Networking question

[skygazer]

Okay, I have 3 computers networked via DSL. My main computer runs XP, the other 2 run Vista. I have problems keeping the network running - sometimes its fine, other times there seems to be no connection.

Right now, I tried pinging between computers.

I get a response from the main computer to my husband's.
I get a response from the main computer to my laptop.
I get a response from my husband's computer to my laptop.
I get a response from my laptop to my husband's.
I get a timed out message from my husband's to the main computer.
I get a timed out message from my laptop to the main computer.

Any ideas? This doesn't always happen - sometimes the connection seems to be fine. :banghead:

[Gore1FL]

1. Did DHCP give it a new IP address?

[ChromeFoundry]

2. It would be helpful if you would include...

the topology of how your home network is setup, and the connectivity to each of the clients.

Since you are on DSL, you will have the phone line into a DSL Modem/Bridge. The DSL Modem/Bridge will most likely connect to a multi-port Router/Switch. The manufacture and model would be helpful, and at the very minimum, if this is a hard-wired and/or wireless router. Finally, how are each of the clients connected to the router. Details like DHCP and any other network hardware (including networked printers) would be helpful to isolate your problem.

Please note that Microsoft's Built in Firewall can be configured to ignore ICMP (ping) requests.

on edit: try a "tracert <ipaddress>" command to see why the route is unreachable, timeout, resolved address, check the actual destination client's address to see if your client address broadcasts are being heard.

[Clovis Sangrail]

3. verify the 'sometimes seems fine'

when it's fine run the same connectivity tests.
If it the tests show intermittent connectivity first look at your cabling.
Very often the little tabs on network cable connectors break and even though they look plugged in they're not making a connection.

Regarding pings... from what you post it looks likely that the main computer either doesn't accept ICMP requests or doesn't respond to them.. If there aren't other problems this isn't necessarily a bad thing. (it's actaully pretty common to intentionally drop ICMP replies)

[DerekJ]

4. Firewall .. When you can ping from Computer X to Computer Y .. But can't ping From Y to X it's

99% firewall, 1% routing. DO you have a firewall software (or Microsoft firewall ) running on any of those machines?!

[paparush]

5. Do you now, or have you ever used CISCO VPN client (to remote in to work)?

If you have, even when you uninstall, they leave behind their copy of the ZoneAlarm firewall.

This issue drove me nuts one time when -

I would reboot and have internet access for exactly 10 minutes, then blam, no access until i rebooted again.

Tracked it down to this puppy and all was well again.

http://www.damnralph.com/CommentView,guid,4ab62f8b-c0bc-4b3e-a965-3033d0d5e018.aspx