Connecting Linux to my Netgear RT314 switch/router

[Sebastian Tombs]

Hi All,

I just got a Netgear RT314 switch/router and I am trying to connect a
Windows 98 machine and a Linux machine to it, and from there through to the
net via cable modem. I've got the '98 part working, but I don't even know
where to start on the Linux box.

I installed the network card on the Linux box after the OS was installed,
i.e. Linux was installed 3 months ago, but the network card was added only 2
days ago. Will Linux detect the network card on boot. I got the impression
from my reading that I will have to change the jumpers on the network card
to a specific I/O, IRQ and RAM location, rather than "soft" as it is set
now. Once I do this, can I set up the network card from within Linux or
will I have to reinstall...I assume that I won't have to reinstall. but I
don't know how to do it the other way. Once this is done, I still don't
know how to go about actually accessing the network and the router and the
internet.

My questions are:

1) Has anyone done this before who is willing to talk me through it?
2) Is there an FAQ/howto/document that will explain how to do it? I have
been reading the Linux networking how-tos and estimate that I could have the
thing worked out within a week or two, but would rather spend that time NOT
repeating what everyone else has done:)
3) How do they get the caramel inside a Caramilk bar...no, never mind. Not
only off topic, but I already know the answer: Transporters

Thanks

[Robert B. Gamble]

What version of Linux are you using? With RedHat 7.2, I just swapped out
a network card with a new one. When I powered down, and installed the
new card then powered up, I was told my old card was no longer seen, and
asked if I wanted to remove the configuration. Then I was informed that
a new card was found, and asked if I wanted to configure it. When I
answerd yes, I was asked if I wanted to transfer my network
configuration to the new card. I said yes, and it was done.

While I have not installed a new card after installation, I believe that
(at least RedHat 7.2) linux should see the card and configure the card.
As for the hardware vs. the software settings, I can't help with that. I
only use 3Com cards and have not had to worry about such things. The one
time (when I build this system) I used an SMC card. I had problems where
the network card would shutdown every now and then. Which is why I
switched it out with a 3Com card.

I hope this is of some use.

[S. K. Leung]

Sebastian Tombs wrote:

You have to know the following first :-

1. How to enter the SetUp program of your switch/router. This is in
their provided manual.
2. Lan and gateway settings of the switch/router, normally 192.168.1.1
for both.
3. Whether your ISP provides you their DNS IP No. 'YES' nor 'NO' matters
not because 'DHCP' will work in either case.

Now the interesting part assuming the 192.168.1.1 address above.

1. Run linuxconf as root in console or X-Window

2. Check under 'Client Task' -->'Host name and IP address' and see that
your NIC is properly set up and that it is 'enabled' and 'manual'.

If it is not in the 192.168.1. range or the range of the switch/router,
you have to change it to this range. This should not be a problem as I
assume you have only one LINUX box and one Win98 box.

3. Move to 'Name server specification'. Check the 'DNC is require for
normal operation' box.

4. in 'IP of name server 1' put in 192.168.1.1 (or address of your
switch/router) and click 'Accept' box below.

5. goto 'Routing and gateways' --> Set defaults

6. fill 'Default gateway' box with 192.168.1.1 or IP of your switch/router

7. Check the 'Enable routing' box is 'V' and click on 'Accept' box below.

8. click 'File' --> 'Act/changes'

9. quit linuxconf.

10. enter 'SetUp' program of switch/router box with your browser and log
into 'http://192.168.1.1' or IP of your switch/router

11. disable DHCP server on the router, save and apply changes

12. reboot LINUX box and willingly you can log into the net

S. K. Leung

[Jules M. Fraser]

I will most definitely agree with Robert with this posting in that
3com cards seem to be the cloth with which you should tailor your
Linux box with. There have been quite a few postings about changes in
network cards from Intel to Realtek, the latter of which I have had
recent experience with.

But 3com NIC's get installed in a matter of moments and are an
absolute breeze to configure, well at least from v7.2's point of view
anyway. Stick with an industry standard. Less hassle and more time
devoted to playing with yer box!

Hope this helps.

JM