Slow network performance in Windows 2003 when using a network boot disk

[Mattias Johansson_1]

Hi,

I have a Windows 2003 server (ProLiant ML370R G4) that I use as a Ghost server. I am using Barts network boot disk with TCP/IP to connect to the share on the server.

I get very slow read performance when loading the image from the server (250MB/min) and normal write performance (650-700MB/min) when I save the image to the server. I have also tried to copy a 2GB file from the server to the local harddrive with the same result (10 min).

When I am using the same PC but with Windows XP it takes 1 min to copy the same 2GB file from the server.

Is this a TCP/IP problem or DOS client problem?

Regards,
Mattias

[Ron Kinner]

Usually a marked difference in speed of download in one direction versus the other is caused by a duplex mismatch. Make sure all connection involved are set to auto auto or FULL FULL. Auto FULL will give you a duplex mismatch every time with result slow transfer in one direction and normal in the other.

Ron

[Mattias Johansson_1]

Hi,

The port in the switch and the NIC are both set to auto. I am using the latest NIC driver from Broadcom, v7.65.

Regards,
Mattias

[Norman_21]

Mat,

Can you provide us with more info? You said you use your Server as a Ghost server? Is it a Symantec Ghost Product?
Why aren't you using a Ghost boot disk? Is it because Ghost doesn't have your NIC driver?

It could be very possible a TCP/IP settings between the network boot disk and the server side?

http://tinyurl.com/5vnu4

http://tinyurl.com/6me8b

http://tinyurl.com/6bg5n

Let me know what's happening?

[Norman_21]

Refer to this thread for the broadcom NIC driver with Ghost?
http://forums1.itrc.hp.com/service/forums/questionanswer.do?threadId=688959

[Guy Humphreys]

I would make sure the port on your hub/switch is set manually to full/duplex and the nic also.

I don't like to use the auto setting on servers, because different manufaturers have different standards when sensing network speeds. This can cause problems, setting them manually gets round this.

HTH
Guy

[Mark Carrio]

Mattias,

I have seen the same problem. I am in the process of replacing a Novell 5.1 server, that holds ghost images for downloads. Based on a single image download, It can average 460 MB/MIN from the Novell Server, using IPX. However, same image, switches,
it averages, 250-260 mb/min, using IP boot diskette. I decided to create an IPX boot diskette for the Windows 2003 server, an I'm currently averaging 370 MB/MIN. I am still working on improving the performance.
Not that I wanted to use IPX, but ... this
is what I came up with so far.