Network card Realtek 8139 doesn't work with Kernel 2.4

Support knowledgebase (mjb_rtl8139_24)
Applies to

SuSE Linux: Versions since 7.1
Kernel: Version 2.4

Symptom:

You are using a Realtek RTL8139 network card which has been configured with YaST or YaST2. If you use Kernel 2.2.18 the card works without problems, but not with Kernel 2.4.

Cause:

The module which support this card is not available in Kernel 2.4.

Solution:

Use the module 8139too instead of rtl8139. This is available for both kernel versions.
To use this module, the corresponding entry in /etc/modules.conf has to be changed. Edit the file with your favourite editor (which should not automatically break long lines).

Search for the following line:
alias eth0 rtl8139
And replace it with the following line:
alias eth0 8139too
After restarting the network or rebooting the system the card should work as expected with both kernels.
Keywords: REALTEK, RTL8139, 2.4, NETWORK

Categories: Network

SDB-mjb_rtl8139_24, Copyright SuSE Linux AG, Nürnberg, Germany - Version: 23. Feb 2001
SuSE Linux AG - Last generated: 03. Mai 2002 by sdb (sdb_gen 1.40.0)