Network Performance Dilemma

[Bilified]

I have 3 networked computers running Windows 98SE, with a cable router connection to the internet.

When accessing a large (10mb) mpeg file on the web, two of the computers can download the file repeatedly without hang ups. The third computer (my main rig) can only complete the download once out of about ten attempts without hanging before the download is complete.

This same file can be transferred between the computer in question and the other two without hanging and can also be uploaded/downloaded via FTP to/from the web site without hanging.

The problem occurs only when accessing the file over the web. Same result when using either Netscape or IE browsers and when using different mpeg plugins - Windows Media Player or Quicktime.

I tried swapping the router ports and have updated the driver for the D-Link DFE530-TX+ NIC. - No Help.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to methods or diagnostics to try to isolate this problem?

Thanks

 

[Kadarin]

Swap cables with one of the other PCs to see if the problem stays with the PC or follows the cable. If you have more time on your hands, you can also swap NICs. Also, does the problem only occur if all three computers are online simultaneously? If so, it could be some weird but in the NAT translation process in the router (particularly if it has old firmware). However, that's a less-likely scenario than a cable or NIC problem. Good luck!

 

[Bilified]

Thanks to Astaroth33 for the help.

I have tried everything (except swapping NICs). My feeling is that it has to be a Windows software problem related to the http transport, since the same file can be transferred without problem using FTP and yet cannot be accessed over the net using either Netscape or I.E. without hanging up.

I have looked at the WinSock files in the system folder on all three computers and they seem to be identical.

No idea where to go from here.

Thanks again.

Bilified

 

[Kadarin]

Does this same pc have a problem if it's connected to the cable modem directly, bypassing the router? Also, can you clarify that the problem comes up only when you're trying to download using http? In other words, can you successfully download a file using Netscape or IE from an ftp:// url?

 

[Bilified]

Direct connection to the cable modem doesn't help. And yes the computer in question has no problems downloading/uploading the same large file When using the browser in FTP mode. Only when accessing the file over the web in HTTP mode causes it to hang.

Thanks again for the help

Bilified