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From: jbvb@FTP.COM ("James B. Van Bokkelen")
Newsgroups: comp.protocols.tcp-ip.ibmpc
Subject: Re: programming a packet driver
Message-ID: <9102211719.AA27725@ftp.com>
Date: 21 Feb 91 17:19:09 GMT
Sender: daemon@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU
Reply-To: jbvb@ftp.com
Organization: The Internet
Lines: 23


    I've got an ethernet card (Acer 5220) that uses the National NS8390
    ethernet controller chip. I would like to write a packet driver
    for this card. What I need to know is:

Do you know that Acer has their own Packet Drivers for the 5220?  That is
how they support the PC/TCP that they OEM from us.

   1) can i modify another existing ethernet card's packet driver source
      (that uses the same ethernet controller chip) to make it work on mine ?

The 5220 is a close relative of the original Nat Semi DP839EB design, which
was cloned by Novell, D-Link and others.  So, you'd do best starting with
the NE-1000 or D-Link Clarkson drivers, and proceeding as the Acer manual
suggests (they made at least a few changes).

   2) what other ethernet cards uses the NS8390 ?

The 3C503 and the Wd8003 both use it, but they're less closely related to
the original design (which Nat Semi gave away with sample chips...).

James B. VanBokkelen		26 Princess St., Wakefield, MA  01880
FTP Software Inc.		voice: (617) 246-0900  fax: (617) 246-0901


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