Can't Switch & "Probably Bad"

NetGear Switch Not Switching

Back in the day we had dial-up modems attached to a PC.  You could use a computer attached to the emerging world, or not.  Sharing internet access is much simpler now that we're all using 'wireless' and 'mobile' devices, connecting either via somewhat too expensive 'data plans' or home or public wi-fi networks.

Our home has been blessed (?) with high-speed internet since 1999.  During that time there have been periods of connectivity issues. We're still on DSL via original and very tentative 1969 home phone wiring.  I remain amazed that it works at all and worry quite regularly about chipmunks in the garage destroy any part of the two-pair wiring.  Of course I worry about many issues.

Over the past few months we've had connectivity issues.  Usually a reboot of the router/modem solves the problem.  As an education point, 'modem' is an abbreviation for modulator/de-modulator.  Our unstable phone wiring does occasionally drop internet connections when it rains.  There are also two or three notebooks, two, actually three phones and at least three desktops competing for bandwidth...and two Kindles.  I have multiple access points and devices sharing resources via an eight-port switch.  Switches rarely fail, switching resources dynamically without notice. Lately one device would connect, the others, not.  Duh.  A sharp person might have immediately tested thoroughly and identified a non-switching switch.  

During my 27-year gig my Help Desk team would pull equipment that was failing.  Users are a pain.  Often it was more cost effective to simply pull a piece of equipment (e.g. PC, printer, etc.) and hand out a new one.  After all this is all cheap Chinese electronic stuff; do you really expect it to work?  In some situations they'd put the equipment back into our storage room with a Post-It not attached with the written words "Probably Bad."  If you went in search of a device it was a point of frustration looking at stacks of notebooks, some already stripped of key parts, others looking complete but carrying the suspicion-inducing label 'probably bad.'  My uncles and grandfather saved bent nails, old screws and bolts in coffee cans.  Those were redeemable.  For every ten pounds of nails it seems that you would use a couple.  Saving 'probably bad' computing devices is more like saving cross-threaded nuts and bolts.

I've replaced the switch with a new $49 switch.  Everything seems to be working.  There are many devices connected.  Some devices 'go to to sleep' and successfully awake (I am a proponent of powering down PCs not in use).  People and dogs should sleep, not computers).  Hence, I am making a list of other issues in my life that can be solved with a $49 expenditure.

I've placed the unstable (and removed) switch in a box of cables, connectors and parts that is valuable every couple of years as is a coffee can of old nails.  I did not label it with a 'probably bad' note.  Actually since I started to use a nail gun I've not straightened any nails.  Best Buy recycles computer devices for free.  I just need to find a place to recycle those Folger Coffee cans of bent nails, orphan screws and cross-threaded bolts.  

Managing a staff is a challenge, too.  At times you keep someone around for a niche skill that you might need or someone who with a little work can be productive and you go through the mental process of labeling people 'probably bad' in the difficult process of determining their future or not.  If there is any notion of 'probably bad' you should move on.  Get new fasteners and new staff.