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From: humes@mtsd.uucp (VINCE HUMES)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.system
Subject: Re: Apple Internet Problem (Solution!!!)
Message-ID: <89@mtsd.uucp>
Date: 2 Nov 90 14:54:50 GMT
References: <49@mtsd.uucp> <1990Oct28.232544.9462@mintaka.lcs.mit.edu>
Organization: Millcreek Township School District
Lines: 70

In article <1990Oct28.232544.9462@mintaka.lcs.mit.edu>, rob@lcs.mit.edu (Rob Kassel) writes:

I've left the original message and reply at the end of this reponse for
reference purposes.

I just found this out yesterday, November 1, 1990.  It appears that this
problem is unique to the IIci.  Here's the problem:  THe IIci has the video
chips on the motherboard (unlike the IIcx which you need a card for). 
Apparently the Ethertalk driver has a problem with this and generates errors in
the ethernet packets and the router gets in a loop and crashes the server.

The fix is to geta new version of the ethernet driver.  This is not relased
because the engineers just finished making the changes.  One note of caution:
you must install this using the latest version of the network installer.  MMy
understanding is there are two files--one on the installer disk and one on the
ethertalk version 2.0.2 disk.

We were able to make the network crash, so after I installed the new software I
put the network through the motions to make it crash and could not.  Seems to
have fixed the problem.

If you can't get this, let me know and I'll see if our local Apple SE can help
you out.

> In article <49@mtsd.uucp> humes@mtsd.uucp (VINCE HUMES) writes:
>>I am having a problem with an Apple Internet. First I'll describe my
>>configuration and then the problem.
>>
>>The problem is when usage over the routers increases, the fileservers will lock
>>up and the workstations get an "Unexpected Shutdown" Error.  Sometimes only one
>>or two servers crash, other times the entire network crashes.  The problem
>>always seems to occur when there is activity over the internet routers.
>>
> 
> Our fileserver/router has had the same problem!  Typically, we get
> crashes when someone sends a large print job, often one with a large
> bitmapped graphic.  I've had a tough time finding someone at apple to
> listen as our N&C answerline subscription ran out long ago (although
> Stacy there has been extremely helpful, I can't really bug her
> further).  Here's a sketch of our setup:
> 
> IIci with 8Mb memory, 1-bit video card, ethertalk card (Rev L)
> A pile of hard disks (4 apple 80's and 2 FWB 600's and an FWB 300)
> System 6.0.5
> AppleShare File Server (2.0.1)
> AppleShare Print Server (2.0, spools 5 printers)
> Apple Internet Router (2.0)
> QuickMail Mail Center (2.2.1)
> DiskExpress II
> localtalk cabling + thinwire ethertalk (used for IP data too)
> Phase 2 only
> GatorBox acting as backup router
> 
> We've tried NUMEROUS things to make the machine not crash, including:
> increasing the system heap, removing software/inits, using a IIfx SCSI
> terminator, changing mouse and keyboard, removing some disks, and even
> changing the network numbers.  The only thing that seems to keep the
> machine running is removing the router.
> 
> Our solution is to disable the router and buy an Ether*Route box for
> $500.  We've tried for close to a year to correct the problem and
> basically have given up!  
> 
> If anyone from Apple is reading this message and is interested in
> trying to debug this problem, I'm willing to help in any way I can.
> You can contact me via E-mail (Rob@goldilocks.lcs.mit.edu) or
> AppleLink (MIT.SLS).
> 
> Rob Kassel
> MIT Spoken Language Systems Group