Error Message: "no buffer space available"

Support knowledgebase (cg_bufferspace)
Applies to

Kernel: Versions since 2.2

Symptom:

During the boot process or when in operation, the error message no buffer space available is displayed on the console several times without any apparent reason. This message can be found again in the log file /var/log/messages. Additionally, some services requiring the network might not be usable, such as printing or pinging the machine.

Cause:

This error may be due to two related causes.

  1. The loopback device with the IP address 127.0.0.1 has not been configured and a kernel internal table becomes too full, leading to the above-mentioned error message.
  2. The route for the default gateway has been configured incorrectly. The error message arises if the IP address of a local interface has been defined as default gateway to the Internet. If this is the case, the Internet connection via ethernet will usually not work. However, in some special cases (e.g., if you are using a commercial router hardware [Cisco]), everything will seem to work. Nevertheless, the Linux machine's ARP cache will fill up after a short period, causing the error message mentioned above.

Solution:

First case: Check the /etc/rc.config variable START_LOOPBACK by way of yast->System Administration->Change configuration file. This variable must be set to yes. Check if the package "aaa_base" has been properly installed or updated.

Second case: Check the settings and output of /sbin/route -n. Make sure the default gw IP address does not match that of a local interface. The default GW on the existing Internet connection should not be the local computer.


Keywords: BUFFER, SPACE, AVAILABLE, LOOPBACK, DEFAULT, GW

Categories: Network

SDB-cg_bufferspace, Copyright SuSE Linux AG, Nürnberg, Germany - Version: 04. Apr 2002
SuSE Linux AG - Last generated: 21. Mai 2002 by ip (sdb_gen 1.40.0)