[Bug 53605] heavy network load with smp kernel causes system freeze

[mrweirdo]

Public bug reported:

Binary package hint: linux-686-smp

I have discovered a problem thats easy reproduced on multiple installs of ubuntu dapper using the linux-686-smp (2.6.15.24) package that provides support for multiple processor systems. Like my dell poweredge 1400 dual p3 server for example.  Whenever heavy network load is placed on the sytem using any network card it causes the system to complety lock up. Usualy it takes around 15 or so seconds of activity to cause my poweredge system to lock. A few things I know that will cause is transfering a large 500+ file too or from the box via a samba proftp server along with runing a remote ssh terminal and issuing the comand:
yes /dev/null 
and leaving it run for 15 or more seconds causes a complete system lockup.

now I have been able to reproduce this problem across multiple nics as
well(tested with intel 10/100pro, a linksys card, and dlink wireless
card all with different chipsets) Also runing the default ubuntu kernel
without smp seems to resolve the problem however I cant  use both
processors with that kernel ;) I'm not sure if is something to do with
how the linux kernel is compiled on ubuntu or a problem with the 2.6.15
linux kernel itself.

** Affects: linux-source-2.6.15 (Ubuntu)
     Importance: Undecided
         Status: Unconfirmed

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heavy network load with smp kernel causes system freeze
https://launchpad.net/bugs/53605