[net.works] Need Help With Sun Ethernet Problems

howell@unc.UUCP (William Howell) (07/31/86)

We have a large number of Sun workstations configured into a 
network of 7 file servers and approximately 50 diskless client
workstations.  Since installing the machines we have experienced
a collection of what appears to be ethernet related problems or
at least that is what the error messages on the Suns lead you to 
believe it is.  

The original batch of machines were 2/170s with 2/50 clients 
running UNIX 2.0.  We have now added a 3/160 with some 3/75s 
running UNIX 3.0.  We have noted that the error messages are 
much more common on the 3s than they are on the 2s.  

The messages that we are receiving on the Suns (in no particular
order) are these:  (Not all Suns produce all messages.)

		ie0: Ethernet jammed
		ie0: no carrier
		ie0: iebark reset
		ie: cmd not accepted
		panic: iechkcca

We have VAXes, a DG, and Masscomps sharing this same ethernet and
none are complaining of any problem, only the Suns.  Further, in
general, there is no apparent negative result to all of these 
messages.  They just show up for awhile then go away, although
crashes have been associated with some on occassion.

Sun has been unable to provide any information or analysis of what 
might be causing these messages.  Has anyone else experienced them?  
Has anyone figured out what causes them?

Thanks in advance

----------

		  William E. Howell
		  Director of Computer Services
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