Configuration and Troubleshooting


Common Problems and Solutions

There are many simple, easy-to-fix problems related to network problems. Review each one of these before going further.

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 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:


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. 

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:


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