Re: *AUTO vs. *MANUAL Ethernet Settings (was: Ethernet Cards)

On Jan 29, 2008 9:07 PM, Evan Harris <spanner@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

I don't necessarily disagree, but I have seen many instances where *AUTO did
not result in the best possible configuration. It certainly worked but the
most common error was that the line would run at half-duplex. This was
sometimes because some network guy had configured the port that way and just

Well, *AUTO only works correctly if both ports are set to autonegotiation.

as frequently because the auto-negotiation settled on a less than optimum
configuration.

Only seen that happen with older Cisco switched. Upgrading them to a
current IOS/CATOS fixed that, though.

In either way, upgrade firmware on NIC and Switch, then open a support
ticket. Because it's broken. Manual configuration can serve as a
workaround until you receive a fix.

If you are going to use *AUTO then you should verify that the connection is
running at the speed your network is capable of.

Of course.

If at any point in time there is a change made to the switch or some other
connection point then *AUTO may result in the iSeries connection running
slower after that change with nobody the wiser. At least a manual

I prefer a degradation of QoS rather than a complete functional
failure, but to each their own.

configuration gives you a warning by failing (!). It's been my experience
that many network changes of this type are made without considering the
iSeries.

Well, in that case your companies procedures are broken. I never had
that problem here.