Resolving The Problem

Symptom

A duplicate MAC address problem exists with some of the IBM Dual Port 10/100 Ethernet Server Adapters (IBM marketing part number (P/N) 22P4901). This is a manufacturing issue.

22P4901 is a dual port adapter, there are 2 separate 10/100 Ethernet adapters on the same board, each having its own MAC address. It was found that 22P4901 adapters built in lots between work week 22 to 47 in 2001 have the duplicate MAC address problem.
The manufacturing program used to assign MAC addresses to those adapters incorrectly increments only once, instead of twice, as it goes from one board to the next. As a result, the same MAC address assigned to the second port of one card is assigned again to the first port of the next card.

For example: 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, 4-5, 5-6, .etc.

If adapters with duplicate MAC addresses are used in the same LAN segment of a network, users will run into loss of network connectivity or functionality or may receive an error message indicating duplicate MAC addresses. There is no problem if the cards are run in separate LAN segments.

NOTE: Adapters built before work week 22 or after work week 47 do not have the problem.

All adapters in IBM stocks worldwide have been replaced with good adapters. This tip is for handling any escaped adapter in the field.
A software tool to correct escaped adapters is provided within this tip.

Affected Configuration

This problem can occur in any server system and network if duplicate adapters are used in the same LAN segment.

Solution

All affected adapters in IBM stocks have been replaced with good adapters.

For escaped adapters in the field, a software tool for assigning new MAC addresses to each affected adapter has been provided.

How to identify bad parts and how to use the MAC Address Re-assignment tool

Identifying affected parts
The build work week information for the adapter is on the MAC Address white label on the top side (components side) of the adapter.
After the MAC Address, to the right, you will see WWYSS.

• WW is the number for the work week.
• Y is the last number of the year the adapter is built.
• SS is the manufacturing site.
  
  For example, 221AD means: Built in work week 22 of year 2001 at AD site. Any adapter between 221AD and 471AD range is affected.

MAC Address Re-assignment Tool

• Download DPUPDATE.EXE from the IBM Web Support site.
• Extract the image into a diskette.
• With the adapter(s) in the system, boot up the system with the diskette. The update program will execute automatically to assign new MAC addresses for the adapter(s).
• This program is designed to assign a unique pair of new MAC addresses to each specific adapter based on its previous assignments. And it will detect and not assign new addresses to any adapter that is already updated.

Before running the tool, uninstall the adapters completely from the operating system. After running the tool, shutdown the system, reboot, and re-install the NICs in the OS.