Ethernet linked access point appears sensitive to cable length well below specified limits.
I?m seeking to locate a wireless access point remote from my main router, a D-Link DI-524 whose wireless function has been turned off. The wireless access point is being implemented with a nearly identical D-Link DI-524 wireless router whose DHCP function has been turned off. The IP address of the second D-Link DI-524 wireless router has been altered so as not to conflict with the IP address of the first router. One of the LAN outputs of the first router is connected to one of the LAN outputs of the second router so that it acts like a switch.
I have tested the above configuration at three locations linked by three different CAT5 cables.
Location #1 ? WORKS fine when linked by commercially constructed 10? long CAT5 cable.
Location #2 ? WORKS fine when linked by home built 40? long CAT5 cable.
Location #3 ? DOES NOT WORK when linked by home built 100? long CAT5 cable. ? Not only is there no communication over the link, but the lights on both routers do not even indicate a connection. YET, if at this same location #3, the 100? long cable is plugged into any one of several computers, the connection indicator lights come on immediately, and full normal network access is quickly obtained.
As the cable length is well under the 100 meter (300 feet) maximum length for Ethernet, at first I thought that maybe the third cable is somehow wired differently, perhaps as a ?Cross over cable? rather than as a ?straight through? cable. I understand that some interfaces can cross and un-cross a cable automatically as needed. I am uncertain whether or not the LAN ports of the DI-524 have that feature, but an examination of all of my cables, both home made and commercially assembled, and all appear to be wired ?straight through.?
I?ve also sought to confirm that the problem is not associated with the RJ45 connector at the end of the cable. The symptoms are unchanged when a short (10 foot long) Ethernet extender (female to male) cable is used, so the connector at the end of the 100? cable is not disturbed as I switch between the D-Link DI-524 and my lap-top computer..
Any Suggestions?