Direct correlation between sleeping computer and network functionality

[AndeeG]

I'd like to begin by making clear that I am by no means a network expert. Usually if I have to make something work I figure it out as I go and end up solving the problem through trial and error.

So recently our internet connection (AT&T DSL) has been acting strangely. It is often painfully slow and cuts in and out on occasion. We haven't really had the time to do any troubleshooting and so I'm not sure if it was/is a problem with AT&T or our network. Since last night, the internet has been functionally down but occasionally would work for a short period of time. My dad mentioned that his desktop computer (a powermac quad xeon) had no problems accessing the internet even when all our other computers did.

I just did some experimenting and it appears that everything works perfectly until my dad's computer goes to sleep. About five seconds after that happens, the connection is cut off to all the other computers. As soon as it's restored, the connection is restored. Our set-up seems fairly conventional: the DSL modem is connected to an 8-port wired router, which all the other computers then connect to in the same way. All the computers in the house are apples except for mine, but they are all having the same problems except for my dad's.

What could possibly be causing this? I frankly do not have much time this weekend to do extensive troubleshooting so I'm really looking for an easy solution in case any of you have had this problem before.

 

[MoMeanMugs]

Is your dad's computer doing any server functions, such as DNS? Do you have any file sharing or print sharing on your network? If so, does that work when his computer is asleep?

 

[JackMDS]

As a principle a network computer should be configure Not to let the Network component to fall a sleep.

It varies from one computer to another, but usually the power saving o f the Network card has to be disabled, and any other propriety "Sleeping Aid" that includes the network component should be set No to put the Network components to sleep.

http://www.ezlan.net/example/powersave.jpg

In addition many Motherboards has BIOs setting to wake up the computer in case there is general traffic at the network port.

This BIOS setting has to be kept On.

 

[brshoemak]

To add to what Jack said.... go to Start -> Control Panel -> System -> Hardware (tab) -> Device Manager -> click and expand 'Network Adapters' -> right-click on your Network Card -> Properties -> Power Management (tab) -> Uncheck 'Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power' -> OK

...repeat this on any additional network adapters, wired or wireless.

 

[AndeeG]

I haven't had a chance to try any of this, but I'd like to clarify that his computer is running OS X.