TECHNICAL INFORMATION DOCUMENT TITLE: PTF233 - Token Ring Timers Patch DATE: 29JUN95 README FOR: PTF233 PRODUCT and VERSION: UnixWare 1.1 Installation Instructions: DATATYPE: datastream 1. Download the ptf233.Z and ptf233.txt files to the /tmp directroy on your machine. 2. Read the release notes contained in this file and follow the instuctions to add the package to your system. 3. Now become root, uncompress the file and add the package to your system using the following commands: $ su # uncompress /tmp/ptf233.Z # pkgadd -d /tmp/ptf233 ENGINEERING REALEASE NOTES -------------------------- PTF233 OVERVIEW --------------- Title ----- PTF233 - Token Ring Timers Patch Version ------- 1.0 Date ---- 25JAN95 Information Type ---------------- Symptom Solution Product And Version ------------------- UnixWare 1.1.1, UnixWare 1.1.2, UnixWare 1.1.3, UnixWare 1.1.4. Abstract -------- This patch changes the timing of error recovery processing in response to certain errors signaled by the IBM 16/4 Token Ring Adapter Symptom -------- Unacceptably long periods of network unavailability after certain errors have been detected (6 minutes in the case of a Remove MAC frame; 1 minute for other errors) SOLUTION SPECIFICS ------------------ General Description. ------------------- When certain errors (including Remove MAC frame and open circuit) occur, the Token Ring adapter automatically closes and sends a RING.STATUS.CHANGE error notification to the driver. Currently, the Token Ring driver, in accordance with Token Ring Technical Reference, waits a period of time before attempting to reinitialize the adapter and reattach to the ring. This patch changes error recovery processing so that when notified of an error which has caused the adapter to close, the driver will immediately try to reinitialize the adapter. This will be done once only for any single error occurrence. If the adapter cannot be reinitialized immediately, subsequent attempts will be made after waiting the appropriate interval. New Features. ------------ None Software Notes and Recommendations. ---------------------------------- This PTF can be installed on UnixWare 1.1.1 thru 1.1.4 systems which have the Token Ring (tok) package installed. For UnixWare 1.1.1 and 1.1.2 systems, version 1.3 of PTF148 (installs as package "tok") is also required. There are no additional requirements for UnixWare 1.1.3 and 1.1.4 systems. This PTF will need to be reinstalled following the installation of a subsequent Update (thru 1.1.4). Hardware Notes and Recommendations. ---------------------------------- This PTF is targeted for the i386, i486 and Pentium CPU's. Installation Instructions. ------------------------- This PTF consists of 1 3.5 inch floppy. Insert the floppy into the drive and, while logged in as root, type pkgadd -d diskette1 and follow the instructions output by pkgadd. Troubleshooting. --------------- Since the same error recovery routines are used for all errors involving automatic closing of the adapter, the most convenient means of testing the changes included in this patch is by disconnecting the cable attaching the adapter to the ring. Prior to installing this patch, there will be a noticeable delay (approximately 1 minute) between the messages announcing "abortive shutdown" of the adapter and that the adapter is being reopened. After installing this patch, the delay between the messages will be at most a couple of seconds.