Re: [9fans] Intel 82544EI Gigabit Ethernet (Fiber)

[erik quanstrom <quanstro@quanstro.net>]

On Wed Feb  4 11:34:03 EST 2009, 9p-st@imu.li wrote:
> I've several Intel PRO/1000 XF cards that I would like to use. I remember
> these cards working before, but they don't now. Looking at etherigbe.c, I
> see 'intergrate fiber stuff back in' in the todo list. Has anybody looked
> at this recently and know what would be involved? I can muddle around and
> try to figure out what is happening, but any advice would be swell.
>
> % pci -v
> ...
> 1.10.0: net  02.00.00 8086/1009   5 0:e3040000 131072 1:e3060000 131072 2:000a001 32
>     Intel Corporation 82544EI Gigabit Ethernet Controller (Fiber)

if you're just looking for gbe and you're not looking for a 40km
link, you might consider getting a intel pro 1000/pt.  they're about
$35 and perform as well as (and often better than) intel's earlier
nics.  i've got three or four at home.

if you do need the fiber, i would imagine that many things about
the exsting driver will work.  things like link detection might
be broken.  and they may be some phy configuration that needs
to happen manually.  but most intel cards do a pretty good job
of picking workable defaults.  i'd be happy to answer questions
offline.  unfortunately, i don't have any such cards, so i won't
be all that useful.

- erik