Troubleshooting and Common Issues
This guide helps users diagnose and resolve common problems encountered during experiment configuration or execution in Plaza6G, using built-in dashboards, logs, and access tools.
1 Overview
Plaza6G automates experimentation end-to-end, but issues may occur depending on configuration or resource usage. Most problems can be resolved by checking Grafana dashboards, reviewing VM logs, or validating experiment parameters.
2 Quick Diagnostic Checklist
- Configuration saved and validated successfully
- Resource quotas not exceeded
- Scripts produce valid
.csvoutputs - Grafana shows active CPU, memory, and traffic metrics
- No red indicators on the Status screen
- SSH/RDP access available if needed
3 Common Experiment Setup Issues
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Experiment fails to start | Invalid configuration or insufficient resources. | Recheck parameters and verify quotas under My Account → Quotas. |
| Experiment stuck in In Progress | VM initialization error. | Check status for red icons; restart the experiment. |
| Experiment missing in dashboard | Experiment creation not finalized. | Refresh; if still missing, recreate the experiment. |
| Script not executing | Unsupported format or failed upload. | Use .py, .sh, or .txt; re-upload. |
| No script results | No .csv output generated. | Ensure script saves a .csv file with headers. |
4 Infrastructure and Access Problems
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Unable to open SSH terminal | Resource not running yet. | Wait until status turns green. |
| SSH/RDP session disconnects | Browser timeout or network issue. | Reopen via Open Terminal. |
| Credentials not working | Manual login not required. | Let Plaza6G auto-inject credentials; reopen session. |
| Cannot access logs | Resource still initializing. | Wait until all components are running. |
5 Monitoring and Visualization Issues
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No metrics in Grafana | Monitoring services still initializing. | Wait 1–2 minutes and refresh. |
| Metrics show zeros | Invalid or missing .csv script output. | Verify script path and header formatting. |
| Dashboard not loading | Browser cache or slow network. | Try private/incognito window. |
| Missing traffic metrics | Incorrect interface in tests. | Use correct -B option in iperf3. |
6 Template and Configuration Issues
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Template not launching | Template unavailable or misconfigured. | Reload page or select another template. |
| Incorrect 5GC selection | Template does not support chosen core. | Check compatibility with Open5GS / Free5GC / OAI. |
| In-Lab 5G unavailable | Hardware currently in use. | Try again later or check status updates. |
| Outdoor 5G missing | Roadmap feature not active yet. | Will be enabled in future releases. |
7 Best Practices
- Always check Grafana first — it provides instant system feedback.
- Use SSH/RDP to inspect system logs inside VMs.
- Ensure your experimental script writes valid
.csvoutput. - Verify resource quotas before launching experiments.
- Saving known-good configurations helps prevent future errors.
“Most experiment issues can be resolved by reviewing logs, checking metrics, and ensuring all configuration steps were completed.”
8 Contacting Support
If issues continue, contact the CTTC support team:
- Email: plaza6g@cttc.es
- Organization: Centre Tecnològic de Telecomunicacions de Catalunya (CTTC)
Please include your experiment ID, timestamp, and a brief description of the issue.
Summary for Users
- Grafana and VM logs are your main troubleshooting tools.
- Most issues relate to configuration, quotas, or script formatting.
- SSH and RDP provide deeper inspection when needed.
- Contact CTTC support for persistent problems.
Example Q&A
Q: My experiment doesn’t start. What should I do?
A: Check configuration completeness, ensure quotas are sufficient, verify template selection, then relaunch.
Q: Why don’t I see results in Grafana?
A: Ensure your experimental script outputs a valid .csv file with headers. Invalid formats will not appear on dashboards.
Q: I can’t connect to my VM via SSH.
A: Wait until the VM shows a green status indicator. SSH only works once the resource is fully running.
Q: How can I view detailed logs?
A: Open an SSH or RDP session from My Experiments and inspect system logs in /var/log or the experiment directory.
Q: How do I report a persistent problem?
A: Email the CTTC team with your experiment ID, timestamp, and a short description at plaza6g@cttc.es.
