[TriLUG] RTL8139 Oversize Ethernet frames

[M. Mueller (bhu5nji)]

I was working with some new Biostar M7VKQ AMD  mainboards with built-in LAN 
interface using RTL8139.  On big file transfers (1Mb-15Mb) using ftp I was 
getting consistent "Oversize Ethernet frame" messages in the console and 
/var/log/messages.

I disabled the on-board LAN interface and put in a RTL8139 PCI card.  Same 
problem.

I had 3 of the mainboards mentioned above.  I swapped CPU, mem, and 
mainboard.  Same problem.

I swapped LAN segments. Same problem.

A Google search of "Oversize Ethernet frame rtl8139" revealed this is a 
problem experienced by others in the 5/2001 timeframe.  Loh Kok Meng 
suggesting using an older rtl8139 driver module (1.08) to solve the problem.  
I used the 1.07 version that comes with RH6.1.  The 1.07 worked.

If anybody needs a 1.07 rtl8138.c I can send them a copy.  Compiling 
instructions are in a comment at the bottom of the file like all of Becker's 
work.  The web describes rtl8139 popping up like "bunnies".  If you have 
trouble with one of these bunnies, try this solution.

The www.scyld.com site on rtl8139 did not point out this problem.  Becker 
does have some archived email out there where he discusses the possible 
reasons for the problem.  The solution comes from Mr. Meng mentioned above.

-- 
Mike  M.

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