Re: [RFC] binary firmware and modules

[Marcel Holtmann <marcel@holtmann.org>]

Hi Jon,

> > The attached patch introduces MODULE_FIRMWARE as one way of advertising
> > that a particular firmware file is to be loaded - it will then show up
> > via modinfo and could be used e.g. when packaging a kernel. I've also
> > given an example via the QLogic gla2xxx driver.
> 
> Ok. If nobody shouts today I'm going to suggest this go into 2.6.17. I
> think more ellaborate schemes will come up later, but we also need
> something usable out there now.

I like to see this in 2.6.17, too. I also think that it would be a good
idea if we can add a description to each firmware file. Like we do with
the module parameters.

> As others have pointed out, cunning schemes to hack how
> request_firmware et al work are all very well and good, but often we
> just don't know what firmware we'll need until runtime. Unless or
> until there's a good way to address that, I think modules will need to
> advertise every firmware and distros will have to package all possible
> firmwares, just in case.

And remember that request_firmware() is also used for overriding CIS
tables for PCMCIA cards.

Regards

Marcel