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09-26-2012 04:56 AM - edited 03-01-2019 04:51 PM
Introduction
This document explains the solution for the error message %ILPOWER-3-CONTROLLER_PORT_ERR: Controller port error,
Interface <interface> Power Controller reports power Imax error detected.
Core Issue
Power Imax / Tstart errors may be reported with some third party PDs.
%ILPOWER-3-CONTROLLER_PORT_ERR: Controller port error,Interface <interface>
Power Controller reports power Imax error detected.
For Example:
Log:
Sep 21 22:25:13.675 GMT:%ILPOWER-3-CONTROLLER_PORT_ERR: Controller port error,
Interface Fa0/15: Power Controller reports power Imax error detected
Explanation
You are hitting the bug CSCsw18530 : Power Imax / Tstart errors may be reported with some third party PDs
This error indicates that PD is drawing over-current more than allowed/supported per IEEE 802.3af standard.
Seen with some of the 3750,3750G,3750-E,3560-E, 3750-X, 3560-X, 3560-C, 2960S, 2960,2960C switches.
Resolution
This issue is fixed in 12,2(55)SE3 , 12.2(58)SE1 and later releases. The following interface configuration commands have to be applied
to resolve the issue,
Switch(config)# int x/y
Switch(config-if)# power inline port 2x-mode
Switch(config-if)# shut
Switch(config-if)# no shut
The fix is present in the following platforms only : 3750-E,3560-E, 3750-X, 3560-X, 3560-C, 2960S, 2960,2960C.The other platforms
do not support 2X power mode and the workaround would be to use a longer cable.Possible workaround is using Longer cable (>50ft)
seems to fix the issue in most cases.
Source: https://supportforums.cisco.com/thread/157276
Related Information
Troubleshooting Power over Ethernet
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Please tell me what is this 2x mode which we defined after power inline command ???
What does it specify., I am aware about static and never but not about 2x mode.
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Getting the same error on
15.0(2)SE2 3750 v2 48PS
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Same problems on C3560-48PS, running 12.2(55)SE6.
No possibillity to configure mentioned configuration on the interface.
We've than exchanged the switch, but problem still occured on the same port.
So might be the end-device be the problem? (Alcatel ipTouch)
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I am running 12.2 (55)SE3 code on a 2960s stack with the power inline 2x-mode configured on the interface and still getting a consistent "Tstart error condition"
the PD is an Ingenico iSC Touch 480

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We are having trouble with Ingenico iSC Touch 480 as well.
Switch :
WS-C3850-12X48U 03.07.02E
Log message :
*Jan 12 09:45:17.734: %ILPOWER-7-DETECT: Interface Gi1/0/4: Power Device detected: IEEE PD
*Jan 12 09:45:18.596: %ILPOWER-5-IEEE_DISCONNECT: Interface Gi1/0/4: PD removed
test cable diagnostic output :
Interface Speed Local pair Pair length Remote pair Pair status
--------- ----- ---------- ------------------ ----------- --------------------
Gi1/0/4 auto Pair A 0 +/- 1 meters N/A Normal
Pair B 0 +/- 1 meters N/A Normal
Pair C 1 +/- 1 meters N/A Short
Pair D 2 +/- 1 meters N/A Short

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Same issue here too. Ingenico iSC Touch 480.
Switch:
WS-C2960X-24PS-L
15.0(2a)EX5
Log Messages:
%ILPOWER-3-CONTROLLER_PORT_ERR: Controller port error, Interface Gi1/0/1: Power Controller reports power Tstart error detected
Show power inline:
Gi1/0/1 auto faulty 0.0 n/a n/a 30.0
test cable tdr output:
Interface Speed Local pair Pair length Remote pair Pair status
--------- ----- ---------- ------------------ ----------- --------------------
Gi1/0/1 auto Pair A N/A N/A Normal
Pair B N/A N/A Normal
Pair C 1 +/- 10 meters N/A Short
Pair D 1 +/- 10 meters N/A Short
Anyone have any resolution to this yet?

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It ended up being an issue with the Ingenico device. They were able to identify which devices had the issue by the serial number.
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I am seeing this on a a WS-C3560G-24PS-S with a Meraki MR42, also saw it on a 3750 and swaped switch out to the 3560G, hoping to fix it.
IOS version
Switch Ports Model SW Version SW Image
------ ----- ----- ---------- ----------
* 1 28 WS-C3560G-24PS 15.0(2)SE8 C3560-IPSERVICESK9-M
*Mar 1 03:58:31.149: %ILPOWER-3-CONTROLLER_PORT_ERR: Controller port error, Interface Gi0/3: Power Controller reports power Imax error detected
*Mar 1 03:58:41.106: %ILPOWER-7-DETECT: Interface Gi0/3: Power Device detected: IEEE PD
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Hi,
I am also having the same logs under my 3560-cx switch for CISCO AP as a PD.
TShoot steps which I follows:
1) Run cable test
Switch#test cable-diagn tdr int G1/0/3
verify: Switch# sh cable-diagn tdr int G1/0/3 - No cable Fault
2) Upgrade the firmware IOS Version 15.2(7)E2. Still Out of luck
3)
Switch(config)# int G1/0/3
Switch(config-if)# power inline never
Switch(config-if)# shut
Switch(config-if)# no shut
Switch(config-if)#power inline auto
Switch(config-if)# power inline port 2-event (in my switch IOS Version 15.2(7)E2 )
Switch(config-if)# exit
Also applied static power allocation and all possible config. STILL NO LUCK.
4) Finally, change the Ethernet cable. Everything is working fine. ISSUE Resolved.
With Regards,
Prashant K