Netbotz 200 network interface incompatibility

[DCIM_Support]

This question was originally posted on DCIM Support by Geoffrey Smith on 2019-07-23

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I have some Netbotz 200 devices (NBRK0200) throughout my network running 3.7.5 firmware.  These work fine with the existing switch firmware but when I upgrade the switch firmware to the latest version the link will no longer come up.  I have a job logged with the network vendor for this and they are asking for information regarding the Netbotz "PHY" interface.  I assume this means the chipset that is used?

Also, is there newer firmware available for these devices?

Is anyone able to provide an authoritative answer for these queries?

(CID:147197350)

[DCIM_Support]

This answer was originally posted on DCIM Support by Balaraman Jagadeesan on 2019-07-23

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Dear Geoffrey,

As per apc web page, NBRK0200 latest app firmware is version 3.7.5. So you are using the correct version.

NBRK0200 has got 10/100 base-T Ethernet port. Based on my field experience, I request you to check the current port speed that is set for NBRK0200.

Help Says:

If your current speed is set to Auto-negotiation and if the switch with the latest firmware that you are referring unable to match the port speed, the netbotz appliance will switch to slower speed ie., 10. In this situation, I suspect that your switch may not allow the appliance to communicate on the network. 

You can try setting the port speed to 100 Full-Duplex and see if it helps to resolve your issue. 

Regards,

Bala

(CID:147197363)

[DCIM_Support]

This comment was originally posted on DCIM Support by Geoffrey Smith on 2019-07-23

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Thanks for your suggestion but I do not need to work around the issue, I already know how to do that.  What I need is the details of the Netbotz 200 interface hardware so I can pass it on to my switch vendor to assist them with their research so the issue can be resolved properly.  There seems to be some incompatibility between the Netbotz interface and the switch interface hardware (layer 1 issue I suspect) which is causing the switch to incorrectly negotiate speed/duplex with the Netbotz.  Everything is set to auto-negotiate and it all "should" work correctly and has done so in the past with earlier switch firmware versions.  With an intermediate switch firmware version the switch incorrectly negotiates to 100/half and with the latest firmware it will not bring up the link at all.  The Netbotz is set to auto negotiate in all cases.  Changing to manual speed/duplex will make it work but I should not have to do this.  I'm just trying to get the switch vendor to make their equipment work properly.

(CID:147197370)

[DCIM_Support]

This comment was originally posted on DCIM Support by Balaraman Jagadeesan on 2019-07-23

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Okay, I let other community folks to answer your query. 

(CID:147197381)

[DCIM_Support]

This answer was originally posted on DCIM Support by Steven Marchetti on 2019-07-23

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Hi Geoffrey,

I've asked if we have this type of information available but I'm sorry, we're not allowed to provide detailed information on the components of the NMC cards / NetBotz appliances. As it stands, the info that Bala provided on working around the issue is all we have available at this time. 

Thank you,

Steve

(CID:147197599)

[DCIM_Support]

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