Connectrix - MDS Series Cisco: Unable to bring port online due to exceeded Bit-Error threshold

fc1/9      1      auto   on      errDisabled      swl    --           --

********* Exception info for module 1 ********

exception information --- exception instance 1 ----
Module Slot Number: 1
Device Id         : 92
Device Name       : Atlantis-fcp
Device Errorcode  : 0xc5c00503
Device ID         : 92 (0x5c)
Device Instance   : 00 (0x00)
Dev Type (HW/SW)  : 05 (0x05)
ErrNum (devInfo)  : 03 (0x03)
System Errorcode  : 0x4042001e fshow in
Error Type        : Warning
PhyPortLayer      : Fibre Channel
Port(s) Affected  : 9
Error Description : MAC Bit error exceeded threshold [ITW]
DSAP              : 0 (0x0)
UUID              : 414 (0x19e)
Time              : Mon Dec 28 13:33:13 2009
                    (Ticks: 4B38B399 jiffies)

%PORT-5-IF_DOWN_BIT_ERR_RT_THRES_EXCEEDED: %$VSAN 1%$ Interface fc1/9 is down (Error disabled - bit error rate too high)
%MODULE-4-MOD_WARNING: Module 1 (serial: JAF1333BABG) reported warnings on ports 1/9-1/9 (Fibre Channel) due to MAC Bit error exceeded threshold in device 92 (device error 0xc5c00503)

The bit errors can occur for the following reasons:

• Faulty or bad cable.
• Faulty or bad Gigabit Interface Converter (GBIC) or Small-Form Factor Pluggable (SFP).
• GBIC or SFP is specified to operate at 1 Gbps but is used at 2 Gbps.
• GBIC or SFP is specified to operate at 2 Gbps but is used at 4 Gbps.
• Short haul cable is used for long haul or long haul cable is used for short haul.
• Momentary sync loss.
• Loose cable connection at one or both ends.
• Improper GBIC or SFP connection at one or both ends.

Per FC standard at 1Gbit speed bit error rate threshold is detected when 15 error bursts occur in a 5-minute period. By default, the switch disables the interface when the threshold is reached.You will have to reenable the interface in Device Manager or CLI command "no shut".

You can configure the switch to not disable an interface when the threshold is crossed. By default, the threshold disables the interface.

1. To troubleshoot the physical layer, follow article 8050 .

2. If the SFP is to be replaced, please review and follow article 14001 .