linux-kernel - RE: [PATCH] bnx2: turn off the network statck during initialization

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Message-ID: <CEE05A0D7856E14880AD5560634EBEA834DB2C2B@SFO1EXC-MBXP06.nbttech.com>
Date:	Thu, 16 Aug 2012 21:48:01 +0000
From:	Jiang Wang <Jiang.Wang@...erbed.com>
To:	Michael Chan <mchan@...adcom.com>
CC:	"netdev@...r.kernel.org" <netdev@...r.kernel.org>,
	"linux-kernel@...r.kernel.org" <linux-kernel@...r.kernel.org>,
	Chaitanya Lala <Chaitanya.Lala@...erbed.com>,
	"Francis St. Amant" <Francis.St.Amant@...erbed.com>
Subject: RE: [PATCH] bnx2: turn off the network statck during initialization


On Thu, 2012-08-16 at 20:28 +0000, Jiang Wang wrote:
> Also, I have another comment related to link state.
> 
> Right now, the bnx2 driver powers up the device in bnx2_init_board(), 
> regardless the netif_carrier is on or off.

We actually don't power up the device.  bnx2_init_board() just probes the device.  If link is already up, it will stay up.  If it is down, it will stay down.

---- I see. I was confused by the name of bnx2_set_power_state()  and I think the PHY is actually powered up by bnx2_reset_nic, right?

> This may introduce following inconsistent behaviors:
> 1) suppose the cable is plugged in to the NIC and the other end is 
> connected to a switch
> 2) user powers up the box

The link may already be up before or when you power up the box because of management firmware (iLO, etc) or WoL.

---- OK.

> 3) the Linux does not bring up the interface; i.e, ifconfig ethx shows 
> it is down
> 4) ethtool ethx will show no link
> 5) if the user goes to check the light on the physical NIC, he will 
> see the green link light is ON. That means the link is up, right?
> 
> I think it is better to power down the device until bnx2_open is 
> called. In this way, ethtool report and the physical link light will 
> be consistent.

We cannot power it down.  If link is up, it is up for a reason (e.g. it is an iLO port, etc).

---- OK. 


Thanks.


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