Previously, people did not think much about the speed of cable connections in home network. They have always provided sufficient speed and reliability, which in any case has been proven by their use millions of times. However, today technology has reached its limit: more and more computers are equipped with solid state drives, the speed of which is at least five times higher than 1 Gbit/s. And the new standards wireless network 802.11 "ac" and "ad" are significantly faster than gigabit Ethernet speeds.
Of course, there are cable technologies that provide speeds up to 10 Gbps, but they are intended for professional data centers and are quite expensive. But there is another possibility of providing more high speed. It consists of combining several gigabit networks. In such a scheme, the so-called “channel aggregation”, two conventional gigabit LAN cables are connected and thus provide excellent integration into existing network. However, there are some obstacles to implementing the simple principle of “2 x 1 Gbit = 2 Gbit” in practice, which we discovered during our tests.
Channel aggregation: network switches from RUB 2,500
The main element for link aggregation is the network switch, which must support this function. In most home networks, there is only a switch built into the router - these are its LAN ports. Often they cannot connect to each other.
This opportunity is provided only by modern top-class routers, such as ASUS RT-AC5300 or Netgear Nighthawk X10 (each price starts from 20,000 rubles). However, for just 2,500 rubles, LAN switches with 8 ports and link aggregation capabilities are available (for example, TP-Link TL-SG108E or Netgear Gs108E), which can be switched between the router and devices connected to the network (see diagram on the right).
Fundamental feature: the switch must be managed (that is, a web interface is required to configure it, and the firmware installed in it must provide the ability to connect ports). An indication of this is one of the terms "Link Aggregation", "Port Trunking", "LACP" or "802.3ad" in technical description.
Computers or devices that need to connect at multi-Gbps speeds must have an appropriate number of LAN ports, as well as the ability to be configured to program level. We tested two scenarios using the Netgear GS110TP switch. In the first network NAS drive connected to the switch via two LAN ports, so each of the two PCs can download data from the NAS storage at full gigabit speed.
This option is a targeted application of link aggregation and works relatively seamlessly. In the second option, we configured the PC with two LAN ports so that data could be downloaded from the NAS at a speed of 2 Gbps. This rather complex method involves very specific types of data transfer and often (but not always) provides double the speed.
Switch structure and configuration
In any case, you first need to start the switch: it is connected to the electrical network through its own power supply; one of its ports connects to the router (we used the last port number 8). In about a minute, it will boot, its LAN ports will work, and the web interface will become available to all computers connected to the switch (or router) via a cable or wireless network.
The IP address of the switch can be found in the settings of your router, first set password specified in the user manual. First of all, you need to search for updates on the manufacturer’s website; on our Netgear switch we needed to load new firmware in the menu “Maintenance | Download | HTTP File Download".
The web interface of the Netgear switch allows you to configure link aggregation groups, as well as connected ports Link aggregation can be configured before connecting the corresponding devices. In the Netgear switch web interface, in the “Switching | LAG" click on the "LAG1" (link aggregation group) item and check the "PORT" box next to the port numbers that you want to use. Each group is used to connect one device: in the diagram on the top right, LAG1 is a NAS storage connected to ports 1 and 2, LAG2 is a PC on ports 5 and 6. In the “LAG Configuration” section, we left the default settings, we just changed parameter "LAG Type" to "LACP".
The speed of ports that do not belong to any group remains at the usual level of 1 Gbit (in the diagram these are 3, 4 and 8). Connect devices according to LAG identification. At first, only a simple cable connection to the physical first interface of the end device is active; Link aggregation also needs to be enabled on end devices. Read on to find out how to do this.
Configuring the NAS for Dual Link Mode
For our tests we used the QNAP TS-231P, which is equipped with two LAN ports and provides high throughput. We measured FTP transfer speeds with both the NAS drive and the target PC using fast SATA SSD drives. Network settings in the QNAP web interface are located in the Control Panel | System Settings| Net".
Here in the Interfaces section both Ethernet ports are shown. Click the Port Grouping | Add" and check the box for each interface. The only mode that worked reliably with the Netgear switch during testing and produced the required results was “Balance-rr,” which uses both cables alternately to transfer data.
After clicking the Apply button, the NAS drive will briefly go offline to apply the new settings. If you set a mode that is not supported, the NAS will not be accessible; in this case, you must press and hold the button on the back of the device for 3 seconds. This will reset your password and return your network settings to default.
