Re: [OT] realtek network card: how to find why card won't sync at 100Mbps against anything
On Thu, 27 Jan 2005 01:17:06 +0200, Micha Feigin <michf@post.tau.ac.il> wrote:
> I have a problem for some time now with my laptops on board realtek 8139 network
> card. It works properly when locked into 10 Mbps mode but when set to negotiate
> connection it doesn't sync.
>
> mii-tool and mii-diag show that it reads the partners abilities properly and
> negotiates 100Mbps connection but the link status remains as unestablished. It
> seems that it negotiates 100Mbps correctly, sets the card but then fails to
> communicate with machine and start negotiation again. Setting the
> speed to 100Mbps manually doesn't help either.
>
> If I force the card to 10Mbps it works properly (although slowly).
>
> Taking it to the shop will costs more then an external pcmcia or usb network
> card and it works at 10Mbps now so its not worth taking to a technician. I was
> if its possible and if there is a way to check if its the internal cable
> connecting the card to the external port or if the on board chip is blown. Can
> there be something only partially wrong with the cable so that it will work at
> 10Mbps and not at 100Mpbs?
This is a bit OT... but here it goes ...
the Realtek 8139 chipset redefines the term "low cost, low quality" at
an unprecedented new record (kernel sources and documentation would
confirm this...) :D If you're looking for a good alternative try other
cards (the Intel e1000 seems to be the best these days, although 3COM
cards are regarded as one of the best cards in the industry they also
come in premium prices).
--
Paolo Alexis Falcone
pfalcone@gmail.com
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