Small Network Problem

[gmloki]

Wondered if anyone can give any potential clues to this problem I am encountering. Some PC's disconnect from the network and is unable to get access to the internet or one of the shared programmes. Not restricted to one PC. I hate to say it but the only way the issue is resolved is by rebooting the entire network

* Small network of 8 PC's (7 have Winblows 98SE 1 is the other is 95

* Network is set up as a Star going through an 8 port switch. No central server for file storage but one of the nodes runs as a server for some bespoke software. The Switch is around 6 years old.

* Shared internet connection through ADSL Modem/Router plugged into the Switch

* All Protocols are installed(TCP/IP, NetBui, IPX)

* IP address is obtained automatically

* PC's are left on all the time

What can cause some of them to loose a connection to the network. It appears to be quite random

Thanks

 

[Doh_boy]

What is the switch, make and model?

At work I have come across a few switches that just drop connections, I've not been able to do anything other than remove them and label them 'duff'.

DLinks are the worst for it, at my work, but I've had an expensive 3com one do it as well.