The module b44.o included with kernels both 2.4.x and 2.6.x series doesn't work correctly with Broadcom 4401-based NICs. Module is loaded correctly, and everything looks fine, but the LINK IS ALWAYS DOWN. The only solution I found is to compile new driver module from sources provided by Broadcom. It's stated in their release history that this bug took place and they fixed it. I could compile my own module for all 2.4.22-2.4.25 kernels, but failed to do this for 2.6.5-alt1 kernel: it requires .config file, which is not included with kernel sources. Steps to Reproduce: 1. take system without any NIC other than Broadcom 4401-based 2. check your network connectivity 3. If any other NIC is present in this system the problem may disappear Actual Results: you find that your link is down though the module for NIC is installed correctly Expected Results: I expect the link to be UP ;)
Updated Broadcom driver sources can be found here: http://www.broadcom.com/drivers/downloaddrivers.php
reassign to new mantainer
Косвенно судя по http://lists.altlinux.org/pipermail/community/2006-May/179323.html -- kernel-image-std26-2.6.12 из Compact 3.0 это уже не касалось. Судя по http://www.broadcom.com/support/ethernet_nic/faq_drivers.php#tg3 -- с 2.6.16 волноваться должно быть не о чем...
Broadcom Corporation NetXtreme BCM5721 Gigabit Ethernet PCI Express c tg3 на 2.6.16 из Sisyphus работает. Именно 4401 в наличии нет :( Eugene Prokopiev (prokopiev stc donpac ru)
Тем временем приехало уже и .18. Если кому надо будет -- повесят новую, раз не получается проверить на текущих ядрах и судя по #3.