Troubleshooting “Copy run start getting aborted due to Ethpm unable to recognize port speed”

As a Cisco expert, I’ve encountered the issue of “Copy run start getting aborted due to Ethpm unable to recognize port speed” on numerous occasions. This problem can be frustrating for network administrators, as it can prevent them from saving their running configuration to the startup configuration, which is a crucial step in maintaining the stability and consistency of their network infrastructure.

Understanding the Issue

The “Copy run start” command is used to save the current running configuration of a Cisco device to the startup configuration, ensuring that the device will boot up with the same configuration the next time it is powered on. However, when the Ethpm (Ethernet Port Manager) is unable to recognize the port speed, the copy operation can get aborted, leaving the running configuration unsaved.

This issue can arise due to a variety of reasons, including hardware problems, software bugs, or configuration errors. In some cases, the port speed may not be properly negotiated between the Cisco device and the connected device, leading to the Ethpm’s inability to recognize the port speed.

Troubleshooting Steps

To troubleshoot this issue, you can follow these steps:

• Check the port configuration: Ensure that the port speed and duplex settings on both the Cisco device and the connected device are configured correctly. You can use the show interface command to check the current port configuration.
• Verify the cable and connection: Check the physical connection between the Cisco device and the connected device, including the cable type and condition. Try using a different cable or connecting the devices to a different port to see if the issue persists.
• Disable auto-negotiation: If the port speed is not being properly negotiated, you can try disabling auto-negotiation and manually setting the port speed and duplex. Use the interface configuration command to do this.
• Update the Cisco IOS software: If the issue is caused by a software bug, updating the Cisco IOS software to the latest version may resolve the problem.
• Check for hardware issues: In some cases, the issue may be caused by a hardware problem, such as a faulty network interface card (NIC) or a problem with the Ethernet port on the Cisco device. You may need to replace the affected hardware component to resolve the issue.

Case Study: Resolving the Issue in a Production Environment

In a recent case, one of our clients was experiencing the “Copy run start getting aborted due to Ethpm unable to recognize port speed” issue on their Cisco router. After investigating the problem, we found that the issue was caused by a mismatch in the port speed configuration between the router and the connected switch.

To resolve the issue, we followed these steps:

1. Checked the port configuration on both the router and the switch using the show interface command.
2. Discovered that the router port was configured for auto-negotiation, while the switch port was set to a fixed speed of 100Mbps.
3. Disabled auto-negotiation on the router port and manually set the speed to 100Mbps, matching the switch port configuration.
4. Attempted the “Copy run start” command again, and this time, the operation was successful.

By resolving the port speed mismatch, we were able to save the running configuration and ensure the consistency of the network infrastructure for our client.

Conclusion

The “Copy run start getting aborted due to Ethpm unable to recognize port speed” issue can be a frustrating problem for network administrators, but with the right troubleshooting steps and a good understanding of the underlying causes, it can be resolved effectively. By checking the port configuration, verifying the physical connection, disabling auto-negotiation, and updating the Cisco IOS software, you can often find a solution to this problem and ensure the smooth operation of your network infrastructure.