Enabling EEE makes connections unstable

Installing and Using OpenWrt Network and Wireless Configuration
1

Is there any tuning to be done when enabling EEE? I am experimenting with it on the onbaord Aquantia Corp. AQC113C NBase-T/IEEE 802.3an 10G NICs but having it enabled is causing very laggy web browsing on the devices connected to these ports. Is there any tuning to be done?

Just:

# ethtool --set-eee eth3 eee on
# ethtool --show-eee eth3
EEE Settings for eth3:
	EEE status: enabled - inactive
	Tx LPI: 0 (us)
	Supported EEE link modes:  1000baseT/Full 
	                           10000baseT/Full 
	Advertised EEE link modes:  1000baseT/Full 
	                            10000baseT/Full 
	Link partner advertised EEE link modes:  Not reported
2

Also check -a/-A , it is on the same level of sux.

3 
# ethtool -a eth3
Pause parameters for eth3:
Autonegotiate:	off
RX:		on
TX:		on
4
  • I used to experience similar issues enabling EEE in my network
  • Just FYI, it appears the partner on eth3 isn't capable of EEE
5

Interesting. I tried it on eth0 which is my trunk port to a managed switch and found that the dumb AP connected to the switch got flaky too.

6

Have you had the opportunity to test with known-capable EEE partners on the connection?

7

The managed switch is a Netgear GS316EP which is supports 802.3az. The dumb AP which is connected to the switch is a Redmi AX6000. I’m sure it is also compatible I need to look. I’m not sure if every device in the chain needs to support it? If the manage switch supports it, I would think that would be enough or am I mistaken?

8

Just between the switch trunk connection and the OpenWrt is OK. Not sure why your interface says not reported. Odd.

9

I have run into similar issues in the past, my gut feeling was/is that this really depends on whether a given pair of ports harmonises with EEE or not (which is annoying). Problem might appear if one or both sides support and/or enable EEE. But this thread is a good reminder to keep EEE in the search pattern for hard to diagnose issues.

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10

An update - I realize now that the uplink port was not to blame for the connectivity problems. I also enabled EEE on eth1 which in this setup is connected to my ISP's ONT. It is that device that is not playing well with EEE. The other three ports have it enabled without any noticeable effects.

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