Solving Ethernet Controller Problems; Solving Undetermined Problems - IBM x3250 M3 Problem Determination And Service Manual

Solving Ethernet controller problems

The method that you use to test the Ethernet controller depends on which operating
system you are using. See the operating-system documentation for information
about Ethernet controllers, and see the Ethernet controller device-driver readme file.
Try the following procedures:
v Make sure that the correct device drivers, which come with the server are
v Make sure that the Ethernet cable is installed correctly.
v Determine whether the hub supports auto-negotiation. If it does not, try
v Check the Ethernet controller LEDs on the rear panel of the server. These LEDs
v Check the LAN activity LED on the rear of the server. The LAN activity LED is lit
v Check for operating-system-specific causes of the problem.
v Make sure that the device drivers on the client and server are using the same
If the Ethernet controller still cannot connect to the network but the hardware
appears to be working, the network administrator must investigate other possible
causes of the error.

Solving undetermined problems

If the diagnostic tests did not diagnose the failure or if the server is inoperative, use
the information in this section.
If you suspect that a software problem is causing failures (continuous or
intermittent), see "Software problems" on page 71.
Damaged data in CMOS memory or damaged server firmware can cause
undetermined problems. To reset the CMOS data, use the CMOS jumper to clear
the CMOS memory and override the power-on password; see "System-board
switches and jumpers" on page 16. If you suspect that the server firmware is
damaged, see "Recovering the server firmware" on page 113.
If the power supplies are working correctly, complete the following steps:
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IBM System x3250 M3 Types 4251, 4252, and 4261: Problem Determination and Service Guide
installed and that they are at the latest level.
– The cable must be securely attached at all connections. If the cable is
attached but the problem remains, try a different cable.
– If you set the Ethernet controller to operate at 100 Mbps, you must use
Category 5 cabling.
– If you directly connect two servers (without a hub), or if you are not using a
hub with X ports, use a crossover cable. To determine whether a hub has an
X port, check the port label. If the label contains an X, the hub has an X port.
configuring the integrated Ethernet controller manually to match the speed and
duplex mode of the hub.
indicate whether there is a problem with the connector, cable, or hub.
– The Ethernet link status LED is lit when the Ethernet controller receives a link
pulse from the hub. If the LED is off, there might be a defective connector or
cable or a problem with the hub.
– The Ethernet transmit/receive activity LED is lit when the Ethernet controller
sends or receives data over the Ethernet network. If the Ethernet
transmit/receive activity is off, make sure that the hub and network are
operating and that the correct device drivers are installed.
when data is active on the Ethernet network. If the LAN activity LED is off, make
sure that the hub and network are operating and that the correct device drivers
are installed.
protocol.