access NAS via SWITCH/PROXY

[jamiebond]

Hello,

I hope someone here understands English and can help me.
Please feel free to reply in your own language. i will use a translator to read your reply.

Please see attachment (landisk.zip) for more info....
The zip file is too large to attach here (867KB). Please download it from this link: http://www.box.net/shared/besr5uusph

In the attached images will see the landisk that i use.

The problem i have is this:

When connected via USB or Ethernet DIRECTLY to my windows xp pc, i can access the landisk web interface and use it as normal (see attached images).

My internet cafe network consist of 13 windows xp computers, all connected to d-link switches, which connects to my proxy server (linux-squid).

The proxy server is configured with a static ip address. Each network pc also has it's own static ip.

As you will see in the attached images, I have configured the landisk with a static ip which falls in the same ip range as all my other computers.

PROBLEM >>> When the landisk is connected via ethernet cable to the d-link switch (which s connected to the proxy server), I cannot connect to the IP address of the landisk.

I have used several network scanner software, such as ip scanners, port scanners, etc. In all cases the landisk IP is reported as "dead".

However: (see attached images) When I scanned the landisk IP with "Look@lan" software, it could only detect the landisk HTTP and FTP service.

The landisk HTTP service was reported as "lighttpd/1.4.13". I believe this would be the landisk OS (?)

So the main problem i have is that I cannot access the landisk via the LAN.

I have been trying for months now and have search the internet many times.

Please, if anyone here can shed some light I will greatly appreciate it.

Thank you for reading my post.

Best regards,
Jamie.

[CRL]

Hi jamie, I just noticed your thread while moving nas-related ones to the new born forum section for NAS systems.

I hope somebody will be able to help you solving your problem.

Per tutti gli altri: credo che il significato del suo problema sia semplice anche se scritto in inglese, i pc della rete non riconoscono il nas se collegato allo switch di rete, ma vedono i servizi http e ftp. Il nas e tutti i pc hanno ip statici.

Se potete aiutare scrivete anche in italiano, posso tradurre io.

- CRL -

[pegasolabs]

The proxy server is configured with a static ip address. Each network pc also has it's own static ip.
May you summarize the IP configuration and topology of your network?

I see your LANDisk in 2 different networks when directly connected to a PC and when connected to the switch (Look@LAN screenshots).

[jamiebond]

May you summarize the IP configuration and topology of your network?

I see your LANDisk in 2 different networks when directly connected to a PC and when connected to the switch (Look@LAN screenshots).

Thank you for your reply.

I have made a new PDF file with screenshots and a proper explanation of the problem. Also included is a detailed diagram of my network configuration as requested by you.

Please download the PDF (1.6MB) from here >> http://www.box.net/shared/bj832zzdbn

Please have a look at it when you have time. I appreciate everyone's help.

Thank you.

[pegasolabs]

Thank you for your reply.

I have made a new PDF file with screenshots and a proper explanation of the problem. Also included is a detailed diagram of my network configuration as requested by you.

Please download the PDF (1.6MB) from here >> http://www.box.net/shared/bj832zzdbn

Please have a look at it when you have time. I appreciate everyone's help.

Thank you.
Ok, now your network configuration is rather clear and it is correct.
If we can exclude a NAS issue i will move this thread in a proper section.
Why do you think the reason is your proxy server?
Have you tried the network configuration with the switching hub only (temporarily disconnecting your proxy server)?
Have you tried to change the default http and ftp service ports on the NAS appliance?

[jamiebond]

Ok, now your network configuration is rather clear and it is correct.
If we can exclude a NAS issue i will move this thread in a proper section.
Why do you think the reason is your proxy server?
Have you tried the network configuration with the switching hub only (temporarily disconnecting your proxy server)?
Have you tried to change the default http and ftp service ports on the NAS appliance?

Thank you for your reply.

Some months ago I have emailed the manufacturer in Germany regarding this problem. Last night i finally received a reply from them.

The manufacturer of the landisk) said that the problem is not with the LANDISK or the PROXY, but with the HUB.

(FYI: The HUB is fully functional because all the computers connected to it can access the Internet)

He said it seems that the HUB is not sending packets back to the Landisk, and that I have to configure the HUB to allow the LANDISK.

The HUB I am using is a D-Link DE-1812 (12port).
This is now a totally new challenge to me since I have never before configured a HUB. I also do not have the manual or software to access the HUB and I don't know how to determine what the HUB's IP Address is.

So, it seems that I am "back to square 1", and will have to research an entirely new challenge regarding the HUB configuration.

Thank you all for showing interest in my problem.

I will for sure post here any progress i make since it may be of help to someone else.

Thanks again.
Grazie / Buongiorno

Jamie.

[pegasolabs]

This is why i invited you to test your configuration without the proxy. I was sure that the trouble was behind it, since local traffic does not go through the proxy server.
I supposed anyway you used an unmanaged switch. In your case check if you have VLANs defined on your switch and check the feature Dlink calls "per-port intrusion control".

Furthermore i move this thread in the networking section, as there you can get help from a lot of skillful system and network administrators.

Cheers

[jamiebond]

Thank you for your reply and for moving my post to the right forum.

Since my last post I have tried various things....

