Thin Client Sessions Hanging - Ethernet

[CChulo]

I'm currently troubleshooting one of my new control systems. This system consists of a Windows 2k Server which acts as Domain Controller and runs the Wonderware InTouch 7.1 Application. The server is connected to 5 Thin Clients, and it also contains 5 Compact Logix PLCs (All connected via Ethernet protocols). The problem is that from time to time some of my client's sessions freeze (Some times all of them, some times some of them). While checking the Event Logs I haven't found anything and I've just had my cablework recertified. I've been talking to some people related to the field and they have submitted some suggestions. The last one I've got is to assign IP Addresses to the 2 Ethernet Switches because these might be working as Hubs instead of switches. Is this possible? How can I confirm that I might be having Information crashing with each other. Any thoughts on what could be wrong with the system? I will appreciate any input... Thanks.

 

[controlsdude]

Refer you to the AB website and look for these ethernet documents

Application Note A11895199
1756-ENBT Frequently Used Parameters.doc

Application Note A59533568
EtherNet/IP System Troubleshooting

Biggest issue I had was IGMP snooping set to on the switch which is required by an ab ethernet. Of course the auto neg and manual on the switch can muck up your ethernet too. Just read the info above and you should get your answer. Just clean up your end first before you point your finger at the IT department.

After you look at these issues, then get the IT folks to put a sniffer on the network to look for drop packets. And also look at their switches for proper settings based on your settings (auto vs fixed on ethernet cards) Check your stats on your enet cards and use the guide above for info. AB can also look at your sniffer report dump to see if they can see something, they were very useful in the past for me. If all else fails you can have a AB engineer come out and check the network.

Good luck