Weird problem running SmartSDR on 2.5gb local area network (Flex 6400)

Randy KN4YBA

Hello all,

I decided to upgrade my Unifi network system this spring to the Unifi Dream Machine Special Edition and Unifi Switch Enterprise 24 PoE. I have a 10 GB fiber connection between the Dream Machine SE and Enterprise Switch with 2GB Google fiber internet interfaced with the Dream Machine. The switch provides me with 12 2.5Gb PoE+ ports and 12 1Gb PoE+ ports.

My desktop has a 2.5 GB Lan card installed and everything works great with SmartSDR until I get to around 17M to 10M. When I transmit voice or CW above 50 watts the SmartSDR will lock up on my computer for a few seconds. I also have a 1gb Lan connection on my desktop and if I swap the Lan cable from the 2.5Gb down to the 1gb port I no longer have this issue.

I don't have a shielded Lan cable running from my network room on the other side of the house to my office, and also restricted in only using attic antennas. I get the possibility of the 2.5 connection being more susceptible to RF but wondered if someone else may have seen this with a 2.5gb Lan connection?

Currently my workaround is small network push button network switch on my desk that I can just switch which Lan port on the computer to be used based on if I am transferring files to my NAS or connecting and transmitting on my 6400.  

Has anyone else experienced this issue connected to a 2.5Gb Lan connection and transmitting at 17M to 10M?

Thanks!

Randy

KN4YBA

Mike-VA3MW

Randy

It sounds like you have an RFI issue. Remember, every wire in your shack is also an antenna. Usually, it isn't an issue.

I would start with choking some of the power supply cords on the network devices. You may be causing them to reboot.

This is a great document on RFI and how to solve it. I would look there first.

73

CommonModeChokesW1HIS.pdf

Randy KN4YBA

Thanks Mike!

Living in an HOA with antennas in the attic, I have learned everything metal is a potential source for reflective RF back into my house.

In my environment with antennas in the attic, everything gets a choke or two. I did the same with the Dream machine and Enterprise switch when I initially installed them. It really only seems to impact me when I am connected to my 2.5Gb port, but now I know the RF off the antennas are causing network issues that I was unaware of prior to installing 2.5gb system in my house.

Thanks for sharing the document, and I hope to see you here in Huntsville next weekend at the Hamfest.

73

Randy

KN4YBA

Randy KN4YBA

Mike, to follow up on what I did to overcome rf on my 2.5 GB lan to the office.

I could have fought this issue for days, weeks, or months in and out of the attic, where all my antennas are located, and took the easy way out.

I ran a 10gb multimode full duplex LC fiber from my enterprise switch in the network area across the attic to my office where my desktop and 6400 are located. I am now connected at 2.5gb to my computer and the 6400 is working great.

In addition, I am getting my 2 full GB of internet connection in my office and the flex could not be happier.

I am using the Zyxel Multi-Gig 12 Port Unmanaged Switch with 2 - 2.5Gb and 2 - 10GB SPF+ ports. In addition the switch has 8 - 1 GB ports.

73

Randy