Configuration and Troubleshooting

• Common Problems and Solutions

• Multiple Adapters

• PCI / PCI-X / PCI Express Configuration

• Other Performance Issues

Common Problems and Solutions

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.

• Check the link partner (switch, hub, etc.).

  • 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.

  • Re-seat the adapter.

  • Insert the adapter in another slot.

  • Check for conflicting or incompatible hardware devices and settings.

  • Replace the adapter.

• 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).

  • The Known Issues section may have specific troubleshooting information for your configuration.

• 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.

  • Use the latest appropriate BIOS for your computer.

  • Make sure the settings are appropriate for your computer.

• Reboot the computer.

The following troubleshooting table assumes that you have already reviewed the common problems and solutions.
 

Problem	Solution
Your computer cannot find the adapter	Make sure your adapter slots are compatible for the type of adapter you are using: PCI Express v1.0 (or newer) PCI-X v2.0 PCI slots are v2.2
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: IEEE 802.3ad-compliant (gigabit over copper)  IEEE 802.3an-compliant (10 gigabit over copper)
The device does not connect at the expected speed.	When Gigabit Master/Slave mode is forced to "master" mode on both the Intel adapter and its link partner, the link speed obtained by the Intel adapter may be lower than expected.
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.

Multiple Adapters

When configuring a multi-adapter environment, you must upgrade all Intel adapters in the computer to the latest software.

If the computer has trouble detecting all adapters, consider the following:

• If you enable Wake on LAN* (WoL) on more than two adapters, the Wake on LAN feature may overdraw your system’s auxiliary power supply, resulting in the inability to boot the system and other unpredictable problems. For multiple desktop/management adapters, it is recommended that you install one adapter at a time and use the IBAUtil utility (ibautil.exe in \APPS\BOOTAGNT) to disable the WoL feature on adapters that do not require WoL capabilities. On server adapters, the WoL feature is disabled by default.

• Adapters with Intel Boot Agent enabled will require a portion of the limited start up memory for each adapter enabled. Disable the service on adapters that do not need to boot Pre-Boot Execution Environment (PXE).

PCI / PCI-X / PCI Express Configuration

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. 

• Check to see that the "Plug-and-Play" setting is compatible with the operating system you are using.

• Make sure the slot is enabled.

• Install the adapter in a bus-master slot.

• Configure interrupts for level-triggering, as opposed to edge-triggering.

• Reserve interrupts and/or memory addresses. This prevents multiple buses or bus slots from using the same interrupts. Check the BIOS for IRQ options for PCI / PCI-X / PCIe.

Here are some examples of BIOS parameters:

PCI / PCI-X / PCIe slot #: Slot where the adapter is installed
Master: ENABLED
Slave: ENABLED
Latency timer: 40 - 80
Interrupt: Choose any one of several that the BIOS provides.
Edge-level: Level

The exact wording of the parameters varies with different computers.

Other Performance Issues

Attaining the best speed requires that many components are operating at peak efficiency. Among them are the following:

• Cable quality and length - Do not exceed the maximum recommended length for your cable type. Shorter lengths often provide better results. Check for loose or damaged connectors. Check the cable for kinked or damaged sections. 

• Bus speed and traffic - The PCI bus speed accommodates the slowest PCI card installed. Check to see if you have a card that is slowing down your system.

• Processor and Memory - Check your performance monitoring programs to see if traffic is being affected by your processor speed, available memory or other processes.

• Transmission frame size - Your network performance may be enhanced by adjusting or maximizing the transmission frame size. Operating systems, switches and adapters will impose varying limits on maximum frame size. See the discussion on Jumbo Frames for your OS.

• Operating System - Networking feature implementation will vary by operating system version, such as offloading and multiprocessor threading.

Last modified on 8/21/08 11:09a Revision