5224 Freezing

Question

Powerconnect 5224 in our primary data center, connected to our Cisco Catalyst 35xx series network. The 5224 connects most of our GigE servers, and has a pretty good load on it. No special switching going on here.. The only config from default is disabling STP / portfast / whatever Dell calls it and the basic stuff like IP address, password, etc.. Switch is at latest firmware.. We've had it in production with no issues for several months.

Here's the kicker... When we drop a Proxim Orinoco AP600 B/G wireless AP anywhere on our network (connected to any switch/hub in the building) and power it up for initial configuration, the 5224 switch freezes. Most of the ports will stop altoghether, although some may pass some data for a few minutes. We can replicate this issue at will. We thought it was a hardware problem, Dell replaced the unit, but we still have the problem.

We're deploying these AP's, and my IP guy ended up having to configure the AP's offline to keep from bringing the whole network down. Then at one point we made a config change in one of the AP's that was in production (added 802.1x functionality), and the switch froze again. This time it even corrupted user settings such as IP address. We had to restore the switch to default and set it up from scratch again.

Anybody else had similar experiences with compatibility? There's not a config error that I can think of that would cause this, and you just shouldn't be able to throw traffic at the box that will make it crash this way. We can't get the Dell support guy to stop reading the script, and believe me they don't have one written for this situation........... Thoughts? TIA, Chuck

ussenterprise · Answer

Are these A/P's running any proprietary protocols?

FEWillia · Answer

No good news here Chuck.  We had 6 5224 in production on our backbone (along with many Dell 3324/48) since Dec 2002 with minimal problems until May 2003 when we started to introduce AP600's.  It took us a while to isolate the problems to the AP600, but the bottom line is, if you boot an AP600 (any flavor for any reason) there is a strong probability that one (or perhaps) many Dell 5224's on the network will lock up requiring them to be powered off to recover.  After trying every level of firmware available on both the 5224 and the AP600's, and after receiving nothing but blank stares from Dell support after trying their latest greatest Oct 2003 release for the 5224, we replaced all the 5224's with HP2848's and have had zero problems since.  It is strange how the AP600 can be plugged in to any switch on the network and only the 5224's will go south.  The Dell 33X8's never had a problem, nor did any of our 3COM 4900, 4400, etc, nor any of our obsolete Cabletron stuff.  After trying ever configuration option know to man, and being told that it must be 'our' problem, we solved it by dumping the 5224's.

Andrew_Hicks1 · Answer

Since Dell cannot validate all of our equipment with every manufacturer(and vice versa), problems like this can sometimes occur. We are not aware of any problems between the WAP in question and our hardware, but this issue has been brought to the attention of engineering to see if we can find the reason for the switch crashes when these devices are being implemented.

Unfortunately, doing so without more information will be diffuclt. As such, I am sending both forum members on this thread a message, requesting contact information so that we can work with you to investigate the problems you are experiencing between our hardware and Proxima's. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Message Edited by DELL-AndrewH on 03-02-2004 10:14 AM

trisdixon · Answer

I have what seems to be the exact same problem, I am using Proxim MP 11a wireless gateways, and every time they cold start while connected to the 5224 switch, the switch crashes / mac table corrupts, and it ends up with having to restart the switch.

Any Feedback would be appreciated.

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5224 Freezing

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