[U-Boot] [PATCH 1/4] net: extend the netdev to have a common way to set the hw mac address

[Mike Frysinger <vapier@gentoo.org>]

On Monday 11 May 2009 20:04:46 Jean-Christophe PLAGNIOL-VILLARD wrote:
> > > > > this exactly what is done only write mac hw register
> > > > > without init the eth stack
> > > > >
> > > > > before we do need to init the mac and detect the phy if we want to
> > > > > store now we have to call the set_hw_enetaddr
> > > >
> > > > then we agree you're doing it wrong and this patch is not
> > > > needed/wanted
> > > >
> > > > there is this FAQ, but i think we can add more info to it:
> > > > http://www.denx.de/wiki/view/DULG/EthernetDoesNotWorkInLinux
> > >
> > > It does not work ether
> >
> > your solution blatantly ignores the issues raised in the FAQ.  you cant
> > push a change without clearing addressing those.
> >
> > > how do you deal with multiple nic?
> >
> > the ATAG/FDT tree handles most arches.
>
> both not possible
>
> > for the rest you have two major issues to address:
> >  - how do i pass it to the next OS ?
> >     * have the OS read the u-boot environment
> >     * have the OS read the command line
> >  - how does the OS set it ?
> >     * add a board hook to set it
> >     * set it via user space and normal methods (`ifconfig hw`)
> >
> > > how do set a mac for NFS Rootfs?
> >
> > use initramfs
>
> don't you think it's overkill to use a initramfs just for set a mac
> address??

no, i think it's perfectly reasonable.  and considering you have no other 
option here that'll get merged ...
-mike