layer 2 switching

[kyle]

Hi everybody,

I have a question if you dont mind me ask.

I have 2 LAN networks in 2 different locations,lets say L1 and L2, they are trunked with 5mbits link with 2 cisco 2900 switches.

L2 has servers,and L1 is accessing these servers very well.

and L1 has printers in its own network, BUT when it comes to print something from L2 servers , printer randomly working.
when printer is restarted, it starts working.

what can you guys suggest about this issue?

Thank you,

if you need more information, please let me know.

[wimiadmin]

When this happens, are you at L1?

When this happens, can the computers at L1 print to the printers at L1 without the printers needing a reboot?

Are these printers connected directly to the LAN or shared on a PC?

I think this is going to boil down to a timeout issue where the printer sort of goes in to sleep mode and when it wakes up, your connection has been lost. See if the printer has a refresh setting or maybe something related to TTL. Also see if you can turn off the sleep or hibernate setting to see if this helps.

[kyle]

Yes, L1 can use its own printer very well locally.
It is having problem when it comes to printer something over L2 servers.
Printer is directly connected to network.
It is said that if I use Layer 3 switching, instead of Layer 2, problem might be solved.
Before doing that, I would like to have easier solution, if there is.
Thank you

[wimiadmin]

Yeah....if the L1 users can print to L1 printers then it's a timeout issue.

I would see if there are timeout settings on the printer(s) since that's free before moving to Layer 3 since there will be cost involved. I'm not familiar enough with Layer 2 vs. Layer 3 to know that making this switch will solve your problem. Perhaps another forum member with more experience in this area will chime in.

[kyle]

I will check that, in the meantime any other ideas are welcome.
Thank You