Source

RETAIN tip: H193596

Symptom

Multi-node configurations may experience issues when using the Broadcom teaming utility.

In 2-node Microsoft Windows 2008 configuration, users may see slow program response. In 3-node and 4-node configurations of System x3950 M2 systems running Microsoft Windows 2008, the Broadcom teaming utility (BACS) freezes soon after opening.

This issue is not experienced on Microsoft Windows 2003 or single and dual-node systems.

Affected configurations

The system may be any of the following IBM servers:

• System x3950 M2, type 7141, any model

This tip is not option specific.

The Broadcom device driver for the Broadcom 5709 Ethernet controller is affected.

The system is configured with at least one of the following:

• Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Datacenter 32-bit, any service pack
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Datacenter 64-bit, any service pack
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Enterprise 32-bit, any service pack
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Enterprise 64-bit, any service pack
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Standard 32-bit, any service pack
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Standard 64-bit, any service pack

Note: This does not imply that the network operating system will work under all combinations of hardware and software.

Please see the compatibility page for more information:

• IBM ServerProven

Solution

This behavior will be corrected in a future release of the Broadcom device driver.

The target date for this release is scheduled for Third Quarter 2008.

The file will be available from the IBM System x Support web site at the following URL:

• IBM Systems Support Site