On Wed, 8 Mar 2006, Timo Schoeler wrote:

> unfortunately, i discovered that when trying fetch the install sets from ftp 
> a device timeout for the ethernet interface occurs. even worse: the switch 
> (managed Nortel 450) says 'no link', as does the LEDs on the machines back.

Have you tried setting the media type explicitly with 'ifconfig media'?
If you've got choices (e.g., 100base-TX and 10base-T) try them all.

cjs
-- 
Curt Sampson            <cjs@cynic.net>             +81 90 7737 2974
   The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism
   by those who have not got it.    --George Bernard Shaw