Darren J Moffat wrote: > On 17/05/2010 22:42, Erik Nordmark wrote: >> Thus replacing network/physical:default with a static NWAM profile would >> introduce a new failure mode; if the cable is unplugged the server can >> no longer talk it itself, and server applications that bind to the local >> IP addresses of the system would fail - since the addresses wouldn't be >> configured when the link is down. >> >> Hence we can't use NWAM for this right now. > > Thanks for that explanation, that makes a lot more sense as the reason > why NWAM can't be used than wither or not the NWAM configuration of a > static profile is in an SMF xml fragment or not.
It does make more sense, but how is it relevant for system install? Surely you don't want to have (and can't have) your network interfaces stuck "down" while attempting to do a network-based install, right? Erik's description of this problem would be a reason why the current NWAM would be unsuitable for _installed_ server systems (and is perhaps a bug), but I don't think it addresses this _installer_ project directly. I think that one of the underlying arguments in favor of this project is that since this is a one-shot deal (used only during install time, not in any subsequent post-install ordinary operation), it doesn't have to look like anything else, nor include options for all of the current networking features, nor follow any of the rest of the design in this area. It's an exception. Even given that situation, I still think the project is misguided. A better approach would be to help the NWAM project do what's needed rather than building a bypass out of bailing wire. It seems a shame to miss the opportunity to have these groups working together rather than at cross-purposes. This feels a lot like one of those nasty corners of the system (like sysid) that are eventually forgotten and left in disrepair. The result we've seen in the past is bugs and user frustration when subtle differences between the "install only" and the "real" configuration environment lead to systems that either can't be installed when everyone else on the wire is working fine, or to systems that install perfectly but then fail to connect to the net after reboot. It'd sure be nice if install weren't a special case. -- James Carlson 42.703N 71.076W <[email protected]> _______________________________________________ opensolaris-arc mailing list [email protected]
