Compaq Network Interface Card If Physical Adapter Alignment Errors

1.3.6.1.4.1.232.18.2.3.1.1.20

A count of frames received on a particular interface that are not an integral number of octets in length and do not pass the FCS check. The alignment of a frame is checked by the receiver after the packet has failed the Cyclical Redundancy Check (CRC). Misaligned packets do not end on an 8-bit boundary. All packets contain a set number of bytes and must end after a defined number of bytes. Packets that do not end on a byte boundary fail the alignment check. Faulty components may be the cause of alignment errors. Check the following: Segment too long: Nodes at the far end of the cabling system transmit, unaware that a station at the other end has already gained control of the medium by transmitting the first 64 bytes of a frame. Failing cable: Packet data traveling through shorted or damaged cabling may become corrupt before reaching the destination station. Segment not grounded properly: Improper grounding of a segment may allow ground-induced noise to corrupt data flow. Improper termination: If a cable segment is not properly terminated, allowing the signal to be absorbed upon reaching the end of the segment, a partial signal will bounce back and collide with existing signals. Noisy cable: Interference or noise produced by motors or other devices can distort the signals and cause CRC/Alignment errors. Deaf/partially deaf node: A faulty station that cannot hear the activity is considered a deaf node. If you suspect a deaf node, replace the NIC. Failing repeater, transceiver, or controller: Repeaters, transceivers, and controllers can disrupt the network signal, transmit erroneous signals on the wire, or ignore incoming packets. Perform the following steps: 1. If your NIC is continuously transmitting, it causes erroneous signals, or 'jabber'. Replace a jabbering transmitter to ensure proper network performance. 2. Check your hub or switch. This component may be at fault. Use the diagnostics from the component manufacturer to help you determine if a problem exists.