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Performing Diagnostics
Running Loopback and Read/Write Buffer Diagnostic Tests
6-6 SN0054651-00 F
S
Running the Loopback Test
The loopback test is external to the adapter. If the adapter port is in loop mode,
you can run the loopback test with a loopback connector. If the adapter port is in
point-to-point mode and attached to a switch, an echo test is run instead (no
loopback connector is used). In addition, some driver versions do not require a
loopback connector. See “Preparing for the Loopback Test” on page 6-3 for
information.
The test evaluates the ports (transmit and receive transceivers) on the adapter.
More specifically, the loopback test transmits and receives (loopback) the
specified data, performs a frame cyclic redundancy check (CRC), and looks for
disparity and length errors.
To run a loopback test:
1. Prepare for the test (see “Preparing for Diagnostic Testing” on page 6-2).
2. Set the diagnostic test parameters (see “Setting the Diagnostic Test
Parameters” in the help system).
3. Run the diagnostic test (see “Running Diagnostic Tests” in the help system).
4. View the diagnostic test results (see “Viewing the Diagnostic Test Results” in
the help system).
5. Prepare for normal adapter operations (see “Preparing for Normal Adapter
Operations” on page 6-4).
Running the Read/Write Buffer Test
The read/write buffer test sends specified data through the SCSI Write Buffer
command to a target device (disk or tape). It then reads the data back through the
SCSI Read Buffer command and compares the data for errors. The test also
compares the link status of the device before and after the read/write buffer test. If
errors occur, the test indicates a broken or unreliable link between the adapter
port and the device.
NOTE:
The loopback test must be run with the loopback connector (unless the
operating system uses one of the driver versions listed in the Table 6-1.
The loopback test is disabled if you are using inbox drivers with SLES
10.0.
NOTE:
Link status is disabled if you are using inbox drivers with SLES 10.0.