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3. Dialog fields

Here are the four fields you have to fill for each RARP entries

3.1 This record is active

It is possible to comment out a record using this checkbox. Many RARP clients assume that if your server answer a RARP query, it may provide more boot services for this client. Diskless Linux workstation works this way. If your server do not provide such a service at one point in time, you are better to disable one entry.

Note that several servers may process RARP queries on the same network without problem.

3.2 Host name or IP number

Enter here a host name either defined in /etc/hosts (See the menu "information about other hosts" in the Networking sub-menu of linuxconf) or in a DNS.

Or just enter a plain IP number (x.y.z.w).

3.3 Ethernet address (The MAC address)

The MAC address is a long 6 hexadecimal number generally presented like this.

        00:11:22:33:44:55
        

You can obtain this number different way. Here are some

Linux talks

Linux just print the MAC number when it boots. You can simply boot a linux configuration-less computer and watch it prints its MAC number. You will have plenty of time writing it down since it won't boot much further than that, until a RARP server respond to its query.

Diskless nfsrooted linux workstation and X terminal come to mind as configuration-less linux device using (optionnally) RARP to identify itself.

The adaptor configuration program

Most ethernet devices (all ?) come with a DOS program allowing one to configure it. This program prints the MAC number.

Use tcpdump

One linux utility is called tcpdump. While it can spy the network and report about any packet which goes through, it is quite handy to pick those "annoying to type" MAC numbers. Just execute

        tcpdump rarp
        

Boot the device and watch it there. Cut and paste the number in linuxconf's dialog, add a name or an IP number and let linuxconf activates the configuration. Watch the device completing its boot process successfully.

Automate this mecanism is on the TODO list of linuxconf.

3.4 Comment

Put whatever you want here. Maybe just a reminder of the reason why you disabled the entry.


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