How To Fix FRE642 - RFC Communication Failure: '&1'

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: FRE - F&R CON R/3 - Messages

• Message number: 642

• Message text: RFC Communication Failure: '&1'

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message FRE642 - RFC Communication Failure: '&1' ?

  The SAP error message FRE642 indicates an RFC (Remote Function Call) communication failure. This error typically occurs when there is an issue with the connection between the SAP system and another system (which could be another SAP system or a non-SAP system). The message will often include additional details in the placeholder '&1', which can provide more context about the specific nature of the failure.
  Causes of FRE642 RFC Communication Failure
  
  
  Network Issues: Problems with the network connection, such as downtime, latency, or misconfigured network settings, can lead to RFC communication failures.
  
  
  Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings in the RFC destination (transaction code SM59) can cause communication issues. This includes incorrect hostnames, IP addresses, or port numbers.
  
  
  Authorization Issues: The user credentials used for the RFC connection may not have the necessary authorizations to access the target system.
  
  
  System Availability: The target system may be down or not reachable due to maintenance or other issues.
  
  
  Firewall Restrictions: Firewalls may block the necessary ports for RFC communication, preventing successful connections.
  
  
  SAP Kernel or Software Issues: Bugs or issues in the SAP kernel or related software components can also lead to communication failures.
  
  
  Solutions to FRE642 RFC Communication Failure
  
  
  Check Network Connectivity: Ensure that the network connection between the systems is stable and functioning. You can use tools like ping or traceroute to diagnose network issues.
  
  
  Verify RFC Destination Configuration:
  
  Go to transaction SM59 and check the configuration of the RFC destination.
  Ensure that the hostname, IP address, and port number are correct.
  Test the connection using the "Connection Test" option in SM59.
  
  
  
  Review User Authorizations: Ensure that the user credentials used for the RFC connection have the necessary authorizations in both the source and target systems.
  
  
  Check System Status: Verify that the target system is up and running. You can check the system status in the SAP GUI or through system monitoring tools.
  
  
  Firewall Settings: Ensure that any firewalls between the systems allow traffic on the required ports for RFC communication (typically port 3200 for SAP).
  
  
  Review SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address known issues or bugs related to RFC communication.
  
  
  Consult Logs: Review the system logs (transaction SM21) and the developer trace files (transaction ST11) for any additional error messages or clues that may help diagnose the issue.
  
  
  Restart Services: In some cases, restarting the SAP application server or the relevant services may resolve transient issues.
  
  
  Related Information
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM59: RFC Destinations
  SM21: System Log
  ST22: Dump Analysis
  ST11: Developer Traces
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Always check for the latest SAP Notes related to RFC communication issues, as they may provide specific fixes or workarounds.
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation for detailed information on configuring and troubleshooting RFC connections.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the FRE642 RFC communication failure.