Following are some items you should keep in mind when troubleshooting ARCnet:
ARCnet active hubs will usually partition off a segment that exhibits problems that might interrupt other network activity. Thus, if a node fails, you should examine all the components between the hub and the network card.
Network analyzers, including small, handheld models, can be used to check for cable problems.
If a port on the hub is suspected to be the problem, terminate the port and insert the cable in another port.
As with all network adapters, you can try inserting the card in a different slot in the computer or device, or swap out the card with one known to work, to determine whether the problem lies in the network card.
When using a bus technology with coaxial cable, be sure that both ends of the segment are terminated properly, either by a terminator or by being plugged into a hub port.
All BNC T-connectors on a coaxial cable should be examined to be sure that they are connected tightly to the network adapter, as well as to the two cable segments they connect.
If using twisted-pair wiring, check the vendor's specifications to ensure that you are using the correct pin-out for the adapter or hub.
Standard Ethernet twisted-pair cables will most likely not work, so be sure you're using the correct cable when installing a new node.
As with any LAN networking technology, check to be sure that you've observed the distance and number of node limits imposed by the topology you choose. For example, when adding a hub to an existing network, be sure that the cables attached will not exceed the total network diameter and that the nodes attached to the hub will not exceed the 255-node limit for the LAN.