In theory basic mode Link aggregation using two computers connected to simple Netgear switch ports should allow two files to be downloaded simultaneously from a NAS drive at 1 Gbps each. But downloading and uploading from two PCs throws the system out of rhythm a little: when downloading to network storage the speed is approximately 25% lower than the maximum theoretically possible.
Since this configuration is relatively affordable and easy to implement, it is certainly suitable for home networks in which the NAS drive is accessed from multiple computers. However, it is worth paying attention to the following: while parallel data transfer helps to exhaust the capabilities of both network lines, it also places increased demands on the drives installed in the NAS device. It is advisable to use SSD drives.
Double the data transfer speed from the NAS server to the PC is also possible, but in practice this option is quite complicated, as we found out below.
Setting up link aggregation on a PC
What can be done on a NAS drive with a couple of clicks should be just as easy to do on a PC. At least that's what they think. From a hardware point of view, there are numerous motherboards with two LAN ports, or boards with the ability to install a second network card with a speed of 1 Gbit/s for little money. From point of view software It gets more complicated: this feature was originally supported in Windows 10. But after the update in the fall of 2015, utilities for this, although they exist, no longer work. This also applies to network drivers Intel, with which link aggregation can be configured alternative way.
Therefore, we installed Ubuntu OS on a gaming PC with a Skylake processor and two network connectors, which can be configured with aggregation, called “Port Trunking” in the Linux world. To do this, we first deactivated the Ubuntu network manager and then configured port aggregation using the Linux configuration file (“/etc/network/interfaces”). In truth, we tried various options from the Internet until the technology worked on our test PC, since the documentation on the topic is quite sparse and often contradictory.
Our successful combination consists of four interface definitions, each of which begins with “auto...”: It first specifies a system-critical loopback device that cannot be changed. In this case, both physical LAN ports are detected, but not activated. This only occurs in the "bond0" definition of the specified link aggregation interface. Most entries are for configuring IP settings in manual mode, the connection mode is indicated using the “bond-mode” line. Mode 4 is designed for connections using the 802.3ad standard and provides a maximum speed of up to 1628 Mbit/s.
Alternatively, mode 0 (“Balance-rr” works, that is, the same mode as in the NAS drive), but only at a speed of 1202 Mbit/s. For comparison: the data transfer speed on a separate gigabit line is 912 Mbit/s. Fault tolerance is a positive side effect: during data transfer, you can disconnect one of the two connectors - the connection is not interrupted, only the speed is halved.
However, there is at least one catch: both lines are only used if two files are transferred at the same time via FTP (in the Filezilla settings menu: "Transfers | Maximum simultaneous transfers: 2"). As this value increases, the speed decreases very quickly. In addition, it is necessary to pay attention to the fact that there is no other connection between the PC and the NAS server (for example, an open NAS web interface, an SSH connection), since even minimal line load leads to the fact that both data transfers are carried out only one line instead of two.
Additional disappointment: speed when experimenting with the SMB protocol that Windows uses to remote access to files was significantly slower than over a single gigabit line. All this demonstrates that it is unlikely that the link aggregation mode in Windows could function quickly and without problems, since the Microsoft system retains control and other connections.
Our conclusion regarding link aggregation is that the process is well suited for efficiently connecting a NAS server to multiple Gigabit clients. As a fast NAS to client connection, it is labor intensive and has many pitfalls. This would require a fundamentally faster network technology.
SFP+ as the new 10-Gigabit standardThe Netgear Nighthawk X10 router is equipped with an SFP+ interface, so you can connect a device with a data transfer rate of 10 Gbps to it. Its two Gigabit LAN ports are combined using link aggregation.
Ethernet 10 Gbit and SFP+
In the professional field, the 10-Gigabit standard has formed the basis of infrastructure in data centers for more than ten years. A copper option called "10GBase-T" relies on the same RJ-45 connectors as Gigabit the local network LAN, but it requires shielded (at least Cat. 6) cables and expensive equipment: LAN card, for example, Intel X540-T1 costs about 22,000 rubles, the cheapest switch with two 10GBase-T ports (ASUS XG-U2008) is about the same. NAS drives with support this standard cost from 50,000 rubles.
