Dropping network connection

[lkatz]

I have a a testing center for Vue on my campus. We are having some connectivity issues and I am unable to resolve it. We have 2 test computers and 1 administration workstation. The three are networked together into a workgroup. The 2 testing stations are connected through a hub which is connected through a port in the wall which is connected to a patch panel and a switch. During the tests, the test downloads and then between 1-3 hours later it loses the connection and boots the testee out of the test. We have confirmed that it is a local problem on the campus and not a Vue problem. I am not sure what could be the problem. Hub? Cable? (both computers have been tried w/same results) OS? The PC's are running 2k pro and the admin is running NT. Any ideas?? It would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!! If you need any information, please let me know...

[DVNT1]

Just make this a test question for your test takers doing MCSE, CCNA, or even Net+

Actually, this might be tough to resolve. Upon the next failure, you should try some tests to determine more precisely what is failing.

1) Ping from the Admin computer to the failed test computer. Ping reply received?

If yes, Try to access a share on the test computer from the Admin computer (note: ensure you can access the share before failure)

If no, check the connectivity lights on the hub/shwitch/and related NIC. DO the show connectivity and activity like before the failure?

[lkatz]

I have tried all of the above. Everything seems to work fine. I even did ping -t and ran for about 30 minutes, but recieved a reply every time. I guess I will try and switch out all the cables and hub and try tomorrow to see if that solves the problem. If Vue had longer connectivity tests, it might be easier to find the solution, but they only offer like 5 minute tests which work fine- its seems to be only longer real exams that fail If you have any other solutions, I am all ears!!!

[DVNT1]

If pign and accessing file shares work even after the VUE software indicates a failure, it sure sounds like a problem with the VUE software. If it was cabling, then at ping and share access would fail.