Medium sized Network problem

ok, I have a problem (yes, we all know mentally, but thats besides the point!)

I'm in the process of setting up a small network... or medium I guess. 30 + computers are going to be added. Originally this was for a cable modem and a few comps. Well, it got upgraded! He ordered a T1

What I am working with now is a linksys BEFSR41 router and 2 Linksys EF2H24 ver 2 switches.

The 2 switches are plugged into 2 seperate ports on the router. Here comes the problem.

The main computer, which is a normal desktop being used as a file server is set up with a static ip for sharing reasons. Ok, no problem. It;s connected into the switch (not the router) and works fine.

I connect another computer and DHCP takes over. Same with the 3rd. After the 3rd computer, no other computer will connect. These are all brand new out of the box Dell computers. They all get limited or no connectivity.

I spoke to Linksys and they told me to set my NIC to 10mb half duplex (which i didnt agree with, but it worked) Actually, partially worked. I managed to get only one more computer onto the network. I guess a normal router such as the one i got cant handle the load?

I'm not sure. Can someone help me out? Maybe I need to get a more advanced router?


(P.S. I know this is a home router I am using. But the guy switched to a T1 while I was away without my knowledge) Please say its because of the router! If it is, any suggestions?

 

What is the DHCP range on your router? Ensure that you have no static IPs set within this range.

I'm hoping you tried different cables and different ways to connect the switches, etc. Try different ports on the switches, etc. as maybe a port is not working properly.

What happens if you leave your NICs at 100/Full, or AutoSense (ewe) and set static IPs? There could be an issue with the DHCP server in the router, this will tell you. Make sure you turn off ALL firewalls on each PC. Don't forget about the built-in Windows one. I'm guessing that you're running SP2, so disable and stop it in services.

The router *should* be able to handle the load, but could very well have to be rebooted a few times per day as low-end routers tend to need this when there's a lot of network traffic. Here's for hoping not...

If you are using SP2, here's something you may want to glace at and read over: http://www.pchell.com/support/limitedconnectivity.shtml. And always remember that just because it's new, doesn't mean it's flawless.

Last but not least....update the firmware on the router!

 

Well, I've been asking around and even shown a few people the setup.
God bless RDP

The thing is, the main computer which is a file server is running winxp pro SP2. Its a REALLY simple setup. I have it set to a static ip of .200
I have DHCP set to 100 - 149. More than enough for the 30 computers.
Anyone I tried to set one of the computers that wasnt working up wit h a static ip. It said the connection was made after that. Although I couldnt browse the internet or access the routers admin page.

Everything is set ok on the router end internally. (so i've been told)
It MIGHT be a switch problem. What I will do tomorrow is hook up the computers that dont work directly into the router. If they pull the IP, then i need to test the switches.

Also I iwll connect the switches to each other. Right now I have it set up with a switch going into a different port of the router. I will set it up as a switch uplinked to another switch which in turn is connected to the router.

Firmware was already updated on the router