Multiple NIC's - Broadcast Messages

Hi,

I have a UNIX WS with four Network Interface Cards configured for a special scenario.

Ethernet Interfaces - bge0, bge1, bge2 & bge3.
bge3 is isolated from the whole IP world, not connected to the network, but only connected to bge1.

If there is a broadcast message from bge1, will it then reach bge3?
Or will bge3 be able to receive only the unicast messages meant for it from bge1???

Any quick inputs will be greatly appreciated!

post the output of "ifconfig -a"....

lo0: flags=1000849<UP,LOOPBACK,RUNNING,MULTICAST,IPv4> mtu 8232 index 1
inet 127.0.0.1 netmask ff000000
bge0: flags=1000843<UP,BROADCAST,RUNNING,MULTICAST,IPv4> mtu 1500 index 2
inet 150.132.86.44 netmask ffffff00 broadcast 150.132.86.255
bge1: flags=1000843<UP,BROADCAST,RUNNING,MULTICAST,IPv4> mtu 1500 index 3
inet 150.132.86.239 netmask ffffff00 broadcast 150.132.86.255
bge2: flags=1000843<UP,BROADCAST,RUNNING,MULTICAST,IPv4> mtu 1500 index 4
inet 150.132.86.240 netmask ffffff00 broadcast 150.132.86.255
bge3: flags=1000843<UP,BROADCAST,RUNNING,MULTICAST,IPv4> mtu 1500 index 6
inet 150.132.86.251 netmask ffffff00 broadcast 150.132.255.255

  1. they have different broadcast addresses.

  2. is bge1 plugged into bge3 via a cross-over cable, and that's the only cabling involved?

What are their MAC addresses?

>> 1. they have different broadcast addresses.

Would having the same broadcast messages ensure that bge3 receives the broadcast messages from bge1?

>> 2. is bge1 plugged into bge3 via a cross-over cable, and that's the only cabling involved?

Yes, they are connected via a cross-over cable.

>> What are their MAC addresses?
bge1: 0:14:4f:70:22:59
bge3: 0:14:4f:70:22:5b

If it they didn't match, then why would the other card recognize it as a broadcast message?

But then the problem is, how is Solaris going to know which network card to send a broadcast message (to 150.132.86.255) out to?

BTW, all of your interfaces appear to be on the same subnet.

I haven't worked out what you are trying to achieve here. :slight_smile: