Question Server unable to connect to network unexpectedly

[TekkitBeasting]

[Moderator note: edited post to break up a solid paragraph of of text.]



Hi all!

Apologies if this isn't the correct place to ask, I am kind of at a loss and not too familiar with threads like these.

So to start, this Sunday at 2:07 AM,

I got a message from some of my friends saying my game servers I host went down. I checked my network monitoring app and saw that both the VMs and the server hosting those VMs lost connection to my network.

I wasn't home at the time, but once I got back on Monday night, I checked the server and it was still on and running. I unplugged the cable from the server and put it back in, still nothing. I then checked the router and noticed a bit of plastic broken off right below the port I was using.

I pulled the cable out and it was broken somehow; the bottom plastic bit was entirely gone and two or three of the contact pads were gone too. I have no idea how this could've happened as I inspected the cable before plugging it in (I had just set it back up two or three weeks prior as we had changed ISPs and routers).

I replaced the cable and tried the same port, but, while the green connectivity light was on, it wasn't showing any data transfer. I then tried to change the ports on the router, and it showed some data transfer, but when trying to ping anything in the network or checking the monitoring app, it wasn't working.

I reset my network settings on the device itself, didn't work. I changed the static IP I gave it, no luck.

I tried DHCP, but it wasn't even able to recieve a new IP.

I tried known working ports on the router and still nothing.

I have no real idea what could've caused this nor do I have any clue what a solution could be.

I can provide information on the server I am using and on the router if that would help.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

Additional information:

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX
Memory: 32G DDR5 6000 MHz
PSU: Unknown - included within minipc which is running server things. (Beelink EQR6)
Peripherals: Keyboard and monitor (only when needed)
Connection: Only wired.
OS: Debian - Proxmox

 

[TekkitBeasting]

As for "double surge protector" remember that surge protectors are designed to absorb up to only a certain amount of energy (Joules).

Cummulative: One big hit or multiple small hits - once the Joule limit is hit there is no more protection. And, daisy chaining surge protectors and/or UPSs is not recommended.

Storms are a problem for sure. However all that is needed for a power surge is something like a car hitting a power pole, someone digging and hitting an underground cable (power or otherwise).

Overall, my sense is that there has been a "perfect storm" (no pun intended) of sorts: wrong cable, poor quality, some electrical event, all resulting in an electrical surge heading for the server.

You may be fortunate that the cable/plug took the hit.

FYI and you can easily find other similar links and explanations. Keep in mind that some are likely disguised marketing...

https://lenhartelectric.com/blog/do-surge-protectors-go-bad/

https://www.galvinpower.org/do-surge-protectors-go-bad/

Check your surge protection. Devices and connectivity.

I meant double as in, the powerstrip both the router and server were plugged into has an inbuilt surge protector and the outlet which the power strip was plugged into also has a surge protector.

There had been some major thunderstorms in the days prior to it going down, but I checked the wires and everything seemed to be okay. Nothing else was damage or impacted and nothing lost power either. Someone did hit a powerpole a few weeks back, but that was before I changed routers iirc.

That may be the case. I got USB - Ethernet adapter to test. I've gotta fiddle with the settings first since it shows connectivity but no activity, I've gotta go through and enable it in settings or something. If that fixes it, maybe something like that did happen then.

 

[Ralston18]

I do not and would not put much trust in powerstrip surge protection.

Powerstrips: make, model, how many outlets, rated Joules? Sometimes only some of the outlets are protected.

Damage may not be visible.

 

[evermorex76]

the outlet which the power strip was plugged into also has a surge protector.

Not really supposed to do that. Should be using a non-suppressing multi-outlet power tap. Just like you shouldn't plug a suppressor into a UPS.

 

[TekkitBeasting]

Not really supposed to do that. Should be using a non-suppressing multi-outlet power tap. Just like you shouldn't plug a suppressor into a UPS.

Wasn't really aware. We've been doing that for as long as I could remember. I know you should never plug a powerstrip into a powerstrip, didn't think this would be an issue though.

 

[TekkitBeasting]

I do not and would not put much trust in powerstrip surge protection.

Powerstrips: make, model, how many outlets, rated Joules? Sometimes only some of the outlets are protected.

Damage may not be visible.

I'll have to see if I can find the information for it, I am currently out of the house.