Gigabit Networking Issue with Marvell 88E8001 on FC4

singeX · 09-27-2006, 01:18 PM

Background:
I have a pretty standard install of FC4 on my computer which I use as a samba/file server. I will refer to the linux file server as C. C has a gigabit network adapter (Marvell 88E8001) integrated into the motherboard (Gigabyte 945GZME). Computer B runs Win XP Pro which also has an integrated gigabit network adapter. Computer A also runs Win XP Pro with an integrated gigabit network adapter.

Problem:
When I transfer files from A-C OR B-C, they transfer at about 5-10Mbps. When I transfer files from A-B, they transfer at about 200Mbps. When I transfer files from A-C AND B-C simultaneously, the transfer rate is about 150Mbps each for a combined transfer rate of about 300Mbps.

Troubleshooting and Thoughts:
It's as if C needs a certain network transfer load before it tries to transfer at a decent rate. I narrowed the problem down to the network adapter when running in gigabit mode only.

I first tried switching A, B, and C to a 10/100 switch and everything works fine. I could transfer from A-C at 90Mbps.

I then updated C to the latest driver (sk98lin) release from marvell which increased the speed to 10-15Mbps. So I'm pretty sure now that there is a problem with the network adapter and/or driver.

My Question:
Are my thoughts correct in that there is a bug with sk98lin for FC4 in gigabit mode? Does anybody have any troubleshooting ideas that I haven't tried yet?

bulliver · 10-01-2006, 11:30 AM

I am not sure about any bugs but you may want to try using ethtool to debug, ensure your card has the relevant capabilities, and is set to 1000Mb/s Full Duplex.

singeX · 10-02-2006, 03:43 PM

Thanks for your response bulliver. Ethtool confirms that the device is set to 1000Mb/s Full Duplex.

I'm going to sound like a total idiot here but I am a little confused about the PHYAD which I assume means physical (MAC) address. I never needed to change this before but is this part of the problem?

Here is the ethtool print out:

Code:

Settings for eth0:
        Supported ports: [ TP ]
        Supported link modes:   10baseT/Half 10baseT/Full
                                100baseT/Half 100baseT/Full
                                1000baseT/Half 1000baseT/Full
        Supports auto-negotiation: Yes
        Advertised link modes:  10baseT/Half 10baseT/Full
                                100baseT/Half 100baseT/Full
                                1000baseT/Half 1000baseT/Full
        Advertised auto-negotiation: Yes
        Speed: 1000Mb/s
        Duplex: Full
        Port: Twisted Pair
        PHYAD: 0
        Transceiver: internal
        Auto-negotiation: on
        Supports Wake-on: g
        Wake-on: g
        Link detected: yes

bulliver · 10-02-2006, 04:39 PM

I am not sure exactly what that means. My desktop's ethernet card (e1000) says '0' as well. On my router with two nics one says 0 and the other is 32!?

So I guess it is not related to MAC address.

TylerD75 · 10-02-2006, 04:49 PM

Have you tried the skge driver instead of the sk98lin driver? I believe skge is a newer driver.
I've had quite a lot of problems with the sk98lin driver myself, but after I "upgraded" to skge they all disappeared...

Best wishes,
TylerD75

singeX · 10-31-2006, 07:58 PM

I figured I would eliminate some variables by installing a new gigabit PCI network adapter. Unfortunately I have the exact same problem still. I couldn't find the skge driver on marvell's website so I'm hesitant to use it. I think I will try a different switch. Any other suggestions would be great.

bulliver · 11-01-2006, 12:00 PM

Quote:

I couldn't find the skge driver on marvell's website so I'm hesitant to use it.

It is included in the kernel source...