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Troubleshooting Unstable 10GBASE-SR Connection (M4300 - M4200)
I have a M4300 connected to a M4200 with two 10GBASE-SR transceivers of the same model. They are these by 10Gtek. I've never had a problem with their stuff before.. in fact I find them quite good.
The link is a CAT6A (23AWG) UTP. It's not shielded but there are no other cables near this and it is only about a 40ft connection. I would do fiber but it isn't practical due to frequent connect/disconnect.
This link is stable and error free for hours at a time, but occasionally, I'll noice it goes dead and the Monitoring page will show hundreds of Link Down events. If I unplug the cable from one end and plug in, it's fine. It's also fine if I attempt to break the connection by wigglging the plug at either end.
How can I best troubleshoot this? I don't have access to a qualifier.
9 Replies
Well,
The link was stable for over a day.. and then today it acted up again...
When it happens, I get a log message on the M4300 "SFP interrupt received on the unit" message.
I pulled the SFP from the M4200 and it was VERY hot. Is it possible it is overheating?
Hi
You are actually using 10GBASE-T as 10GBASE-SR stands for multi mode fiber. And yes, they can run quite hot.* If frequent connect/disconnect is a issue like you wrote, I'd look out for a DAC instead. But at your length an AOC (active optical cable) could also be worth a look, they seem to be cheaper than DACs given the 40ft (12m) length you need.
Hope that helps a bit in your decision making. I don't have any M4200 but they seem to be rather compact units thus likely are not equipped with powerful fans to get the heat away from these toasty modules while generally speaking most M4300 have more powerful (noisier) fans so that might not cause any problems there.
* As even confirmed by servethehome in their review: https://www.servethehome.com/10gtek-asf-10g-t-10gbase-tx-sfp-to-10gbase-t-module-review/
Yeah I realize it is -T.. it was late and the switch reports it as -SR. Could the heat be what is causing the problem?
I can't use a DAC or AOC because this is a portable desk and needs to be disconnected frequently. The two switches are not in the same room. I chose copper because I don't want the client to have to clean fiber connections with every plug-in (several times a week).
muzicman82 wrote:When it happens, I get a log message on the M4300 "SFP interrupt received on the unit" message.
The SFP(+) I2C link is flapping why ever - heat is well possile on these -T modules.
muzicman82 wrote:I would do fiber but it isn't practical due to frequent connect/disconnect.
Both the RJ45 and the SFP(+) housing copper connects are wear out - that's why these are not suggested for frequent connect/disconnect. Fiber ferules on the other hand don't wear - if kept clean - just the cheap LC plastic clips do.
Assuming the switches are mounted on some boxes/portable racks is using a short fiber patch to Neutrik opticalCON e.g. DUO. QUAD, ... Yes, this has a price tag for many good reasons.
There is no free beer.
The connect/disconnect point for the user is a Neutrik etherCON CAT6A series connector and panel mount jack. Those are far more durable than even opticalCON.
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