Re: binary kernel drivers re. hpt370 and redhat

[Samuel Flory]

Samuel Flory wrote:

> Stephen Hemminger wrote:
>
> > On Wed, 27 Aug 2003 18:40:30 -0400
> > joe briggs <jbriggs@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> >
> >  
> >
> > > I have a client who has a raid controller currently supported under 
> > > windows, and now wants to support linux as a bootable device.  
> > > Currently, some of their trade secrets are contained in the driver 
> > > as opposed to the controller firmware, etc., so for now they wish to 
> > > release a binary-only driver to certain beta customers.  (i.e., 1st 
> > > stage of porting is similar functionality as windows). Am I correct 
> > > that in order to boot off of this device that the driver would have 
> > > to be statically linked in vs. a module which could be distributed 
> > > as a binary-only driver keyed to the kernel.revision of the 
> > > distribution's kernel?  I would like to avoid any flames and ask 
> > > that all recognize that some hardware providers are having to ease 
> > > into the pond a toe at a time.  Any constructive thoughts, 
> > > suggestions, references, tips, etc. highly appreciated.
> > >   
> >
> >
> > The driver could be a module and live in initramfs.  If you can
> > get the initial Linux image and initramfs loaded, you would be okay.
>
>   Rather an initrd under Linux.

 Sorry I meant Linux 2.4. ;-)  Initramfs is a 2.6 thing.

>   Note that there is a partial source driver, and RH driver's disks 
> here: (look under raid IC with the right chipset for partial source.)
> http://www.highpoint-tech.com/usaindex.htm
>
> > The problem is more in the bootloader (LILO or GRUB) would not no how
> > to do raid. The /boot partition would have to be on a non-raid 
> > partition.
> > Same problem if driver is statically linked in the kernel.
> >  
>   If you are doing raid 1.  Lilo should work.  It doesn't really 
> matter if lilo isn't aware of of the data on the other drive.  Each 
> has a full copy of everything.
>
> PS-  Newer linux kernels should be able to support the "raid" 
> controller as a normal ide controller.  You could then just configure 
> linux software raid.


--
Once you have their hardware. Never give it back.
(The First Rule of Hardware Acquisition)
Sam Flory  <sflory@xxxxxxxxxxxx>


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