SES communication errors!

Question

We are receiving a SES communication lost error, which has led to volumes being lost and database corruption.  Has anyone else seen this? We have a Perc 3/QC connected to 2 220's.

DELL-Mark A · Answer

Hi, These 'SES communication lost' error can be resolved inmost cases by applying the latest firmware and drivers for the Perc 3/qc and the latest firmware for the PowerVault 220s modules. In some cases a defective Scsi cable can cause the error also. (assuming Win2000) LSI Logic, Driver, Windows 2000, v.5.46, A02 CERC ATA 100, PERC 4/sc, 4/dc, 4/di, 3/sc, 3/dc, 3/dcl, 3/qcFileName:  perc-cerc-w2k-5.46-A02.exe [100 KB] Release Date:  2/23/2004http://support.dell.com/filelib/format.aspx?releaseid=R71519 LSI Logic (formerly AMI) PERC3/DC, 3/DCL, 3/QC, 3/SC, Firmware, v.196T, A24 FileName:  perc3-196t-a24.exe [1 MB] Release Date:  2/23/2004http://support.dell.com/filelib/format.aspx?releaseid=R71756 Dell PowerVault 220S/221S SES Firmware, PowerVault 220s / 221s, v.E.16, A05FileName:  FUPG_E16.exe [48 KB]Release Date:  1/8/2004http://support.dell.com/filelib/format.aspx?releaseid=R71233 Thanks for using the Dell Community Forums!

Ulyssis · Answer

Mark,

Is this also true to PV210s. Currently, we always experience this to all our PV 210s. Can you send us also the documentation that states that this firmware can resolved this issue.

Thanks!

Ulyssis

DELL-Mark A · Answer

Hi Ulyssis,

The PowerVault 210s expander modules do not have a firmware upgrade. However, The Perc firmware / driver and Scsi cable can still cause SES communication errors.

I would also recommend upgrading the System BIOS, ESM Firmware and ERA firmware (if applicable) on your PowerEdge Server(s).

Thanks for using the Dell Community Forums!

Ulyssis · Answer

Here's the current version we have. Also, we already change the SCSI cable.

BIOS;A13;
Embedded System Management Controller;5.51;
Primary Backplane;5.51;
Power Supply Paralleling Board;2.41;
Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server;5.0 Service Pack 4 (Build 2195);
Dell Server Administrator;1.6.0;
DELL PERC 3/DC Firmware;1.92;
DELL PERC 3/QC Firmware;1.92;
Storage Enclosure (Channel 0);2.9;
Storage Enclosure (Channel 1);2.9;
DELL PERC 3/QC RAID Controller Driver;5.39.0.0;
DELL PERC 3/DC PERC 3/DCL RAID Controller Driver;5.39.0.0;

Can we have a supporting documents that ver5.46 can resolve the issue on SES communication errors.

Thanks!

DELL-Mark A · Answer

Hi,

Dell has not published a KnowledgeBase document which discusses this problem, however I can see the firmware and drivers for the Percs are not the latest revision.

LSI Logic (formerly AMI) PERC3/DC, 3/DCL, 3/QC, 3/SC, Firmware, v.196T, A24
FileName: perc3-196t-a24.exe [1 MB]
Release Date: 2-23-2004
http://support.dell.com/filelib/format.aspx?releaseid=R71756

LSI Logic, Driver, Windows 2000, v.5.46, A02
CERC ATA 100, PERC 4/sc, 4/dc, 4/di, 3/sc, 3/dc, 3/dcl, 3/qc
FileName: perc-cerc-w2k-5.46-A02.exe [100 KB]
Release Date: 2-23-2004
http://support.dell.com/filelib/format.aspx?releaseid=R71519

Which PowerEdge Server? I need this to confirm the System BIOS and ESM Firmware are the latest revision.

Have you tried removing, inspecting and reseating the Scsi cables going to the PowerVault 210s? A damaged or poor quality cable can definately cause these SES communication errors.

Ulyssis · Answer

Mark, Its a PowerEdge 6400 with service tag: F1PG51S Yes, we already reset and replace the SCSI cables.   Thanks! Ulyssis

DELL-Mark A · Answer

Hi,

You do have the latest System BIOS and ESM Firmware.

I just realized we do have some hard drive firmware for a few specific drives. Check the Dell file library to see if any of your drives apply.

If none of the firmware upgrades correct the issue, contact the technical support in your area, for possible parts replacement.

Thanks

DELL-Mark A · Answer

Hi, I would start with the cabling, followed by the expander modules and then possibly the PowerVault 210s backplane. In your configuration, the cables are the most likely suspect.

Ulyssis · Answer

Mark, Firmware for Hard drives has been upgrade too to the latest version.  What do you think that needs replacement? Thanks! Ulyssis

Quino · Answer

Good luck on this! I cannot speak to the PV210's, because I dont have any.

"SES Communication timeout", and then "SES Communication lost" are very problematic in the Array Manager/PERC3DC/QC/PV220 combination. We often refer to this as a "channel dropoff" because thats exactly what happens.... anything on that SCSI channel just "disappears" to the OS.... and there is corruption of the data on that channel that failed (typically minor corruption on flat file storage, but catastrophic on databases)

Applying the latest firmwares/drivers/management suites does help.... but has not completely eliminated all of the problems. If you are not at the latest levels.... get to them!

The single most beneficial update we have seen thus far, is getting the PV220 ZEMM firmware updated to E.16 or newer. Also, get your PV backplane replaced with a newer revision if the problems continue, after updating all the other software/hardware updates.

There is a really good post discussing all of this.... lots of historical data in there:

http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=pv_raid&message.id=214

Ulyssis · Answer

Mark, How about changing the PERC3 cards to PERC4 cards? Do you have comparative analysis between this 2 cards. Thanks! Ulyssis

DELL-Mark A · Answer

Hi Ulyssis,

This is an InfoBrief prepared by sales for the Perc 4 family of controllers. It has a comparision of all the Perc 4 controllers as well as the older Perc 3 versions, along with some basic Raid theory.

http://www.dell.com/downloads/global/products/pedge/en/perc4_brief.pdf

PowerVault

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