Novell NETWARE 6-DOCUMENTATION Manual page 1847

136 Internetwork Packet Exchange
After you have determined that there is a local connectivity problem,
check whether there are any systems in the Initializing state in IPXCON
(parameter path: Select NLSP Information > Neighbors). You might need
to exit and enter the Neighbors window several times over several
minutes. Also check for any systems that do not have names associated
with them. Any system without a name has not transmitted its LSP to the
Designated Router.
If you find any system that enters the Initializing state, then you have
identified a connectivity problem between that system and the Designated
Router. If you have not identified any such system, then it is still possible
for a router to lose connectivity occasionally. Select the entry in the NLSP
Neighbor table of the router that does not have connectivity (parameter
path: Select NLSP Information > Neighbors). There is an initial holding
time for the system. By default, every system sends a Hello packet on a
LAN every 15 to 20 seconds. You can see whether the Designated Router
is receiving all the Hello packets from the system by comparing the
packets sent to the packets received.
If you still cannot determine the problem with the system, and if you have
the routing software located on the LAN, then load IPXPING at the
console prompt. Set the PING send rate to zero and check to determine
whether packets are being dropped. A packet dropped every once in a
while should not cause concern; however, if more than 1 percent of the
packets are dropped, there is a problem with the router or server. The
problem could be caused by the software or hardware. To determine
whether there is a problem with the software, restart the PC. If the
problem continues, install a new interface board.
Check connectivity between the Designated Router and another system.
The Designated Router might be dropping packets or be the source of the
problem.
Cause 2 —Problem with the underlying media.
Look at LAN/WAN information in MONITOR and check for errors. Errors
are specific to the media; therefore, press F1 (for online help) to see what
different errors mean. Most errors indicate that there is a problem with the
server's or router's network interface board. These errors could be caused by
the software or hardware. To determine whether there is a problem with the
software, restart the PC. If the problem continues, install a new interface
board.