Network issues reported. Requesting a solution.
Network issues reported. Requesting a solution.
Hey everyone, I’m trying to get your input on this tricky setup at my company. I’ve attached the diagram I managed to understand, hoping it helps identify a fix. Yeah, there’s a fax line here—this is Japan, and they still use it, which adds some complexity. I’m not sure what to focus on, but I think the path should be: internet → Router 1 → fax line → Router 2 → phone line → Switch 1 → WAP & Switch 2 → 4 computers and a printer. There’s also an old white box with “NTT” written on it; we’re not sure if it’s part of the fax/phone lines or something else like a UPS. Even our IT support can’t figure it out. They were really baffled by the whole setup—it was hilarious. We’re planning to replace it with a NAS and simplify everything into a more organized layout, maybe using one switch with everything connected. The challenge will likely come from the fax and phone lines. The desktops are three now, with two laptops that are quite old, and they don’t support wireless yet. Upgrading might be tricky due to warranty issues. Thanks for your help!
Here are some clarifying points:
1. The reason for having two routers is to address specific needs, likely related to performance or redundancy. It doesn’t seem to be about port limitations or connection types.
2. Having two switches makes sense when you require additional ports or a different physical placement. If extra ports aren’t necessary, the second switch might not be essential. I’d like to verify if both support PoE.
To address your questions, we have two routers—one with the fax line and another with the phone line. Consolidating them and removing one eliminates the phone, which stops working. I’ve tried this before and it caused some confusion among older staff. Regarding the switches, it seems to depend on their placement. When everything was set up about 14 years ago, they ran two Ethernet cables into a central switch that housed the computers and printers. Port availability isn’t a problem now.
Well, you might be able to eliminate Switch 1 immediately. Link router 2 to switch 2, then run a cable from switch 2 to the wan port—this could require an additional cable but removes one powered device from the setup. Verify that the wan connection isn’t routed through PoE; if it is, ensure switch 2 supports PoE. The fax and phone lines... could indicate an IP conflict or similar issue. Perhaps router 1 obtains IP addresses from a private network segment, while router 2 uses a different one. Are the fax and phone actual physical devices or do they rely on ADSL, DSL, VDSL, or another type of connection? It might be that one router handles those phone lines, which is why it’s necessary. The NTT box... do you really need two phone lines for the fax and phone? Maybe it’s a device that converts fiber, coaxial, or DSL to standard Ethernet. Your phones could be using Voice over IP, but faxes... unclear how they function in Japan.