I connected a Asound 8 port switching hub to my network and one of the computers suddenly could no longer communicate over the LAN. It couldn't get an IP address. I verified that this is not a software problem by swapping the hard drive and OS from an identical computer. I installed another LAN cards in this computer and it now work fine with the same cable, etc. The problem port is an on-board port on a Biostar M7NCG motherboard. I've reset the CMOS, but that didn't help. The problem port's lights come one when the cable is plugged in, but it will not acquire an IP address. It also will not communicate when I set a static IP address. The NIC appears fine in Device Manager. The port has been working fine for the last three months right up until I installed the switching hub. It appears the switch caused the problem. However, other computers connected to the switch were not affected and the switch appears to be working fine. I've installed a LAN card in the problem computer and all is well, but this has me wondering.
What could cause this problem? Is it possible that the switch is defective and it sent out an electrical current that damaged the port? I'm concerned that the switch could cause more problems. Is there a way to test a switch's LAN port to check its electrical characteristics?
Thank you, Steve Smith