[comp.protocols.tcp-ip.ibmpc] Ethernet cards for MCA?

ben@cunixc.cc.columbia.edu (Ben Fried) (04/27/89)

Does anyone have words of wisdom on what the "best" ethernet card for
the MCA is?  I'm looking for something with a packet driver or pc/ip or
NCSA support.  The WD 8003a sounds good, but I understand that it
malfunctions after 10-20 seconds in promiscuous mode (like when netwatch
is running).

Thanks.

Ben
-=-
ben@cunixc.cc.columbia.edu
ben@columbia.edu

jbvb@VAX.FTP.COM (James Van Bokkelen) (04/27/89)

I have a WD8003/A in my Model 80, and I use it for both PC/TCP and LANWatch.
I have never noticed it "hanging in promiscuous mode".

There was a problem of this sort with some very early AT-bus WD8003 cards
(I had one in my machine for a while, but it was the only one we had that
acted this way), which I think had to do with what rev of the NS 8390 chip
was on the card.  Rev. C or later is greatly improved, and I wouldn't expect
to find any WD8003/A cards with earlier chips.

Both the 3C523 and the NI9210 seem like nice, solid cards.  You should also
check out the manufacturers who have MCA cards with Packet Drivers, like
Schneider & Koch, IMC Networks, Gateway, Acer and others.

James B. VanBokkelen		26 Princess St., Wakefield, MA  01880
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