I think the best thing to do is for me to compile a text file with more detail of my latest findings (scan results, etc). This I will do as soon as I get back to my office tomorrow. These new scan results will proof that my network pc can "talk" to the Landisk via the HUB.

I removed the drive from the enclosure in order to press the reset button located directly on the circuit board. This means that the Landisk is now configured with it's factory default settings, including the default IP.

I then used the 'NMAP' network scanning utility to try and detect the Landisk.

Nmap was able to connect to the Landisk (via the hub) and detected that port 21 (ftp) is open.

Now this tells me that there is "some" kind of communication between the Landisk and the network.

I will report back to you with more findings and detailed logs tomorrow.

Regarding the HUB:

First, keep in mind that I get the same results whether the Proxy is connected or not. (so can we rule out the proxy as an issue ?).

I am willing to agree (or accept) the fact that the problem is caused by an incompatibilty between the HUB and the Landisk. Most likely the HUB being the main issue here.

The D-link DE-1812 hub I'm using is quite old. I do not have any documentation on it and could not find much info on it through google either.
The only documentation i could find was from Dlink's official ftp site but it was for another model, similar to mine, which stipulates that the (firmware?) of the HUB can be configured via a serial interface with a pc.

On the back of the hub is one of these old 9pin or maybe 15pin (can't remember now) serial ports which I assume is used to connect the hub to a pc for configuration.

Can I assume that, if I could get into the hub's configuration settings, it would be possible to change "something" that will allow the Landisk to work with this Hub ?

Or do you agree that I should simply accept the fact that this particular Hub will not solve my problem ?

(Since I run a small network with low budget, I was hoping it would not be necessary to purchase a newer hub (or switch) only to make the Landisk work).

Thank you for showing interest in my problem.

Best regards,
Jamie.

[pegasolabs]

If you get the same results whether the Proxy is connected or not, this should rule out the proxy issue as we already stated before.

The serial port, also known as console port, should allow you to access the switch management using hyperterminal or putty.

For help on the specific switch model, i hope some user here has some experience with Dlink managed switches.

Anyway, don't you own a small soho switch just to test one PC and the NAS?

Cheers

[jamiebond]

If you get the same results whether the Proxy is connected or not, this should rule out the proxy issue as we already stated before.

The serial port, also known as console port, should allow you to access the switch management using hyperterminal or putty.

For help on the specific switch model, i hope some user here has some experience with Dlink managed switches.

Anyway, don't you own a small soho switch just to test one PC and the NAS?

Cheers

I am willing to accept the fact that the problem is on the HUB's side. I am also prepared to buy a new HUB/SWITCH, but before I tell my boss that we have to spend more money, I have to be 100% sure that the problem is in fact the HUB.

During my ongoing search, I came upon this :
------------------------------------------------------
Note that they refer to the manufacturer of the exact same landisk as I have. Also, what was of interest to me is the sentence that read :

"...but none of the people on the mailing list have got it working with networking enabled..."

Here's the link > h**p://tinyhack.com/2008/08/25/tips-for-agestar-ncb3ast/
-------------------------------------------------------

Does this mean anything to you ? Should I wait before replacing my HUB ?

Thanks for your ongoing support.

Regards,
Jamie.

[pegasolabs]

I did not told you to replace your switch yet.
I asked you to try some PCs and the NAS with a 10$ soho 5-port switch.
Just to exclude or confirm an eventual switch issue.

The chance of a firmware bug is real. I would never use a NAS such your in a business environment. It's a cheap appliance as I meant.
:)

Cheers

[jamiebond]

I did not told you to replace your switch yet.
I asked you to try some PCs and the NAS with a 10$ soho 5-port switch.
Just to exclude or confirm an eventual switch issue.

Ok, I appologize for the misunderstanding. I will try and get my hands on a cheap hub/switch to "test", right?


The chance of a firmware bug is real. I would never use a NAS such your in a business environment. It's a cheap appliance as I meant.

Bug in the Firmware ? No wonder the manufacturer blamed the HUB when I emailed them.

Is it possible to replace the landisk's firmware completely? , I don't mean upgrade the firmware (done that already), I mean replace the firmware with another server software of some kind. Is this possible ?

[pegasolabs]

Ok, I appologize for the misunderstanding. I will try and get my hands on a cheap hub/switch to "test", right?

Never apologize :)
Yes, i think it is an inexpensive test to do.
Bug in the Firmware ? No wonder the manufacturer blamed the HUB when I emailed them.
:D
Is it possible to replace the landisk's firmware completely? , I don't mean upgrade the firmware (done that already), I mean replace the firmware with another server software of some kind. Is this possible ?
The forum you linked above seems to concern this kind of operation. I don't know how much this could be easy and successful.

Cheers

[jamiebond]

Yes, i think it is an inexpensive test to do.

The forum you linked above seems to concern this kind of operation. I don't know how much this could be easy and successful.


Thank you for being understanding, and for the good advice you gave me.

I know now, that I will settle for your first suggestion, meaning to get another hub/switch to test. And if then it still fails to work, I guess I will have to settle for USB connect and normal Windows Shares with permissions for the various folders.

Thanks again for your kind support.

I will let you know how it all turns out.

Best wishes,
Jamie.