[OPLINTECH] Internet solutions for small branches

Fri Jan 16 11:57:45 EST 2015

Also I'd verify the network configuration. Your branches seem very simple,
network-wise. But since you're having the same type of problems at all
branches and with multiple providers (and toss in the fact that you're
using static IP addresses), I'd have to ask if you're running a VPN between
branches and the main library and if maybe there's a routing problem. If
each branch is truly independent with no network ties to the other
branches/main, then I might follow Bob's suggestion and focus all of your
IT attention on one branch until it's resolved. Then take that knowledge
and apply it to the next branch.

For troubleshooting on a network that small, you could assign static IPs to
every device to eliminate DHCP issues (if you're using a DHCP server). That
will also facilitate testing between local devices on the network while the
failure is occurring. If, while the failure is occurring, the local network
is still operating perfectly (computers can ping each other, can ping the
printer and print correctly, etc), then it's safe to assume that the
computers, printer, and network switch/hub are probably all working
correctly and you can focus your attention on the network path to the
Internet.

If your computers can reliably ping the router/modem, then you're probably
good up to the LAN side of that device. Troubleshoot up to the point at
which the library no longer has ownership over the device. Then you can
definitively say that your network is not the problem and you can point the
finger squarely at {Time Warner | CenturyLink} and say "fix it."

Without methodical evaluation, though, you're just blindly wandering around
hoping to bump into the cause of the problem.

The approach I take to a problem is to cut it in half and then focus on the
half that is still having the problem. I continue that approach until I've
arrived at a point at which I can resolve the problem.

Good luck!

Chad

______________________________
*Chad Neeper*
Senior Systems Engineer

*Level 9 Networks*
740-548-8070 (voice)
866-214-6607 (fax)

*Full LAN/WAN consulting services -- Specialized in libraries and schools*

On Fri, Jan 16, 2015 at 10:38 AM, Kevin Jones <kjones at coshoctonlibrary.org>
wrote:

> When we started having issues like this at our branch, it was resolved
> after Time Warner replaced the modem.
>
>
>
> On Fri, Jan 16, 2015 at 10:28 AM, Ruchie Rice <rrice at fcdlibrary.org>
> wrote:
>
>>  Hi Amy,
>>
>>
>>
>> When we had cable connections using Time Warner modems and started having
>> issues like this at branches Time Warner had to replace the modems before
>> the issue went away. Till then we had to recycle power on the modem from
>> time to time till we convinced them it was the modem causing the problems.
>>
>>
>>
>> Ruchie
>>
>> Information Technology Coordinator
>>
>> Fairfield County District Library
>>
>> 219 N. Broad St.
>>
>> Lancaster, OH 43130
>>
>>
>>
>> https://helpdesk.clcohio.org/
>>
>>
>>
>> *“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working
>> together is success” – Henry Ford*
>>
>>
>>
>> *From:* oplintech-bounces at lists.oplin.org [mailto:
>> oplintech-bounces at lists.oplin.org] *On Behalf Of *Bob Neeper
>> *Sent:* Friday, January 16, 2015 9:48 AM
>> *To:* Amy Deuble; oplintech at lists.oplin.org
>> *Subject:* Re: [OPLINTECH] Internet solutions for small branches
>>
>>
>>
>> Just some thoughts.
>>
>>
>> Is it safe to assume you have  UPS's (Uninterruptible Power Supplies)
>> for the critical router, switch, hubs, etc. ?
>> If not, you should, especially if the AC power is not dependable.
>>
>> Are the connections fiber, T1, DSL ??
>>
>> If DSL on CenturyLink, they have been replacing the old  ZyXEL EQ-660R
>> modem with newer units.
>> Have they actually tested the line quality? Techs should have hand held
>> meters to do this.
>>
>> DSL and T1 use copper wire, so bad connections can cause problems,
>> Years ago at Metter-Toledo the T1 lines to other buildings would starting
>> dropping.
>> We'd call the telephone company, theyed run a test which fixed the
>> problem.
>> The test used a higher voltage than normal use, which cleaned the
>> connections.
>>
>> Also  DSL must be relatively close to the telephone office. Should be
>> less than 3 ~ 3 1/2 miles.
>> Anything much more is very marginal.
>> My house is 19,200 ft on CenturyLink and the connection is bad.  896k /
>> 448k   (download / upload)
>>
>> This probably won't apply here, but the data lines (and phone if T1 or
>> DSL) should not run close and parallel to AC lines.
>> Crossing at right angles is okay or if shielded cable or in metal conduit.
>> AC is a sine wave with a rising and collapsing field  which could induce
>> current in parallel wiring.
>>
>> It's possible you have some marginal data cables in the building, or the
>> wrong rating.
>> Possibly even too short between certain equipment causing reflections on
>> the line.
>> But then you might have different problems.
>>
>> I would suggest doing a building at a time with methodical testing to
>> determine what the problem really is and the fix.
>> It is too hard to explain the exact procedure to follow but  start at the
>> first device and work from there.
>>
>> And as there are different buildings, different providers there may be
>> different problems, different solutions.
>>
>>  R. W. (Bob) Neeper
>>
>> Community Library <http://sunbury.cool-cat.org>
>>
>> 44 Burrer Dr.  Map <http://maps.google.com/maps?q=40.243961,+-82.863007>
>>
>> Sunbury, Oh 43074
>>
>> Tel:  (740)-965-3901
>>
>>
>>
>> [image: cool-cat.org] <http://info.cool-cat.org>
>>
>>  On 1/16/2015 8:25 AM, Amy Deuble wrote:
>>
>> We have three small branches open two days a week, Monday and Thursday,
>> for a total of 6 hours a week. Each branch has 3 computers, one staff and
>> two public, and a networked printer/copier. Two of the branches are on Time
>> Warner and the other is on CenturyLink. All of the branches are located in
>> small villages in mainly rural locations.
>>
>>
>>
>> We are having continual problems connecting to the Internet at all our
>> branch locations. It seems we are constantly resetting routers, modems
>> and/or PCs in different combinations trying to get things working. Both
>> Time Warner and CenturyLink has been called numerous times with mixed
>> results.
>>
>>
>>
>> Does anyone have any suggestions on how to make things more reliable?
>> Would you shut down equipment, including routers and modems, when we are
>> closed? Is there a business wireless solution that might work (although I
>> wonder about cell phone service in some of these locations)? Any other
>> options anyone can think of?
>>
>>
>>
>> *Amy Deuble*
>>
>> Technical Services Manager
>>
>> Marion Public Library
>>
>> 445 E Church St
>>
>> Marion OH 43302
>>
>> 740-383-9722
>>
>> www.marionlibrary.org
>>
>>
>>
>> [image: LOGO blue small400] <http://www.marionlibrary.org/>
>>
>>          [image: facebook] <https://www.facebook.com/mplohio>     [image:
>> twitter] <https://twitter.com/MarionPublicLib>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
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>>
>>
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