NETDEV WATCHDOG: eth1 (r8169): transmit queue 0 timed out

Issue Overview

Users of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano are experiencing network connectivity issues, specifically related to the Ethernet interface (eth1). The primary symptoms include intermittent packet loss during operations such as downloading files and pinging other devices. These issues have been observed in a setup where the Orin Nano is connected directly to another board, suggesting minimal external interference. The problems arise while running services continuously, leading to failed downloads and packet loss during pings.

The environment in which these issues occur utilizes Jetson Linux version 35.3.1 (JetPack 5.1.1) on a custom carrier board. Notably, users have reported that similar setups using the Xavier NX module with the same JetPack version did not exhibit these network problems, raising questions about compatibility and performance differences between the two modules.

Possible Causes

1. Driver Issues: The r8169 driver may be causing instability, as indicated by user reports of switching to the r8168 driver, which resolved their issues.
2. Hardware Incompatibility: The custom carrier board may not fully support the Orin Nano module or may have defects affecting network performance.
3. Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings or configurations in the network setup could lead to packet loss and connectivity issues.
4. Environmental Factors: Power supply fluctuations or overheating could contribute to hardware performance degradation.
5. User Misconfigurations: Users may inadvertently misconfigure network settings, leading to connectivity problems.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Check Driver Version:

   • Verify which driver is currently in use by running:

     ethtool -i eth1
     

   • If r8169 is in use, consider switching to r8168 as reported successful by other users.

2. Remove r8169 Driver:

   • To switch drivers, first remove the r8169 module:

     sudo rmmod r8169
     

   • Then navigate to the driver directory and delete the r8169 module:

     cd /lib/modules/$(uname -r)/kernel/drivers/net/ethernet/realtek
     sudo rm r8169.ko
     

3. Load r8168 Driver:

   • Ensure that the r8168 driver is installed and loaded correctly:

     sudo modprobe r8168
     

4. Reboot the Device:

   • After making changes to drivers, reboot the Orin Nano:

     sudo reboot
     

5. Monitor Network Performance:

   • Use ping to test connectivity and observe for packet loss:

     ping -c 100 <target_ip>
     

6. Check dmesg Logs:

   • Review system logs for any errors related to networking:

     dmesg | grep eth1
     

7. Firmware Updates:

   • Ensure that you are using the latest version of JetPack (consider upgrading if necessary) as updates often include driver improvements.

8. Best Practices:

   • Regularly update your JetPack version to benefit from bug fixes and performance enhancements.
   • Monitor environmental factors such as temperature and power supply stability.

Additional Notes

• Users have reported that switching from r8169 to r8168 resolved their issues after extensive testing without failures over a period of 19 hours.
• If problems persist after following these steps, further investigation into hardware compatibility or potential defects in the custom carrier board may be necessary.

This document consolidates user experiences and troubleshooting steps for resolving network-related issues on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board, aiming to enhance user experience and system functionality.