4

I recently became the IT guy at a remote school with onsite staff. The network setup is a bit messy right now. I am curious about the best standards to use. Below is a map of the current network that provides internet.

Network Map

As you can see, the network is a bit of a mix of methods. There is one Ethernet cable running underground along the lines. There is a coaxial cable running from the satellite on the roof to the modem located next to the server.

I often run into weak connections further out, especially at 19 and 23 which will drop out for days during sand storms, rain, or snow.

I have heard running dual lines helps. I was also thinking doing something like looping 19 back to the server to make one large circle. This would require a lot of work, but so would digging up the lines that are in place.

A central network location that all lines branch off of might also be an option. I have a lot of Wire.

What are some standards that could accomplish my goal?

Thanks!

-Joel

Improve this question
1
  • You need to edit your question to give a lot more detail. For instance, you write, "one Ethernet cable," but you don't say which type of cable (UTP, STP, MMF, SMF, etc.). You need to give as much detail as possible including distances. If an ethernet cable goes out because of weather, it wasn't installed correctly.
    – Ron Maupin ♦
    Mar 23, 2016 at 19:16

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
2

You are probably running into distance limitations of Ethernet over copper. If you're going to dig, then you should use fiber-optic cable instead of copper. It's more expensive, but not a big increase compared to the cost of digging.

Regardless of what you choose, you will need to use network switches instead of hubs, especially at 23 and 26. That will also solve your distance problem.

Improve this answer
6
  • I wonder why sand storm affect the signal inside the coaxical cable. Don't you thing that if it is true that the sand on the surface of the cable is so harmful, buring the cable into the sand would stop the communication completely?
    – Valentin Tihomirov
    Mar 23, 2016 at 18:20
  • Maybe you have loose connections that move when the wind is blowing?
    – Ron Trunk
    Mar 23, 2016 at 18:46
  • Coax cable? What kind of switches/hubs are you using?
    – Ron Trunk
    Mar 24, 2016 at 15:19
  • It is becoming much more interesting now. You basically say that in order to fix the plug connections we must switch to the optical cable. It is really non-trivial solution. You must be a true professional :)
    – Valentin Tihomirov
    Mar 24, 2016 at 15:27
  • It's not a trivial problem ;-) I mention optical because you mentioned digging. The cost of digging is much more than the cost of the fiber. If you can't afford to dig, there are other possibilities. We would need to know what kind of hubs/switches you have now, for starters.
    – Ron Trunk
    Mar 24, 2016 at 18:05

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.