you have established that the CenturySwitch is working properly, check all wiring between it and the malfunctioning workstation. Be sure that the transmit (TX) and receive (RX) cables are not crossed. The transmit cable from the worksta- tion should connect to the receive connector of the switch and the transmit cable from the switch should connect to the receive connector of the workstation.
•Use a continuity checker to ensure that wires do not have any breaks. By shorting together the two wires at the end of a pair, you can use the continuity checker at the other end. Also check that there are no shorts between wires.
Workstation Problems
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