Hello -

This is my third time installing Gentoo Linux on my box. I keep re-installing to get closer and closer tot he 'perfect' system. However, this time when I installed Gentoo, the box won't talk to my dhcp server.

I can connect to the dhcp server when I use the Gentoo live disc using I know that it is the module I need (It's the 3Com that uses the sk98lin driver). When I made my kernel i included support for it. At boot time however, it won't grab the IP address from the DHCP server and when I try to manually dhcpcd eth0, it doesn't work either.

I have tried to re-emerge dhcpcd with no avail

Has anyone heard of the 2.6.9 Kernel not supporting dhcp well? If anyone needs any extra information, just post it. Unfortunately since I can't get a graphical interface on my box at home, the message may not be exact but I'll get as close as I can. Thanks

-Kyle

Im just curious why arent you getting a graphical interface?


Im not sure if your computer is listening for DHCP broadcasts?
is your dhcp server the router? or another computer?

What is your output of #ifconfig ??? and #lspci

I had a problem getting my ethernet card when I compiled into into my kernel,
then I recompiled it as a module.. and now it's working properly.

I would suggest the same to you, as the final option.. and follow the gentoo guide to autoload the module.

2.6.9 under slack works perfectly for me using the same card. Are you sure you don't have something else wrong?

does lsmod show the correct module loaded? and ifconfig eth0 shows the card?

If so, is there any reason the dhcp server would refuse to give it a IP address? I know I can configure my little router to limit connections and what not, and I did have an issue with my hand help not being allowed an address because I have breeched the limit I set.

I am not sure why, but I have always had trouble with compiled-in network cards. Even from the 2.2 kernel days. Using modules, however, has always been painless. I suggest you recompile your kernel with support for your card as a module.

As a side note, my desktop is running 2.6.8-gentoo-r10 kernel with no problems at all, using the e1000 module for my network card. I might go 2.6.9 soon.

Im sort of a newbie my self. so i must ask you what is difference between a compiled in network card and one that is loaded with a module.? Im just curious because i thought all network adapters needed to be loaded with a module in linux to work correctly?

Hi,

Check this out -->http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...hlight=modules

Theoretically, compiled in and module SHOULD both work. But apparently loading the module forces probing for the card, making it easier to initialize.

The difference between compiled in and module:

Compiled in:

• Binary code for driver is in your kernel.
• Driver always loaded (good for devices needed for boot, otherwise you need initrd).
• Some drivers may not be able to be loaded simultaneously, and accordingly, may not both be compiled in.
• Compiled in drivers ALWAYS use resources, regardless of whether or not they are in use.

Modular:

• Loaded at runtime.
• Under some kernels, can also be UNloaded.
• Building extra modules generally only increases compile time without causing extra load/memory usage at runtime (unless loaded).

ok exactly what i thought. I remember having to run a script for my Realtek wireless card. kernel never had any official support for it.


Thank you for a great explanation.