802.1q & Linux

Noticing vlan support in the kernel I'm considering buying myself an
802.1q capable switch for Christmas. So far only messed with VLANs on
switches and routers.

On the Linux host side, do I need any particular NIC or would any 8139
card do?

I still have to start doing some research...does anybody recommend any
pointers?

B.

Brendon Caligari <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
>
> Noticing vlan support in the kernel I'm considering buying myself an
> 802.1q capable switch for Christmas. So far only messed with VLANs on
> switches and routers.
>
> On the Linux host side, do I need any particular NIC or would any 8139
> card do?

The drivers for some cards assume an absolute maximum size of 1500 bytes
for an ethernet frame. Since 802.1q vlans rely on adding extra tags to
ethernet frames, this causes problems. Unless you're really skint,
consider buying an Intel or 3com card. The basic models aren't
expensive and you really do get better quality than your average 8139
clone.

--
Bruce

Bitterly it mathinketh me, that I spent mine wholle lyf in the lists
against the ignorant. -- Roger Bacon, "Doctor Mirabilis"