Linux kernel vmap allocation problem

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startit_ltd
Posts: 181
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 10:18 am

Linux kernel vmap allocation problem

Post by startit_ltd »

Hi,

I expected that, linux kernel sometimes has problems, like this in the /var/log/messages

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Nov 23 08:55:58 fitpc2 kernel: [124344.086952] vmap allocation failed: use vmalloc=<size> to increase size.
Nov 23 08:55:58 fitpc2 kernel: [124344.086990] sunplus: probe of 0003:04FC:05D8.000F failed with error -12
Nov 23 08:55:58 fitpc2 kernel: [124344.102522] sunplus 0003:04FC:05D8.0010: fixing up Sunplus Wireless Desktop report descriptor
Nov 23 08:55:58 fitpc2 kernel: [124344.103900] vmap allocation failed: use vmalloc=<size> to increase size.
Nov 23 08:55:58 fitpc2 kernel: [124344.103934] sunplus: probe of 0003:04FC:05D8.0010 failed with error -12
Nov 23 08:57:02 fitpc2 kernel: [124404.002595] vmap allocation failed: use vmalloc=<size> to increase size.
The kernel parameters are the following:

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root=UUID=43246b96-29ce-4b27-b57a-bb3757efb5c7 ro quiet splash
I use the stock fit-pc2 kernel: 2.6.28-34-fitpc2

This happens after some days of heavy usage (as desktop). Usually this happens when I add new USB device (using an usb hub, own powered).
I have an usb camera, usb bluetooth, external hub on the fit-pc2.
On the external usb hub I have a printer, a wireless keyboard/mouse (one plug) and sometimes I put my phone or external hard disk.

In fact, the memory usage is really high in my case, especially when I use torrent client.

Other side effect after this kind of problem, it is not possible to turn off the fit-pc2 in the normal way, it hangs nearly at the end. I cannot see what happens, because the screen turns black. I have to switch off by pressing the power button for longer than 4 sec.

Sometimes I lost my keyboard, I guess the usb subsystem crashes, due to that memory problem (vmap allocation failed).

My question, does anybody expect similar problems?
And what could be the solution if any?

Here I found a discussion with similar problem:
http://forums.grsecurity.net/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2180

I did not try the vmalloc=64M kernel parameter yet.

Cheers,
István

Mylife
Posts: 66
Joined: Sun Jun 07, 2009 9:38 pm

Re: Linux kernel vmap allocation problem

Post by Mylife »

Hi,

1) I saw many troubles using a USB hub on some units (never tried with a fit-PC though and they ran Windows, not Linux).
According to me, you should first test you system without a USB hub.

2) If not already done, the following tip could help (many LAN and USB troubles disapeared thanks to it) :
==> Disable C-states in the BIOS and use GV3 instead (Prj's tip)
http://www.fit-pc2.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=361

3) Finally, the following tip solves reboot troubles (OK, the link between a "reboot" and a "shutdown" is rather tiny but it won't hurt :) ) :
==> Add "reboot=b" to the kernel parameters (Kleborp's tip)
http://www.fit-pc2.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=301

startit_ltd
Posts: 181
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 10:18 am

Re: Linux kernel vmap allocation problem

Post by startit_ltd »

Hi,

Thank you very much MyLife :)
I expected this "problem" after heavy load.

As I remember, I already done the 2nd tip, but the 3rd is really new to me, thank you very much!
I will test the 1st one, check the 2nd one, do the 3rd one :)

Ciao,
István

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