Smoothwall NIC Up/Down

[chinesewhispers]

I'm trying to track down network/internet problems, and have this repeatedly in the Kernel log.

 

Dec 10 12:49:54 swg Kernel [666181.452460] e1000e 0000:02:00.0 ethB: NIC Link is Down

Dec 10 12:49:58 swg Kernel [666185.374888] e1000e 0000:02:00.0 ethB: NIC Link is Up 1000 Mbps Full Duplex, Flow Control: None

 

It's mostly ethB (which I think is the port to the ISP router) but has occurred over the other NICs too. I have an 'urgent' case open with Smoothwall, but as yet, no reply. It's logged randomly, but in each case it's for around 0 - 6 seconds, and several times a day.

 

It'll explain why our internet has been unreliable, and why our new VOIP system has been dropping packets.

 

Is this more likely to be the SW box, or other devices? Anybody with similar experiences?

 

Oh, this has been going on for months and I've only just discovered this...

[Joeloman]

A few things to look at as this are a fairly common problem.

 

1. Bad Ethernet Cables

This is one of the easiest fixes, just replace the Ethernet cables and start monitoring again.

 

2. Old e1000e network drivers

How up to date is your system?

With the Leeds-48 have new driver.

 

3. The system is overloaded

The error then occurs only when there is a lot of traffic but never during the night etc.

May be due to incorrectly set up system such as scanning everything for viruses or that the hardware is not intended for a new bandwidth.

Take a look at the logs and the load on the system, as the problem arises.

 

4. Failing NIC

Swap the NIC for a new one, If you have any unused in the system.

If you have your own hardware, change the NIC.

 

5. Failing Switch Port

Try is to change the switch port where this failing Nic is connected to.

 

6. There are a few different things you can turn off if the system is overloaded, but it should never be needed in a normal set.

But may be worth doing if you need to change hardware, but we can take it then.

[chinesewhispers]

SW did get back to me late on Friday.

 

They've updated the driver (despite us already being on Leeds-53) which was causing the 'flapping' on and off.

 

Fingers crossed now, (though this has raised other issues!).

 

Thanks for your response, I've spent a lot of time (and money) trying all sorts, including those from the above list where I can.