strange eth problem with linux
 

I have install RHEL AS 4 update 3 on a machine. When plug in a cable to the intel 1G eth port (the otherside is connected to a router), everything works fine. But when I unplug the cable, run ifconfig -a shows no eth0 and corresponding MAC address. So the machine only shows eth (MAC address) when there is a working eth connection. Is that normal? I need to use the MAC address when there is no eth connection.


service network restart : e1000 device eth0 does not seems to present delaying initialization.

lsmod shows e1000 module is there but no one is using.


Thanks.

Are you running ifplugd? You may have to disable it.

In any event, just run 'ifconfig eth0 up' and it will bring the interface up with no IP address.