Troubleshooting Ethernet PCI Adapters
2-38 Express5800/320Ma: PCI Adapter Guide
Checking Cables of Ethernet PCI Adapters
If your system cannot communicate with the network using a particular Ethernet port,
make sure that the Ethernet cable is properly connected to the port and that the
ACT/LNK LED on the port is lit. For information about the cables for Ethernet PCI
adapters, see “Cabling Requirements of Ethernet PCI Adapters” on page2-5. Note the
following maximum allowable distance between an Ethernet PCI adapter and a switch.
•The maximum distance between a U575 PCI adapter or an embedded Ethernet
PCI adapter and a hub or switch is 328 ft (100m).
•The maximum distance between a U574 PCI adapter and a switch is 902 ft (275m).
For U575 PCI adapters or embedded Ethernet PCI adapters configured at 100 or 1000
Mbps, low-quality cables might cause signal integrity problems. If a connection using
either of these Ethernet PCI adapters fails to operate at 100 or 1000 Mbps, you can
determine if the cable is at fault by using the same cable but resetting the data rate to
10 Mbps. For more information, see “Configuring Link Speed and Duplex Mode” on
page 2-16.
You can also run diagnostic tests on cables. For more information, see “Using PROSet
Utility Diagnostics” on page 2-41.
Verifying Link Data Rate and Mode
If a problem persists when the network cables are properly attached and the distances
are within acceptable limits, examine the data rate and duplex mode (full or half) of
each Ethernet PCI adapter and its link partner. Verify that these values are appropriate
and that they are supported by both the adapter and the link partner.
For more information, see “Configuring Link Speed and Duplex Mode” on page2-16.
Checking the Network Statistics
If there is a viable link between each Ethernet PCI adapter and its link partner, but
network connectivity is still intermittent, check the network statistics for the individual
adapters and associated teams to see if there are any errors.
Look for the network statistics in the Network Driver tab of a particular adapter or team
in the PROSet utility (Figure 2-24).