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*Vanity* Can I really bring down the entire network if I plug in a LAN switch? *Vanity*
4/16/13 | Me

Posted on 04/16/2013 1:42:32 PM PDT by dangerdoc

Question for network guys.

I needed another LAN connection, and there are no more installed at my site. I called the lan guy, they told me I needed to call out of state to the corporate headquarter to get an order and I can expect it in 6 weeks. I mentioned getting buying a switch and using it while we are waiting and he about had a cow. He said I could bring down the entire corporate network.

Is this even posible? If it is, what is to keep somebody from wandering around with a LAN switch and randomly bringing down networks at any unsecure LAN plug?


TOPICS: Computers/Internet
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Or do we just have a really bad network?
1 posted on 04/16/2013 1:42:32 PM PDT by dangerdoc
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To: dangerdoc
Certainly.
2 posted on 04/16/2013 1:43:39 PM PDT by The KG9 Kid (Demand Common Sense Nut Control.)
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Comment #3 Removed by Moderator

To: dangerdoc

Unsecured access points are dangerous.


4 posted on 04/16/2013 1:44:49 PM PDT by SargeK
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To: dangerdoc
If you were a cook, you could bring down the entire network, and most of the internet by simply plugging in a cheap Wal-mart switching router.

But I've seen your posts, and I don't think you are quite smart enough or cook enough for that kind of world ending havoc. :)

5 posted on 04/16/2013 1:46:41 PM PDT by JRandomFreeper (Gone Galt)
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To: dangerdoc

Oh hell yes man! Don’t do it,


6 posted on 04/16/2013 1:47:27 PM PDT by saganite (What happens to taglines? Is there a termination date?)
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To: dangerdoc
I wouldn't add hardware to any corporate network without approval. In some places that is a firing offense.

And yes, a bad piece of network hardware can bring down a network.

7 posted on 04/16/2013 1:47:36 PM PDT by dirtboy
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To: dangerdoc

You probably mean a hub, not a switch, but one never knows. The problem your network admin is probably worried about is creating a loop, which you could do by plugging a cable from one port into another. Its a concern with large switches. He’s just not happy about losing control of his topology. I don’t blame him. Once hubs are added, they rarely go away.


8 posted on 04/16/2013 1:47:42 PM PDT by andyk (I have sworn...eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.)
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To: dangerdoc

Not a network guy, but I’ve plugged in switches to two different corporate networks without any problems.

On the other hand, it sounds like you’ve been warned by your network guys not to do so. Is waiting 6 weeks worth your job? Or can you have management expedite it so you don’t have to wait 6 weeks.


9 posted on 04/16/2013 1:48:04 PM PDT by DannyTN
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To: dangerdoc

If your branch office switch is configured with VLANs (used for network segment isolation and/or QoS) and/or does port aggregation, then introducing a plain vanilla el-cheapo switch or even an unconfigured managed switch could gank your local network.

Find out what the deal is first.


10 posted on 04/16/2013 1:53:36 PM PDT by Noumenon (What would Michael Collins do?)
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To: dangerdoc

“Enterprise class” switches really can’t be mixed with “consumer class” switches (at least not without some configuration changes.)

Depending on how your network is designed, you may need to set up a switch with “trunking,” “Quality of Service,” and “virtual LANs.” It can be extremely complex.

While it’s unlikely to take down the entire network, it is possible, and quite possible to knock a branch of the network off. I have seen it happen on more than one occassion, but they were all with specific configurations.

Mark


11 posted on 04/16/2013 1:53:40 PM PDT by MarkL (Do I really look like a guy with a plan?)
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To: andyk
I don't think anyone makes a hub anymore. Everything recent seems to be switching/routers with linux software imbedded to do some fancy routing if required.

And everything is at least 100MB/sec now. It's a brave new world.

/johnny

12 posted on 04/16/2013 1:54:28 PM PDT by JRandomFreeper (Gone Galt)
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To: andyk

Who sells hubs these days?


13 posted on 04/16/2013 1:54:33 PM PDT by Noumenon (What would Michael Collins do?)
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April Is Keep FR Alive Month!


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Support FR, Donate Monthly If You Can

14 posted on 04/16/2013 1:59:42 PM PDT by DJ MacWoW (My faith and politics cannot be separated)
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To: Noumenon

Probably Linksys, belkin, Dlink, and others. AFAIK hubs just lack the IP table and have fewer broadcasts.


15 posted on 04/16/2013 2:01:02 PM PDT by andyk (I have sworn...eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.)
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To: andyk

Haha fewer = a lot more!


16 posted on 04/16/2013 2:01:56 PM PDT by andyk (I have sworn...eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.)
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To: JRandomFreeper; Noumenon

I hope you guys are right. It would be great if hubs no longer were being produced. I’ve been out of ops purchases for a few years, so it’s possible!


17 posted on 04/16/2013 2:04:12 PM PDT by andyk (I have sworn...eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.)
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To: All

Installing a router on the network WILL bring the whole thing down if the router is giving DHCP IP leases. I mean, instant down with a difficult restoration.

I do NOT allow anyone in my environments to do any such thing. I actually found that someone had a cell phone app that handed out DHCP leases to guest networks that it was attached too as well. That took me hours to find.


18 posted on 04/16/2013 2:05:07 PM PDT by Celerity
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To: Celerity

Thread needs pic of kid with fork and electrical outlet.


19 posted on 04/16/2013 2:09:30 PM PDT by don-o (He will not share His glory, and He will not be mocked! Blessed be the Name of the Lord forever!)
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To: dangerdoc

Yes. Friend of mine did it to his place of work just a few weeks ago.


20 posted on 04/16/2013 2:11:32 PM PDT by discostu (Not just another moon faced assassin of joy.)
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