SIOCSIFFLAGS: a DHCP client issue?
 

First, I had the wrong WiFi settings so I couldn't even get Layer 2 connectivity; I've resolved that and I also resolved a WEP key issue, but now when I click on "Activate" in the network config box I still get: "Determining IP for eth0 - failed."

And that's pretty much all it tells me. This is a Toshiba Tecra8000 running RH9 and using a Cisco PCM-352 Aironet PCMCIA card. Even the DHCP server says it's allocated an IP address to my Aironet card's MAC!!!

Sometimes I get: "Error, could not assign requested IP address" or something to that effect. I noticed on the Hosts tab in the network config box that my system subscribes to a loopback addr of 127.0.0.1, so I deleted that puppy, saved the profile, and rebooted. Nope - still just a general "Determing IP for eth0 - failed."

One time, I got this memorable error:

Determining IP information for for eth0:1...SIOCSIFFLAGS: Cannot assign requested address
SIOCSIFFLAGS: Cannot assign requested address
failed

Any idea on what my problem is, or at least what I can examine? (I am CCNA certified so I speak networkese very well, but I don't really know Linux.)

SIOCSIFFLAGS

You can actually Google that 'word' and get many results. As I recall from having that error a while back, it had to do with the driver for the network device, in my case which was a Prism54 802.11g pcmcia card. I was lacking the correct firmware for it.
Once the firmware was put in place, all was well, and the error went away.
:)

Thanks, grapey-baby. I've used this exact model of Cisco Aironet card before on my system and it worked fine, so I wasn't suspecting a driver issue; but I didn't think of firmware.

Can you suggest a site whence to download the firmware I need? Cisco is tight-fisted with the drivers (even for a discontinued product line) so I scoured the web for days; I'm not expecting to find the firmware easily either. Failing that, do you recommend another brand of WiFi PCMCIA card? I was thinking about switching to a WAVELAN-based one since it appears those drivers are more plentiful.

Hey where in Nova Scotia are you? I had the time of my life riding the Ocean Limited up from Montreal and going sea-kayaking in Prospect Bay.

Hmm, some good questions there ;), and as I have been 'super-scouring' the web for days myself in an intense search for info on some mystery motherboards, I'm pretty beat so let me answer the easy question first: Where am I?
I'm between Stewiacke and Shubenacadie, pretty much right in the middle of them, in the boonies :p though I am from Halifax.

Now the more obscure questions.. I'm far from any sort of expert, and pretty new to Linux too, so much of the info I locate is done the same way -- Here on LQ, and with Gooooogle.. As for my Prism54 card, the firmware was free from prism54.org or something like that. FOr cisco, I can well imagine they are tight fisted; pretty insane how a motherboard worth $250.00 with INTEL stamped on it is suddenly worth $4500.00 when the label reads 'Cisco' but that's beside the point :p
I would continue with google, and also, despite the initial comprehension troubles, I have found valuable info on more than a few occasions by browsing foreigh sites, like in russia and taiwan and stuff like that. Much of the text is illegible, but the specs, filenames, and usually the bottom line (location bar?) of the browser will still read in english, so you know where the links lead.. Google-translator does a decent job too, of deciphering enough of almost any language to help you read the stuff on foreign sites.

Sorry if this is oretty indirect assistance, but I really cannot point you to any particular place for Cicso software or other Cisco products.

I don't currenly use wireless either, I'm on dialup/LAN.
The prism54 is made of Intersil hardware, and Linux compatibility is good in my experience, so maybe you can locate a WiFi device with Intersil hardware in it? Then maybe atleast the firmware would be free. Also try locating a device that doesn't need external firmware?

Good luck :)
.. I'm off to bed -- internet burnout :/