There are many simple, easy-to-fix problems related to network problems. Review
each one of these before going further.
-
Check the cable. Use the best available cabling for the
intended data rate.
-
Check that the cable is securely attached at both points.
-
For copper connections, make sure the cable is a 4-pair
Category-5 or better.
-
Make sure the cable length does not exceed specifications.
-
Perform a cable test.
-
Replace the cable.
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Check the link partner (switch, hub, etc.).
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Make sure the link partner is active and can send and
receive traffic.
-
Make sure the adapter and link partner settings match one
another, or are set to
auto-negotiate.
-
Make sure the port is enabled.
-
Re-connect to another available port or another link
partner.
-
Look for adapter hardware problems.
-
Check the driver software.
-
Make sure you are using the latest appropriate drivers for
your adapter from the
Intel support website.
-
Disable (or unload), then re-enable (reload) the driver or
adapter.
-
Check for conflicting settings. Disable advanced settings
such as teaming or VLANs to see if it corrects the problem.
-
Re-install the drivers.
-
Check for recent changes to hardware, software or the
network, that may have disrupted communications.
-
Check the adapter release notes (readme.txt).
-
Check the
Intel support website
for possible documented issues.
-
Select your adapter from the adapter family list.
-
Check the Frequently Asked questions section.
-
Check the Knowledge Base.
-
Check your process monitor and other system monitors.
-
Check to see that there is sufficient processor and memory
capacity to perform networking activity.
-
Look for any unusual activity (or lack of activity).
-
Use network testing programs to check for basic
connectivity.
-
Check your BIOS version and settings.
-
Reboot the computer.
|
Problem
|
Solution
|
|
Your computer cannot find the adapter
|
Make sure your adapter slots are compatible for the type of
adapter you are using:
|
|
Diagnostics pass but the connection fails
|
Make sure the cable is securely
attached, is the proper type and does not exceed the
recommended lengths.
Try running the Sender-Responder diagnostic Test.
Make sure the duplex mode and speed setting on
the adapter matches the setting on the switch. |
|
Another adapter stops working after you installed the Intel® Network Adapter
|
Make sure your PCI BIOS is current. See
PCI / PCI-X / PCI Express Configuration.
Check for interrupt conflicts and sharing problems. Make sure the other adapter supports shared
interrupts. Also, make sure your operating system supports shared interrupts.
Unload all PCI device drivers, then reload all drivers. |
|
Adapter unable to connect to switch at correct speed. Gigabit adapter connects
at 100 Mbps and 10 gigabit adapter connects at 1000 Mbps. |
This is applicable only to copper-based connections. Make sure the adapter and the link partner are set to auto-negotiate.
Verify that you are running the latest operating system
revision for your switch and that the switch is compliant with the proper IEEE
standard:
|
|
The adapter stops working without apparent cause
|
Run the adapter and network tests described under
"Test
the Adapter". |
|
The Link indicator light is off
|
Run the adapter and network tests described under
"Test
the Adapter".
Make sure the proper (and latest) driver is loaded.
Make sure that the link partner is configured to
auto-negotiate (or forced to match adapter)
Verify that the switch is IEEE 802.3ad-compliant. |
| The link light is on, but communications
are not properly established |
Make sure the proper (and latest) driver is
loaded.
Both the adapter and its link partner must be set to either
auto-detect or manually
set to the same speed and duplex settings.
 |
NOTE: The adapter's link indicator
light may be on even if
communications between the adapter and its link partner have not been
properly established. Technically, the link indicator
light
represents the presence of a carrier signal but not necessarily the
ability to properly communicate with a link partner. This is
expected behavior and is consistent with IEEE's specification for
physical layer operation. |
|
| RX or TX light is off |
Network may be idle; try creating traffic while
monitoring the lights.
|
| The diagnostic utility reports the adapter is
"Not enabled by BIOS" |
The PCI BIOS isn't configuring the adapter
correctly. See PCI / PCI-X / PCI Express
Configuration. |
| The computer hangs when the drivers are loaded |
Try changing the PCI BIOS interrupt settings. See
PCI / PCI-X / PCI Express Configuration.
|
| The Fan Fail LED of the 10 Gigabit AT Server
Adapter is on (red) |
The fan cooling solution is not functioning properly. Contact customer
support for further instructions. |
When configuring a multi-adapter environment, you must upgrade all Intel
adapters in the computer to the latest software.
If the adapter is not recognized by your OS or if it does not
work you may need to change some BIOS settings. Try the following
only if you are having problems with the adapter and are familiar with BIOS
settings.
Attaining the best speed requires that many components are operating at peak
efficiency. Among them are the following: