Make sure you disable junk like onboard audio, the com ports (if you're not 
using them for a terminal), parallel port, etc.  You'll also want to be sure 
the BIOS isn't reserving any IRQ's for ISA (legacy) devices.

I've found the best performance and most predictable behavior in older 
systems when each NIC has its own IRQ.

Don't use the RTL8139C (realtec) chipset NICs, you'll have nothing but 
problems.

Start from there, then check stuff like cables, switches, etc, for 
functionality.  Also try it with just two NICs.

-Rob



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Lew Maggio" <lew at lsfc dot org>
To: <m0n0wall at lists dot m0n0 dot ch>
Sent: Tuesday, October 19, 2004 10:55 AM
Subject: [m0n0wall] monowall pc does not respond to network


I set up a monowall pc as my router, excellent product, works
flawlessly.  Set it up on an IBM Pentium II something or other with 64mb
of RAM.



Needed another router, took a Quantex (old school dell knockoff) PII w/
192mb of ram.  Put in 3 RTL 8139C network cards.  Used same cd image as
the other router.  Set up lan address, plugged in a crossover cable to
my laptop, tried all 3 cards, could not get a ping.  Tried each one with
a switch, could not get a ping.  Then I put in 3 3com Etherlink cards
3xp chipset.  Reset IP, could not ping any of them with crossover,
switch, different PCs, etc.



I guess my questions are:  1.  What could cause this?  Some kind of
compatibility problem with the motherboard?  2.  What further
information do you need to figure out what is doing this.