Professional cardThanks to the HP NC523SFP network card, the computer is additionally equipped with two SFP+ interfaces
The SFP+ standard is more accessible. It describes a compact modular transceiver device used in cable networks and is designed for both copper and much more expensive fiber optic cables. Both options provide data transfer at a speed of 10 Gbit/s: copper cables over a distance of 50-100 meters, fiber optics up to several kilometers. The Netgear Nighthawk X10 router has one SFP+ port. Using the SFP+ Direct Attach Copper Cable module (about 2,500 rubles), you can connect a NAS drive to it.
The cheapest SFP+ model is QNAP TS-531X-2G (from RUB 48,000). PCIe network cards that support SFP+ are available at prices starting from RUB 15,000. (Attention! Most of them only work with server drivers Windows versions!) However, as the Netgear router shows, the situation is that SFP+ can penetrate mass market and “blow up” the gigabit edge.
PHOTO: Manufacturing companies; CHIP Studios
Biostar announced the release of two new motherboards Hi-Fi A88S2G and Hi-Fi B85S2G, which are equipped with 2 LAN ports. According to the manufacturer, these products are aimed at gamers who are fans of online battles.
The main advantage of having two LAN ports in Biostar is the ability to organize full-duplex transmission. You can simultaneously download and transmit information on two networks. It also talks about zero packet latency thanks to the presence of two high-speed gigabit ports. To balance the load, the user can connect network adapters to the same network. New Biostar motherboards will support the teaming feature. Two ports allow you to organize multi-mode such aggregation.
As a result of having two network interfaces, the manufacturer says you can turn your computer into a sophisticated router. Of course, it will be a software router, but if it does not require investment, then why not. This is even a plus, since such a router offers much more settings than a standard router.
Other than that, you just get a spare network port. So if one port suddenly fails, you will have another at your disposal. As for sound options, Biostar talks about support for 3D Audio, 3D Smart Ear, True Blu-Ray Audio, 3D HiFi Amp. Sound processing is handled by the Realtek ALC892 audio codec. Support for DirectX 11.1 and AMD Eyefinity technology is also reported in the case of the A88X chipset.
Now let's talk more about the boards themselves. The Hi-Fi model B85S2G, based on the Intel B85 chipset, works with Haswell processors, where the TDP is limited to 95 W. The motherboard has 2 DIMM DDR3 slots. They can install modules with a frequency of 1066/1333/1600 MHz. Maximum capacity up to 16 GB of RAM. There are PCI Express 3.0 x16, 2.0 x4, 2.0 x1 connectors, as well as 3 PCI slots for installing expansion cards. To connect drives, there are 4 x SATA 6 Gbit/s, 2 x SATA 3 Gbit/s. The power supply is organized according to a 4-phase circuit.
Biostar engineers designed the Hi-Fi A88S2G model based on the AMD A88X chipset and with the FM2+ socket. Supports work with APU families such as Richland, Kaveri, Trinity. TDP of supported APUs up to 100 W. Memory slots for DDR3 with frequencies from 800 to 2600 MHz, and the maximum memory capacity is 32 GB. There are 8 SATA 6 ports for drives. 1 are soldered on the board PCI-E slot 3.0 x16, 2x 2.0 x1, 3x PCI. The same Realtek ALC892 is responsible for the sound.
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LAN - network chip on the board. It often fails and prevents the motherboard from working. One of possible reasons- storm. The network chip can get very hot, which indicates its inoperability. To check it, just remove it.
Gigabyte EP35-DS3 LAN problem
Good day.
Gigabyte EP35-DS3 rev board has arrived. 2.1
LAN - RTL8111B
Super I/O - IT8718F-S HXS
Symptoms -
turns on, shows the logo, if you press Del you can go into the BIOS, select settings, the next time you boot, when the final image is shown (the second after the main one where the processor model / hard disks...) the RESET light flashes on the POST card and everything starts from the beginning.
Measures taken -
* Tested on processors - Celeron 420 65nm / Dual Core E5600 45nm
* I read the relevant topics on the forum, they write that it won’t start without a LAN.
Network repair, on Gigabyte ga-77p-d3
Good afternoon, I inherited this motherboard, everything works, but the built-in RTL8111F network interface shows no signs of life (can’t be seen in the system, the lights don’t light up), I changed the chip, all the voltages are coming to it. I have suspicions that I need to check to see if it can be turned off by signals LANWAKEB - 28th leg, and ISOLATEB - 26th leg, but I’m just a little confused about what levels should be on these legs for the network connection to work. Tell me, has anyone encountered this?
