Something is fishy with my network. I've recently added a 5-port unmanaged ethernet switch (TP-Link TL-SG105) to my network. When the switch is connected to my G1100 router, the ethernet devices attached directly to the G1100's ports cannot be reached.
Disconnecting the TL-SG105 from the G1100 solves the problem immediately.
The network has worked for a few hours at a time without issue but eventually the G1100's "local" devices end up unresponsive.
I realize this is a bit of an odd one, so I made a diagram to help:
Some things I've already tried:
- Different cables between the G1100 and TL-SG105 don't change the result.
- I used a cable tester on the cable connecting the G1100 and TL-SG105 and all is good.
- Got a replacement TL-SG105 and the behavior is the same. Makes me think it's the router.
- None of the devices on my network are running their own DHCP server.
- I've reached out to TP-Link's support and have not yet heard back but since it's an unmanaged switch, I think it's pretty benign.
- Wifi is entirely unaffected by this issue and continues to function even when the G1100's ethernet devices are not working.
My gut says it's something funny in the G1100's configuration.
Does anyone have any thoughts?
I want the original poster to make two observations.
Are the LED lights still lit when the disconnection happens?
Are the LED lights on both switches flashing crazily when you know there is no significant amount of traffic on the line? If they do, this is a sign of layer 2 or 3 looping. I wish you have my Cisco switch, it detects loops by itself and displays on the port. A flashing yellow calling for attention.
Reposting image: deliberately created a loop for demonstrating FiOS Network Extenders cannot be uplinked by both MoCA and Ethernet.
Are your dual interfaced-Macbook's connections bridged? If they are, this is essentially having a layer 2 loop between the WiFi and the ethernet switch. Since you said the WiFi still works, this possibility can be ruled out.
