I just installed RH ES4 on a brand new server...

For some reason this host isn't receiving any packets sent to it, but its packets are hitting the network OK. Here's the two things I've tried, and I'm totally baffled...

1. DHCP Client - I see DHCPREQUESTS hitting my dhcp server, and it's sending back DHCPOFFERs with valid info. However, the new host times-out after about a minute with a failure and the syslog says "NO OFFERS". Thus, I know the host is sending-out valid network packets on the LAN (because they're reaching the DHCP Server, and it knows to reply with the offer).

2. (This is the more confusing one...) When I tried configuring the new host with a static IP and all the right info, it still can't ping anything local. With a static address, eth0 comes "up" fine. It seems as if the packets are hitting the network by visually monitoring the switch (see below), but it's not seeing any replies.

There is no firewall running on this host or the dhcp server. Iptables isn't even running.

I have tried swapping-out the cables, ports, DHCP Server, and even the entire switch! Nothing has improved it at all. I only know of ethereal, etc., but do not know how to use it, so if anyone suggests troubleshooting involving it, please point me to a Newbie URL to assist?

I have 8 other hosts running on this LAN that are just fine. The switch shows a connection at 100/fdx (and so does ifconfig when in static mode).

I just have no idea where to go next. How do I troubleshoot this?

Please help? Totally baffled...
-AJ

Try the simple things first. Try hdx ( half duplex ).

No change in status when forcing to HDX.

Load Ethereal - on both your failing RH host and a "good" host. See what does - and doesn't - come across.

"Half duplex" was an excellent suggestion - too bad it didn't pan out.

I'd double-check for any firewalls anywhere - you'd be surprised sometimes...

But taking an Ethereal snapshot of attempted "pings" (from both hosts in both directions) will probably be your best bet.

'Hope that helps .. PSM

On the advice of a friend, I tried popping an old 3com 10/100 NIC in the box and it came up first try.

So I think it's a buggy driver, but I saw really good stuff about the Realtek drivers in some of the other forums (my original nic/chipset is Realtek). Maybe the x86_64 driver/module is buggy?

Thanks to everyone who offered assistance. I just wanted to tie-up the post with my findings.

If anyone has any additional feedback about the Realtek driver/module in the x86_64 install, I'd love to hear it.

-AJ