nedd to configure ethernet card on linux to connect to the net

gtgoku · 01-15-2004, 04:55 AM

I recently got a cable internet connection , and am using realtek RTL8139 ethernet card to connect to the internet.
I need to configure the same so that i can access the net from linux.
I got the drivers for linux with the card, it contains three files :

1) guide.txt
2) Rtl8139.c
3) Rtl8139.o

I have given the contents of bothe the .c file and the guide.txt
Though, the guide.txt is given i was unable to do much as i am a complete newbie to it, i would be great if some on could explain what to do clearly
The contents of guide.txt is:

Quote:

The procedure to activate rtl8139 on linux is as follows:

step 1: ftp the driver from
ftp://cesdis.gsfc.nasa.gov/pub/linux/drivers/rtl8139.c
//The above link did't work for me.
// can get this from:
//http://www.scyld.com/network/rtl8139.html
step 2: compile:
The instruction for compiling the driver is include at the
end of the driver file. (run this instruction at
/usr/src/linux)
//This step is not in the c file please tell me how to do this step , i got stuck in this step itself.

step 3: insert the driver as module:
insmod rtl8139.o
parameter can be added by adding options=..... behind the istrruction
ex::
full duplex::(bit 4 of 'options')
'insmod rtl8139.o options=16'

(run 'lsmod' to see if the module is inserted)

step 4: bind your card to an IP address

/sbin/ifconfig eth0 ${IPADDR} broadcast ${BROADCAST} netmask ${NETMASK}
(run 'netstat -i' to see if there is a interface 'ne0')

step 5: add your card to IP routing table, then add gateway also
your card:
/sbin/route add -net ${NETWORK} netmask ${NETMASK} eth0
(should be able to ping local network now)
gateway:
/sbin/route add default gw ${GATEWAY} netmask 0.0.0.0 metric 1

step 6: start inet deamon.
/usr/sbin/inetd
(you are on the network now)

*make sure that your kernel is built with network, fast_ethernet and module
support. Otherwise, you have to rebuild your kernel.
(1:go to /usr/src/linux directory
2:run 'make menuconfig' or 'make config'
3:mark the options list above.
4:exit and rebuild your kernel.
make dep;make clean;make zImage
the file 'zImage' will be at /usr/src/linux/arch/i386/boot/zImage
5:modify /etc/lilo.conf.(this file specify where kernel image is)
6:run 'lilo' )

You cna run 'netconfig' which will do step 4,5,6 for you. This will create
'/etc/rc.d/inet1' and 'inet2' files. These two files will run at boot time.
Then just add a line at the beginning of 'inet1'.
'insmod /your driver'path/rtl8139.o'

then your driver will work every time you boot.

Please Help

willand · 01-15-2004, 05:27 AM

i have the same card... i have no problem..
i install no drivers and it runs very well with all distributions.. such as knoppix, debian, mandrake, aurox, gnoppix, ....

gtgoku · 01-15-2004, 05:45 AM

I have slackware and i does't for me.
When i open mozilla or any browser it gives me an error message saying that i am not online.

willand · 01-15-2004, 02:49 PM

do you have a router ?
an adsl modem ethernet ?

rmanocha · 01-15-2004, 03:34 PM

you probably just do not have modular support enabled in your kernel and neither is rtl8139 driver installed.this card is probably the best supported ethernet card out there...i hav not had a problem with it on ne distro...infact i have even done ftp installs using this card.
as for a solution to your problem...you can either recompile your kernel with inbuilt support for the card or reinstall your distro....you could also try your distro's GUI setup utility to see if they help you.