Troubleshooting NIC(Network Interface Cards)

Question

What are the initial steps of troubleshooting AT-NIC's and what information we need submitting a case?

Answer

Introduction

This article provides a general guide and some basic troubleshooting steps for Allied Telesis Network Adapter Cards (NICs) and what information we need from customer if they want to open a support case.

1.   Is the network cable operational? The first step to troubleshooting connectivity issues should always be to ensure that your cabling is in working order. If you do not have testing tools to verify that the cabling is operational, the easiest way to determine functionality would be to simply swap the cable you are using with a known good spare.

      2.   Are there error symbols next to you NIC in Device Manager? Windows Device Manager will show a red "X" or "!" when there could be a driver conflict or error. A yellow "?" means that Windows cannot identify the device. In most cases this can be overcome by reinstalling the NIC drivers. Open the card's properties and locate the device status. Here you should find an explanation for the error alert. For driver related issues, uninstall and reinstall the drivers. This can be performed on the "drivers" tab within the NIC properties. If there is any conflict, try using a different slot in the computer chassis to install the NIC. The red "X" will also occur if you have the device disabled.

How to get NIC Drivers and other updated software from free Download Center library

3.  When troubleshooting NIC issues with switches please verify config mismatches. Mismatch requires a physical replacement of NIC card or switch port to match the speeds.

  4. Our installation guides always are helpful for the troubleshooting checklists, please refer to them before submitting a case. For example, how to check the port LED on the adapters and testing network connectivity.

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5. If you still need TAC support, please open a case, and provide us the make and model of the NIC with serial no., the system it is installed in and what operating system has been used on the system. We will also need the 843 and 844 numbers (with revision) that are printed on the network cards.

Below are some pictures listed of different AT-NIC to identify the model, serial no. and 843/844 nos.

How to create support case under Allied Telesis Portal