Media Sense not working

[Chris Terpening]

I have Windows 2k SP4 on an HP Proliant DL380 with an
Intel GB fiber NIC and Media Sense is apparently not
working. I found Q239924 that explains how to disable it.
http://support.microsoft.com/Default.aspx?kbid=239924

I don't want to disable it; I want to know why it doesn't
appear to work. It is connected to Alcatel switch gear and
in the past we have had issues with the UPS this server is
connected to. During power outages or brown outs when the
switch would be rebooted the server doesn't see the lost
of connectivity. I have the latest Intel drivers on
server.

As far as I can tell I can not find any issue with the
server but I am not ruling out anything. I only work with
the servers and desktops, I have been assured by my co-
worker that maintains the switches that it isn't the
switches but neither of us can find anything then it must
be something neither of us know.

I am also having issues with XP desktops and I am
wondering if I can find an issue with the server, my next
questions will be is there maybe issues with the desktops
and Media Sense.


Thanks

Chris Terpening MCSE A+
Computer Services Manager
Hamilton Southeastern Schools
(e-mail address removed)12.in.us

 

[Herb Martin]

I have Windows 2k SP4 on an HP Proliant DL380 with an
Intel GB fiber NIC and Media Sense is apparently not
working. I found Q239924 that explains how to disable it.
http://support.microsoft.com/Default.aspx?kbid=239924

Caveat: I don't know the answer for sure but two
thoughts occur immediately:

1) Is the NIC set for this type of connection?
(NIC->Properties->General-tab->Configure usually)
Make sure you are set to one of the connection types
that include media sensing, e.g., 100Mpbs+Media etc.)

2) Perhaps the NIC is interpreting (incorrectly?) the mere
presence of the network cable as "media" OR you have
an intermediate Hub or multiport repeater in the system.

Note this is likely a HARDWARE issue and you might with
to ask support at the NIC manufacturer first, and the switch
vendor second.

 

[Chris Terpening]

Thanks Herb,

1) The server is hard coded set to 1000 Full, if I unplug the fiber I will
get the ballon saying it has lost a connection. So Media Sense works but I
wonder if the switch comes back up fast enough before it is noticed. When it
happens it loses connectiviy to everywhere else, my tier 1 tech just reboots
the server but you can also disable and renable the NIC

2) This server is at one of our Elementary schools, it has fiber running
straight into the core switch. The core switch is a bit older but I am told
all of the firmware is up to date.

 

[Herb Martin]

Thanks Herb,

1) The server is hard coded set to 1000 Full, if I unplug the fiber I will
get the ballon saying it has lost a connection. So Media Sense works but I
wonder if the switch comes back up fast enough before it is noticed. When it
happens it loses connectiviy to everywhere else, my tier 1 tech just reboots
the server but you can also disable and renable the NIC

What happens if you just switch of the switch?

With the cable still plugged in, does the server
notice the loss?

If not, then the cable is sufficient to indicate LINK,
and if not it is a timing issue perhaps.

2) This server is at one of our Elementary schools, it has fiber running
straight into the core switch. The core switch is a bit older but I am told
all of the firmware is up to date.