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Resolved Question

Networking issues , need help with correct setup

by May 7, 2014 2:11AM PDT

At my work, we have 2 modems to handle our phone calls and internet usage. My question is if our network is properly setup. The main line comes in and splits off to the two different modems. The modems both plug into the router and then the router goes of with one line to the switch. My question is, should we have more than one line going off to the switch since there are two modems. The router is supposed to see what's coming in and route it properly. But if there is only one line going out of the router to the switch, would that cause slowdown and issues? See pic below.

http://i.imgur.com/AlJCpOq.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/AlJCpOq.jpg

Discussion is locked

johnkchild has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer
8 Posts
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Best Answer

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Remember there is too little detail here.
by Forum moderator May 7, 2014 2:43AM PDT

But it's for sure to me that the single uplink is correct.

Later you revealed you have an IP phone (I'm guessing here) and maybe your installer used this rather smart setup to keep your network costs down. While I think the speed gain would be non-existent you could wire up a second LAN just for the phones. I wouldn't do that but the client is always right.
Bob

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That makes sense
by johnkchild May 7, 2014 2:46AM PDT

Thx!

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PS. Bonus reading.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator May 7, 2014 8:14AM PDT
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Answer
When we uplink from one thing to another.
by Forum moderator May 7, 2014 2:27AM PDT

"There can be only one."
- McCloud

The router routes, the switch switches so let's keep it simple here. Looks fine so far given what's been told.

As to slowdowns, more than one user is a common problem. The internet connection is usually some megabits per second and a LAN can be much higher and then we have Netflix. As folk start up Netflix your ISP slows.
Bob

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so just one
by johnkchild May 7, 2014 2:32AM PDT

I guess my question is, if there is only one ethernet cable going from the router to the switch, and we constantly are using bandwidth, and then a call comes in, doesn't it go through the same ethernet cable to route the call? So wouldn't that cause bandwidth issues? Should there be 2 ethernet cables going out of the router to the switch?

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Only one.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator May 7, 2014 2:37AM PDT

The uplink port in all the systems I've seen are many times the speed of the internet and phone data.

I hate to share this but I had been known to install a faux cable for clients that demand that a cable be installed. I let our home office know that I did that so it won't come back to haunt me.
Bob

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Newbee here
by johnkchild May 7, 2014 2:39AM PDT

I'm a bit of a newbee when it comes to networking terms and whatnot. So you're saying that the ethernet cable and the port on the router can handle the bandwidth from the internet and phone no problem?

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Working with limited detail here
by r. proffitt Forum moderator May 7, 2014 2:44AM PDT

But I've yet to see that be a problem. But as I noted, a client can complain and we'll redesign, charge accordingly to meet their needs.
Bob

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