Re: [PATCH] bnx2: Fix the behavior of ethtool when ONBOOT=no

[David Miller <davem@davemloft.net>]

From: David Miller <davem@davemloft.net>
Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:12:46 -0700 (PDT)

> From: "Michael Chan" <mchan@broadcom.com>
> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:48:32 -0700
> 
>> I don't know about NetworkManager, but the old ifup script will bring up
>> the device, wait up to 5 seconds for link up, and then do DHCP.
> 
> I'll swallow a handful of antacid tablets and take a look at
> the NM sources :-/

Ok, NM first checks if the device supports either ethtool or
MII based link status.

It checks for these capabilities by openning the device, trying
the ethtool/ioctl op, then closing the device.

If link status reporting is found to be supported, it records the
initial link state and listens for netlink events.  (these are
generated by netif_carrier_{on,off}() calls in the kernel)

When a link-up status netlink event is received, it brings wired
devices reporting such events up.

And most importantly, it seems to bring the device UP during all
of this stuff.

So I guess we're OK.