Re: Broadcom, DHCP

[Howard Johnson <merlin mwob org uk>]

On Mon, 2005-07-25 at 18:47 +0200, Bjorn S. Nilsson wrote:
> Hi,
> 
> I have seen the following many times now, so it is time to ask:
> 
> Laptops and desktops with Broadcom NetXtreme gigabit controllers 
> often fail to get an IP-address using DHCP, but only in the instal-
> lation phase. I.e., if I wait until the DHCP query has timed out
> and enter a fixed address the card works. Later, after installation
> and reboot DHCP works flawlessly. So, there seems to be something
> specific to the installer causing this problem. Any hints?
> 
> I am using RHEL-4 ...

Are you using Cisco switches? I find that pump/anaconda doesn't have a
long enough timeout to deal with spanning tree blocking the port for the
first 45 seconds or so. I get around this problem with by either
plugging something dumb between the machine and the switch, or turning
on portfast. Every time anaconda runs pump, the NIC drops and raises the
link, which triggers spanning tree to block the port while it checks for
loops in the network.

That's my experience, anyway. If you're not using Cisco switches, the
above may still apply, but I can't say I've used BCM57xx NICs with any
other type of switch.

Hope the above helps.