Troubleshooting Cisco Systems IGESM issues

Resolving The Problem

Note: Cisco Systems Intelligent Gigabit Ethernet Switch Module (IGESM) for IBM BladeCenter

1. To begin troubleshooting, check the following top issues. If your issue is listed, select the link, otherwise proceed to step 2.
   
   

   	IGESM connectivity loss with IP address change
   	IGESM does not restore connectivity to Ethernet ports
   	IGESM has no link when set to manual 1GB/Full Duplex
   	IGESM not logged by IBM Director due to duplicate UUID
   	IGESM POST timeout with restore to factory defaults
   	IGESM remote intermittent connection loss
   	IGESM reports a duplicate IP address
   	IGESM support for Linux and Mozilla
   	IGESM Telnet session via the MM may pause or disconnect
   	IGESM Web interface requires Java plug-in JRE 1.4.0
   	Disable/Enable port operation may cause the link to be dropped
   	Does not failback when connected to a Cisco switch
   	Server blades fail to establish link with IGESM under Linux

   
   
   The Cisco Systems IGESM is a layer 2 switch. The internal ports to blade servers are fixed at 1000Mbps. The four external ports are set for auto-sensing. The two ports to the BladeCenter MMs operate at 100Mbps. There is a management port on the edge of the switch. This port is NOT part of the Ethernet switch. The switch supports a range of features for LAN configuration and management including link aggregation, VLANs and STP. The switch supports SoL connections to blade servers.
   • Supports up to 250 virtual LANs
     (Can assign different users to VLANs associated with network resources, traffic patterns and bandwidth)
   • Supports trunking protocols (IEEE 802.1Q) for link aggregation
     (automatic creation of EtherChannel links)
   • Provides security for ports
     (Limit traffic to MAC addresses, Allow access only to specific ports)
     
     
     
2. Verify switch configuration. The IGESM uses a Cisco-provided Web interface for graphical management of the switch:
   
   
   
   
   1. Initial setup is performed via the MM interface:
      • Configure IP address
      • Enable external ports (disabled by default)
        
        
   2. Management is performed using http or telnet directly to the switch:
      • Configure the switch
      • Gather the switch log
      • Upgrade switch firmware (TFTP only)
      • Download and upload switch configuration (backup)
        
        
3. Check the status LEDs.
   
   
   • OK (green): When on, the switch module has passed the power-on self-test (POST) with no critical faults and is operating normally.
   • Error (amber): When on, an error has been detected somewhere in the switch module. If the switch module fails the POST or detects an operational fault, this LED is lit.
   • Link (green): When on, there is an active connection through the port to the network.
   • Transmit/receive (green): When on or flickering, there is activity through the port over the external network link.
     
     
     
4. Download the latest support files for the Cisco Systems Intelligent Gigabit Ethernet Switch Module:
   
   Note: Be sure to backup or save your current configuration before flashing the lastest firmware update.
   
   

   	Download Cisco Systems IGESM MIBS file
   	Download latest BladeCenter support files

   
   
5. Check the available publications:
   
   

   	IGESM Installation Guide
   	IGESM Fibre Installation Guide
   	Software Configuration Guide
   	System Command Reference
   	System Message Guide
   	White Paper
   	Marketing brochure
   	IGESM product overview
   	IGESM Fibre product overview

   
   
6. If these steps have not solved your problem:
   Refer to your system's Hardware Maintenance Manual, or refer to "Need more help?"

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