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Connectivity problems

Use this information to resolve issues related to the connectivity between the compute node and the Ethernet network.

A compute node cannot connect to the data network (Ethernet) during initial setup

Complete the following steps until the problem is solved:
  1. If you have just updated the firmware for one or more devices in the chassis (I/O module, CMM 2, etc), install the previous level of firmware.

  2. Make sure that:
    • The I/O module is powered on and the appropriate ports are enabled on the I/O module.

    • All cables between the I/O module and the network device (switch or router) are properly connected and secure, and that the activity LEDs are lit on the appropriate ports.

  3. From the compute node operating system, verify the network settings, such as IP address, subnet mask (if using IPv4), DHCP settings, and vLAN settings, to ensure that the settings match the settings of the network device. See the documentation for the operating system for information about checking network settings.

  4. From the compute node operating system, make sure that the network device is active. See the documentation for the operating system for information about viewing network devices.

  5. Check the Lenovo support Web site for any firmware updates that might apply to this issue. You can view the release notes for a firmware update to determine the issues addressed by the update.

  6. Check the Lenovo support Web site for any service bulletins that are related to network connectivity.

  7. (Trained service technician only) Perform the following steps:

    1. Force the Link/duplex speed.

    2. Check the connectors on the I/O module to ensure that there are no bent pins.

    3. Check the connectors on the chassis midplane to ensure there are no bent pins.

    4. Remove the I/O module and install a working I/O module in the same I/O module bay.

    5. If the problem is resolved, replace the I/O module that you removed.

Intermittently, a compute node cannot connect to the data network (Ethernet)

Complete the following steps until the problem is solved:
  1. Make sure that the network cables are correctly connected in the switch module ports and the switch module is correctly seated.

  2. Update the NIC device driver, or the storage device controller device driver.

  3. See the documentation for the I/O module for resolving connectivity issues.

Multiple compute nodes cannot connect to the data network (Ethernet) during initial setup

Complete the following steps until the problem is solved:
  1. Make sure that:
    • The I/O module is powered on and the appropriate ports are enabled on the I/O module.

    • All cables between the I/O module and the network device (switch or router) are properly connected and secure, and that the activity LEDs are lit on the appropriate ports.

  2. From the compute node operating system, verify the network settings, such as IP address, subnet mask (if using IPv4), DHCP settings, and vLAN settings, to ensure that the settings match the settings of the network device. See the documentation for the operating system for information about checking network settings.

  3. From the compute node operating system, make sure that the network device is active. See the documentation for the operating system for information about viewing network devices.

  4. Make sure that the proper device drivers are installed for the compute node Ethernet device.

  5. Check the Lenovo support Web site for any firmware updates that might apply to this issue. You can view the release notes for a firmware update to determine the issues addressed by the update.

  6. Remove the compute node from the chassis and check the connectors at the back of the node for bent pins. If the pins are bent, contact Lenovo Support. See Removing a compute node from a chassis.

  7. Install the compute node in another compute node bay to see if the problem persists. See Installing a compute node in a chassis. If the problem persists, make sure that this compute node is connected to a port that has been enabled and that the vLAN settings enable that port to connect to the network.

  8. Check the Lenovo support Web site for any service bulletins that are related to network connectivity.

  9. (Trained service technician only) Perform the following steps:

    1. Force the Link/duplex speed.

    2. Check the connectors on the I/O module to ensure that there are no bent pins.

    3. Check the connectors on the chassis midplane to ensure there are no bent pins.

    4. Remove the I/O module and install a working I/O module in the same I/O module bay.

    5. If the problem is resolved, replace the I/O module that you removed.

Intermittently, multiple compute nodes cannot connect to the data network (Ethernet)

Complete the following steps until the problem is solved:
  1. Using the diagnostic tools that are provided by the device manufacturer, test the I/O module that the devices are connected to.

  2. Attempt to connect one compute node to the network first, and connect other compute nodes, one by one, to try to isolate the problem.

  3. Update the I/O module firmware, if necessary.

    Note

    Restarting the compute node and running POST diagnostics on the I/O module might also help isolate the problem; however, this might have other ramifications to the network.