IBM Support

IBM AIX Diagnostic Tool "fcerr_stat.sh": FC SFP Analyzer to inspect the quality of the physical link between a fibre channel adapter and SAN switch

General Page

This document describes the fcerr_stat.sh tool, its options, and use cases.

AIX Support Analysis Tool

NAME
fcerr_stat.sh

 

PURPOSE
Diagnostic tool to inspect the quality of the physical link between a fibre channel adapter and SAN switch.

 

SYNTAX
fcerr_stat.sh [Flag] 

FLAGS

-s  Collect snap for IBM Support + analysis
(no flag) Run analysis only
 

DESCRIPTION
The fcerr_stat.sh command is an AIX diagnostic tool used to inspect the quality of the physical link between a fibre channel adapter and SAN switch. 

The script generates analysis and problem initial recommendations, as well as first failure data capture for further IBM Support engagement.

The tool is considered safe to run in a production environment.

 
USAGE

fcerr_stat.sh performs initial connectivity assessment of all physical Fibre Channel adapter ports using the fcstat -e command, and delivers analysis with suggested actions.

 

 
DEPENDENCIES:

 

The AIX fcstat command's flag -e is added for FC HBAs that has data rates equal to or more than 16Gb from the following releases onwards:

  • AIX 7.3 TL2 SP1, AIX 7.2 TL5 SP7

  • VIOS 4.1.0.10, VIOS 3.1.4.31

    Install fcerr_stat.sh on the supported versions only.

 

DOWNLOAD

NOTE: The fcerr_stat.sh script is provided as a courtesy, and it is provided as-is, without warranty and without guarantee of having no defects. 
 
1) Download and install fcerr_stat.260501.epkg.Z using the emgr command as root. No reboot required.
 

# emgr -e fcerr_stat.260501.epkg.Z

After installation, the tool is available in ./tmp directory. 

 

 

EXAMPLE
The following snippet of data is an output generated upon running fcerr_stat.sh on a Virtual I/O Server. 

[oem_setup_env @ vio1] /tmp

./fcerr_stat.sh

Scanning FC ports...
fcs0 is switch-attached
fcs1 is not-cabled / unused port (has 'none')
fcs10 is switch-attached
fcs12 is not-cabled / unused port (has 'none')
fcs13 is not-cabled / unused port (has 'none')
fcs14 is switch-attached
fcs15 is not-cabled / unused port (has 'none')
fcs16 is switch-attached
fcs17 is not-cabled / unused port (has 'none')
fcs2 is switch-attached
fcs3 is not-cabled / unused port (has 'none')
fcs4 is switch-attached
fcs5 is not-cabled / unused port (has 'none')
fcs6 is not-cabled / unused port (has 'none')
fcs7 is not-cabled / unused port (has 'none')
fcs8 is switch-attached
fcs9 is not-cabled / unused port (has 'none')

Starting fcstat collection. Please wait...

=== END OF DATA COLLECTION ===

=== SFP SUMMARY ===
Port | Status
---------+-------
fcs0 | OK
fcs10 | OK
fcs14 | OK
fcs16 | OK
fcs2 | OK
fcs4 | OK
fcs8 | LOW RX

==============================================================

SUMMARY OF ANALYSIS & RECOMMENDATIONS

==============================================================

RECOMMENDATION: Non-cabled ports detected:
fcs1
fcs12
fcs13
fcs15
fcs17
fcs3
fcs5
fcs6
fcs7
fcs9
Verify cabling or follow procedure https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/1284358

RECOMMENDATION: Low RX Power detected.
fcs8
Contact SAN switch vendor.

If problems persist, collect 'fcerr_stat.sh -s' and send to IBM Support.

==============================================================
Script finished successfully
Collected data file: /tmp/ibmsupt/testcase/fcstat_e_20260501_054303.out
Detailed debug log: /tmp/ibmsupt/testcase/fcerr_stat_debug.log
Duration: 5 seconds
==============================================================

AIX SUPPORT:

If you require more assistance, use the following step-by-step instructions to contact IBM to open a case for software with an active and valid support contract.  

a.  Capture snap data from the sever experiencing the problem using fcerr_stat.sh.

b.  Contact IBM to open a case:

   -For electronic support, please visit the IBM Support Community:
     https://www.ibm.com/mysupport
   -If you require telephone support, please visit the web page:
      https://www.ibm.com/planetwide/

c.  Provide a good description of your issue and if any changes were made to the system.

d.  Upload all of the details and data to your case using one of the Supported Methods for Uploading Diagnostic Data to IBM Support.

 

 

 

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Document Information

Modified date:
03 May 2026

UID

ibm17271411

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