Description

The "Reference count memory decrement error" message reports that flow export packets are being sent out at high rates.

This is a Troubleshooting Article for a PFE ASIC Syslog Event.
To view other documented syslog events related to XMCHIP, XLCHIP, MQCHIP, LUCHIP, EACHIP, and PECHIP, see KB31893 - Master Index of Articles for Troubleshooting PFE ASIC Syslog Events [juniper.net] .

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Symptoms

When a "Reference count memory decrement error" event occurs, a message similar to the following is reported:

Dec 13 15:46:30 router0 fpc0 XMCHIP(0): DRD0: Reference count memory decrement error - PCT 2176

Indications:

  • Single occurrence of syslog, not seen with other events, indicates a one time hardware error. Multiple continuous occurrences indicate persistent underlying issues.
  • Traffic impact or permanent impact on packet forwarding may happen if errors are seen repeatedly.

 

Solution

This may be due to software transient errors.  However, the same event can also happen due to other transient hardware errors.

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Perform these steps to determine the cause and resolve the problem (if any).  Continue through each step until the problem is resolved.

  1. Collect the show command output.

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    Capture the output to a file (in case you have to open a technical support case). To do this, configure each SSH client/terminal emulator to log your session.

    show log messages
    show log chassisd
    start shell network pfe <fpc#>
    show nvram
    show syslog messages
    exit

  2. Analyze the show command output.

    In the 'show log messages', review the events that occurred at or just before the appearance of the "Reference count memory decrement error" message. Frequently, these events help identify the cause.

  • Restart the MPC and monitor the errors.
  • Contact your technical support representative if the issue is seen after a FPC restart. 

This article is indexed in KB31893 - Primary Index of Articles for Troubleshooting PFE ASIC Syslog Events [juniper.net] ; tag XMCHIPTSG

Tip: When looking at an event in the logs, it is important to focus on the first error message in a collection of syslog messages. The first error message is usually the cause of all the follow-on error messages. The follow-on collateral damage error messages can be ignored.

 

Modification History

2019-10-14: Article reviewed for accuracy; no changes required.