Gigabit ethernet problem....

[SP69]

I've a problem...
On AIX 5.1 server, I've configured 3 Gigabit ethernet interfaces with media speed as Auto_Negotiation. Each interface has its own IP address (all three are on the same subnet). I'm connecting these 3 interfaces to a Win2K network through Switch(Extreme networks).
When I ping from Win2k machine on these 3 interfaces, ping works fine, but when I remove the cable from one adapter, the network transmission on the other 2 interfaces gets affected. I get some periodic packet losses. And when I plug back the cable to the adapter the transmission resumes normal.
I checked the configurations, changed the media speed to 100Mbps, looked for all possible options, but didn't helped.
Does anybody know anything about this?
Please help.
SP69

 

[Chapter11]

My first instinct is to tell you to turn auto_negotiate off and set the speed/duplex manually. That goes for just about any IBM network interface I've ever heard of.

Second: when you "pull out the cable", are you downing the interface logically as well? ("ifconfig enX down&quot. If you aren't, and you're pulling the "default" line out, I can imagine getting the results you're seeing.

Have you considered building an etherchannel? I know you can use 2 or 4, not 3, but they have their uses, if it's appropriate to your situation.

 

[SP69]

Thanks for the reply.
I did tried turning off auto_negotiate. It didn't helped.
I'm not downing the interface logically when I'm pulling the cable out because I needed it to test this when there is an adapter failure.
Your suggestion for building an etherchannel might be the solution. Also, I'm thinking of having different subnets for interfaces. That might help.
I spoke with IBM support. They are also saying the same thing.
Thanks anyway.
SP69

 

[Chapter11]

Pulling the cable doesn't simulate an adapter failure, it simulates a cable failure.

 

[SP69]

You are right.
SP69

 

[risc6k]

Hi SP69!!!
My opinion, it's not a adapter error and switch error.
it's seem like default gateway problem.
if you config en0 at "smit minimum configuration"
your adapters communicate thru en0 interface.
so, if you did remove cable at en0, you couldn't communicate
another server.
hope to help
sorry bed english
thanks and regards

 

[SP69]

You are right. en0 has been configured for default gateway.
But even if I remove cable from en1 or en2, it is the same thing.
Anyway thanks for the reply.
SP69