slackware 12.1 on hp Bl460c G7 server - network configuration
 

Hello team,

I am new to this forum, and this is my first post.
I am new to slackware too. somehow managed to install the OS with the help of google. created only two partitions (linux swap and linux). the os is on Linux. the filesystyem is reiserFS.

The problem
------------

If i run ifconfig -a command i can see only loopback address not the interfaces, any thing i missed while installation or if there any packages which needs to be installed. Please advise. many thanks in advance.

In Slackware, all config files are in /etc/rc.d/ . I suggest you look at rc.inet1.conf first (you have to be root to access it).

Hi JJGe,

Thanks for your response.
I have quickly checked the rc.inet1.config file and i can see the interfaces eth0,eth1,eth2,eth3.
I can also see the IP address assigned ti it which is "10.76.703.2"
I still cannot see the interface in the "ifconfig -a " output.
what coukld be the reason ?

Regards,
Sunil

Well, first of all: is it executable? ls -l /etc/rc.d, and check if it is rwxr-xr-x. Then it is executed by rc.inet1 (which also should be executable).
If that is the case, you may also look in dmesg (with dmesg | less) and in /cvar/log/syslog and /var/log/messages
BTW, I assume you have some understanding of bash; you absolutely need it when you run slackware.

Hi JJGe,

Thanks for you responses and spending your valible time.
Yes, both the files have rwxr-xr-x permissions set.
nothing found on the messages files.

i have used netconfig and configured an Ip address which i can see in the /etc/rc.d/rc.inet1 file for eth0. however the ifconfig output doesnt recognise any of these interfaces (eth0,1,2,3).

are there any drivers which i need to install. since in the error messages i have noticed that the cciss needs latest version from hp.com

That could be. HP is sort of notorious for their "ingenuity". On the other hand, I never had problems with their network interfaces.
What you could do: boot a live disk of Knoppix, try whether the network interface works there, and then check which modules are loaded with lsmod. That could give you an indication of which drivers you need. IIRC, lshw is also available on Knoppix.
You can also go through rc.modules and check if there are any disabled lines (# in front) corresponding to your network interface.

Hello JJGe,

You are correct. Surprisingly everything is hashed out in the rc.modules file. not sure what to enable and what not.

That is normal. You will find many things you never heard of, and which you'll never need. That's why I would recommend trying Knoppix-- it is very good at guessing your configuration, and then lsmod might give you a clue to your ethernet drivers. And a printout of lshw could also prove useful.

Hello JJGe,

good day. I have manged to download teh ISO image of ADRIANE Knoppix v6.7.
Now should i boot my slackware server with this image and run the suggested commands ot Install it.
I am new to knoppix. kindly guide me.
many thanks in advance.

It is a live CD, so you can just run it off the CD (you can also install it, but then you would lose your Slackware system). I suggest you just try to run it. Then you might find out if you have network access under Knoppix.

Thanks JJge,

The below is the output of lsmod (i thuink be2net, is what we are looking for). however, lshw didn't return any output. even ifconfig doesnt show anyoutput. BTW how do ichange language.

Knoppix@Microknoppix:~$ lsmod

Module Size Used by
ipv6 204900 72
parport_pc 24480 0
ppdev 4123 0
lp
parport
uinput
8250_pnp
8250
serial_core
serio_raw
power_meter
i7core_edac
be2iscsi
be2net
edac_core
iscsi_boot_sysfs
hpilo
libiscsi
joydev

You might try something like (as root):
ifconfig eth0 ip.add.re.ss(of course using a sensible numeric IP address).
And "man ifconfig" gives you many more options to try, eg ifconfig eth0 up, and so on.
BTW, do you have a DHCP server?

Hello JJGe,

Yes, the ifconfig worked, my bad i overlooked at the promt $.
I am glad that i can see both the interfaces eth0 and eth1 in the output.
However the same cannot be seen from slackware. what could be the cause?
please help. I dont have DHCP here. basically i am testing a customers server in my office.
i have used the Ip provided by customer, is that causing the problem?

Well, I think the next issue is finding out whether you have the driver on Slackware too, and, if not, to download it. Or perhaps you can just copy it over. Or, perhaps it is just present, and you have to remove a # somewhere in /etc/rc.d/rc/modules

Hello JJGe,

Thanks for your guidence all through. If you have any link to download or on copying procedure it
would be highly appreciated.
However, after careful observation of the /etc/rc.d/rc.modules file. I have noted the below.
not sure if this is the correct one to unhash !?

HP PCLAN+ (27247B and 27252A)support:
/sbin/modprobe hp-plus
HP PCLAN (27245 and other 27xxx series) support:
/sbin/modprobe hp

(all the above 4 lines are currently hashed out)
I personally think i should unhash line 2 and 4
and see what happens. correct me if I am wrong.