Ralf,
STP does require putting some of the protocol state in the NIC-
be it in h/w (GSN) or in firmware (like we're attempting to do
with the Alteon GbE cards).
But in order to support STP over any unmodified NIC and to use
as a development tool, I've implemented a virtual device driver
(stvd), which simulates pieces of STP functionality
required in the NIC in s/w. This can be used to run STP over most
NICs without modifying their driver/firmware. But the performance
in this case would be at best comparable to TCP/IP.
I'll try to find out about the GENROCO HIPPI NIC - in terms of
any STP support it might offer, and get back to you.
:a
> Quick question - is STP intended to be implemented in software or in
> hardware? I do have Genroco HFP832 HIPPI NICs in my pair of Origins
> which I'm using and I'm somewhat interested in playing with STP on
> that platform base as soon as my Linux port to the O200 stabilizes.
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