Unidentified network after adding a 8 port switch to my office network.

[abhi_gunner]

Hi I have a small office with around 15 PCs. My network config is that I have a Tp Link TL-R470T+ Load balance Router. The router's 2 WAN ports have an ADSL internet and a Cable internet. It also acts as a DHCP server.

Now from the router there are two Lan cables, the first one goes to my DLink DES-1024D 24 Port unmanaged switch and the second one to a wireless router for WiFi.

We had around 10 PCs and 5-7 mobile devices and 4 Printers with Google Cloud Print on the network with this setup and they were working properly. Now a few days back we added 5 new Win 10 assembled PC's to the network. This was done using a 8 Port Dlink 100 Mbps switch. A CAT5 cable was run from the 24 port switch to the 8 port switch and the new PCs were attached to the switch. This worked fine for a couple of days. But suddenly from the last 3 days all pcs on the network show unidentified network as the status until the new 8 port switch is switched off. Please help as to what the issue can be.

I will be trying the following:
1. Trying to run a Cat 6 cable from router to 24 port switch and another Cat 6 cable from 24 port to 8 port.
2. Trying a replacement 8 port switch.

I also apologize in advance for any formatting or under/over sharing of info as this is my first time posting. Thanks in advance.

 

[camieabz]

Have you tried a crossover cable between the switches?

 

[abhi_gunner]

Have you tried a crossover cable between the switches?

I have not tried it. But I was under the impression that modern switches can automatically detect and set the mode.
Still I will try to do it as soon as I get my crimping tool.

 

[camieabz]

Or buy a crossover adapter, and save on crimping jobs when testing.

 

[abhi_gunner]

Ok will try to see if my local guy has it. Otherwise will have to order online and wait a few days.