Ethernet backhaul failing with unmanaged switch

[mjsmith3]

I'm using a system comprised of a RT-AX86U Pro for my router and several RT-AX86S satellites, all wired for Ethernet. Ethernet backhaul works fine when connecting the satellite WAN port to the AX86U Pro LAN port directly, however when I go through my Netgear GS324 unmanaged switch the connection fails after a brief period of time.

I also tried changing the switch, substituting a Netgear GS105 unmanaged switch (with no other ports utilized) with the same results.

So the satellites are only recognizing the Ethernet connection when I connect directly, and fail when i use a switch between the router and satellites. Backhaul connection priority is set to Ethernet, so I'm baffled at what the problem might be. Any ideas?

 

[bbunge]

Go back to auto settings in AiMesh. Do not use Ethernet Backhaul Mode. Don't use the 2.5 Gb port for backhaul.

 

[mjsmith3]

Hi, I am not using the 2.5GB port and this problem occurred before turning on Ethernet Backhaul Mode. In fact, I could not turn ON Ethernet Backhaul Mode because the system reported that the nodes were not connected by ethernet (when running through the switch). So this doesn't seem to be the problem.

 

[bennor]

So the satellites are only recognizing the Ethernet connection when I connect directly, and fail when i use a switch between the router and satellites. Backhaul connection priority is set to Ethernet, so I'm baffled at what the problem might be. Any ideas?

Didn't see it mentioned (May have missed it) but do computers have the same problem connecting through either of the Netgear switch's? Are there any sort of extenders or MoCA adapters in use to connect the main router with the switches?
And the usual dumb question that needs to be asked. Have you replaced the ethernet cables with new ones as a troubleshooting step?

 

[degrub]

Issue would seem to follow the additional cable used.
Otherwise, does AiMesh use VLAN for communication ?
if so, then the switch may be stripping the packets of that information.

 

[bennor]

If its an AiMesh / switch issue as the previous poster mentioned, perhaps try reconfiguring the down stream nodes for AP mode and see if the issues persist.

 

[mjsmith3]

Didn't see it mentioned (May have missed it) but do computers have the same problem connecting through either of the Netgear switch's? Are there any sort of extenders or MoCA adapters in use to connect the main router with the switches?
And the usual dumb question that needs to be asked. Have you replaced the ethernet cables with new ones as a troubleshooting step?

Switch ports seem to work. No extenders or adapters. The ethernet cable works (satellite to router working, when i plug into switch and use another cable switch-router doesn't work). Tried additional cables switch to router as well

 

[mjsmith3]

If its an AiMesh / switch issue as the previous poster mentioned, perhaps try reconfiguring the down stream nodes for AP mode and see if the issues persist.

I could try this but seems to be a kludge since it should work in aimesh mode

 

[bennor]

I could try this but seems to be a kludge since it should work in aimesh mode

It is a troubleshooting step. Yes it should work, but it doesn't since you are hear posting that you have an issue. As degrub indicated above, its possible the switches are stripping packets for some reason (or what ever reason). By testing in AP mode you can possibly narrow it down to an issue specifically with AiMesh. Same reason, if you haven't done so already, that you should test with a wired computer connected to the switch with the switch connected to the router. You are narrowing things down to the possible cause.

​

 

[OzarkEdge]

I'm using a system comprised of a RT-AX86U Pro for my router and several RT-AX86S satellites, all wired for Ethernet. Ethernet backhaul works fine when connecting the satellite WAN port to the AX86U Pro LAN port directly, however when I go through my Netgear GS324 unmanaged switch the connection fails after a brief period of time.

I also tried changing the switch, substituting a Netgear GS105 unmanaged switch (with no other ports utilized) with the same results.

So the satellites are only recognizing the Ethernet connection when I connect directly, and fail when i use a switch between the router and satellites. Backhaul connection priority is set to Ethernet, so I'm baffled at what the problem might be. Any ideas?

Could it be that the router Ethernet ports/AiMesh are not compatible with the switch Energy Efficient Ethernet (Green Ethernet) ports... works briefly until IEEE 802.3az kicks in?

OE

 

[mjsmith3]

It is a troubleshooting step. Yes it should work, but it doesn't since you are hear posting that you have an issue. As degrub indicated above, its possible the switches are stripping packets for some reason (or what ever reason). By testing in AP mode you can possibly narrow it down to an issue specifically with AiMesh. Same reason, if you haven't done so already, that you should test with a wired computer connected to the switch with the switch connected to the router. You are narrowing things down to the possible cause.

​

I understand. Wired computer connection is fine I will try AP mode and report back