[comp.protocols.tcp-ip.ibmpc] PCNFS causes long pauses

ramsey@NPIRS.Purdue.EDU (Ed Ramsey) (02/27/91)

I have had users starting to complain about long (10-20 sec)
pauses during any type of PC/NFS activity.  We have 15 pcs using
a sparcstation 1+ as a server, and when they telnet to our server
to run mail or news they encounter unpredictable pauses during
their telnet session.

I haven't been able to pin this down much closer, other than to
note that every time there is a pause the "blip" stays on,
indicating (I think) that there is a "hung" network call on the
pc side.  I have never had any pauses or problems on the server,
which I use as a workstation.

Any suggestions as to what the problem might be would be
appreciated.

-Ed

Ed Ramsey   ramsey@npirs.purdue.edu     317/494-6616    fax 317/494-0535
There is nothing more important to me than knowing Jesus as He really is.

robert@swanee.ee.uwa.oz.au (Roberto Togneri) (02/28/91)

In <1991Feb27.155533.22533@NPIRS.Purdue.EDU> ramsey@NPIRS.Purdue.EDU (Ed Ramsey) writes:

>I have had users starting to complain about long (10-20 sec)
>pauses during any type of PC/NFS activity.  We have 15 pcs using
>a sparcstation 1+ as a server, and when they telnet to our server
>to run mail or news they encounter unpredictable pauses during
>their telnet session.

Hmm, we have the same problem with our sparcstation 2. Interestingly, the Irises we
also have on our network seem to respond much faster. Both file copying and
YP domain serving (ala NET YPSET * ) from our sparcstation is really slow. 
Physically our sparcstation is the farthest away from our PC's. However 
unix-to-unix communication (Iris to Sparc, outside hosts to sparc) is 
normal, so this seems to eliminate the ethernet transceiver or cabling
as the problem.

Also when copying from a PC to a networked unix drive (NET USE G: \\rama\ )
some files just hang the PC with the blip staying on. This happens for
both the Sparc and Iris hosts. Even with rcp and ftp transfers this
will occur.

--
Dr. Roberto Togneri                         Phone: +61-9-380-2535
Dept. of Electrical & Electronic Engineering
The University of Western Australia         Fax:   +61-9-380-1065
NEDLANDS WA 6009 Australia                  Email: robert@swanee.ee.uwa.oz.au

remaker@brahms.amd.com (Phillip Remaker) (02/28/91)

I believe the long pauses in some cases were due to a software bug
fixed in PC-NFS rev 3.0.1 patch level B.  

I know for a fact that with Class A addresses this was a problem, as
the PC would arp for a non existent host on the network.

Another problem may be card conflicts in your PC.  My favorite stupid
PC-NFS trick is to remove all cards but the ethernet card and keep 
adding cards until it breaks!  Love those IRQ conflicts.

Seriously:  Get the latest software rev, especially if you use Class A
addresses.


--
Phillip A. Remaker A.M.D. M/S 167 P.O. Box 3453 Sunnyvale, CA 94088-3000
TCP/IP internetworking from hell. DoD #185 remaker@amd.com  408-749-2552   
   Things to do today:  1) Get a clue.  2) Get a job.  3) Get a life.