MSI A75MA-P35 strange startup
Hello everyone! The motherboard came for repair without a part with a diagnosis, it does not respond to the PW_ON button. After inspecting the board, a burnt hole was found on the sound chip, a non-working LAN and a missing part. The part was identified as a 3.3v linear stabilizer (uP0104P). Sound and the network chip removed and soldered this stabilizer and the mother began to respond to the power button and start up. After startup it works and passes the stability test. As soon as I connect any device to the power supply, either the drive, or the HDD to the molex or sata connector, the mother won't start, just jerks
ASUS M4N68T-M LE V2 no network
Hello everyone! I came across a mother ASUS M4N68T-M LE V2 with a non-working network. All network indicators are active but there is no network. It was not correct mac address and I decided to flash it using the DMI236 program. I enter the command and copy the mac address itself from the sticker on the motherboard: A9-M0-CS-30-24-62 at the end it says that everything is OK, the firmware is as needed. I go into Windows 7 and I open AIDA 64 and go to the section: network and what I see the mac address that I entered does not correspond to what is written now, namely: A9-00-C0-30-24-62! I tried several times and wrote different addresses but that’s all equals two signs changed to "
Gigabyte GA-G41MT-D3V REV 1.3 network does not work
There is no network on the Gigabyte GA-G41MT-D3V REV 1.3 motherboard, but everything shows that the network is working! There is a Mac address, DHCP and DNS. I thought that the network chip was faulty and replaced it with a new one, and since the new chip did not have a Mac address but only “000000000003”, I used the program to enter the required address, which was written on the sticker on the motherboard! I flashed the BIOS, the BIOS chips themselves are fine. I can’t understand, the activity indicator is blinking and the network light itself does not light up or lights up rarely, I I saw it only once, but then it didn’t light up again. It works fine on a discrete network. The board itself otherwise works
The Gigabyte GA-P43-ES3G motherboard came in for repair, cyclic reboot! The mother starts up and the image appears, the post goes through and gives one signal about its passage and then resets and so on in a circle! I can’t enter the BIOS because when I press Del I can hear it from the speaker bangs that the keyboard reacts but does not allow into the BIOS itself! I measured the voltages, below are the results, the only thing that alarmed me was that during this reboot the voltage on the main BIOS chip on the first leg jumps! About the drops from 4.11V to 1.7V during the reset! PCI bus A14-3.43v A15-3.43v/On Serny Bridge 1.25v and 1.16v In the South 1.58v and 1.17v
Almost any network adapter, be it a computer adapter or network printer, equipped with an indication system in the form of one or more LEDs. These LEDs display the current state of connection to the central node (switch). In today's article I will tell you how you can check the network's performance on physical level(signal level).
Find the LED on the network card of a computer belonging to your network. Link- it should burn green light. This indicator indicates the presence physical connection. The switch should also have lights above those ports to which cables from computers are connected.
That. If the indicators on the network cards and switch glow green, then you have crimped and connected the cables correctly.
If indicator does not light, this may indicate the following:
1. The computer or switch is not turned on.
Make sure the computer and switch have stable power and are turned on. You can also reboot the switch.
2. Network card is faulty.
Make sure the network card is visible in Device Manager. If this is not the case, then it may be disabled in the BIOS or incorrectly installed in the connector on the motherboard. Try replacing it with a different network card.
3. Switch port is faulty.
It happens that some ports burn out on switches. Plug the cable into another port.
4. Possibly poor contact in the connector, or the connector is not fully inserted into the socket.
In this case, remove and insert the connector back into the socket of the network card and switch.
5. Damaged cable.
Take another crimped cable and connect it to the problem computer and the switch. If the LED lights up, then either the cable was really damaged or the following problem is occurring.
6. Wires mixed up when crimping connectors.
There is only one remedy - cut off the end of the cable with the connector and re-crimp the cable.
After fixing the problem with the Link indicator not lit, take a look at the indicator Act("activity"). He starts blink when data is being exchanged over the network cable. Some models of network cards have only one indicator or a two-color LED: it indicates the presence of a physical connection with a continuous light, and when data is transmitted it blinks or changes color.
By the way, to check the functionality network cable, you can use a special device - LAN tester:
allow testing of cable wiring, breaks, distance to break, segment length, signal attenuation, etc. In general, the network tester is a very convenient thing. But if there is no such tester, you will have to make do simple methods mentioned above: replace cables, switch to another port, etc.
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